Program Year 2026 Senior Community Service Employment Program State, Territorial, and National Grantees

The Senior Community Service Employment Program Planning Instructions and Allotments grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor through its Employment and Training Administration. This program operates under the authority of the Older Americans Act and is designed to support employment opportunities for older individuals with low incomes through community service assignments. The funding announcement provides guidance for Program Year operations and outlines the allocation of federal resources to state, territorial, and national grantees that administer SCSEP services. The primary purpose of this funding is to support workforce participation and training for older adults, while also addressing community service needs. Funds are distributed according to a statutory formula, and allocations are based on authorized positions and geographic distribution. For the program year covered, a total of over 380 million dollars is available after accounting for required set-asides and transfers. These funds are intended to support wages, training, supportive services, and administrative functions associated with program delivery. Eligible applicants for this opportunity are existing SCSEP grantees, including state agencies, territorial governments, and national nonprofit sponsors already participating in the program. These entities are responsible for implementing program activities, managing participant placements, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. The program operates on an annual cycle running from July 1 through June 30, and applicants must align their proposals with these operational timelines. Funding use is governed by strict requirements. At least 75 percent of federal funds must be used for participant wages and fringe benefits, though up to 10 percent of these funds may be redirected for additional training and supportive services with approval. Administrative costs are capped at 13.5 percent of the award, with the possibility of an increase to 15 percent under specific conditions. Additionally, a non-federal cost share of at least 10 percent is required unless an exception applies, such as for projects in economically distressed areas. Applicants must submit a comprehensive application package through Grants.gov, including standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A, a detailed budget narrative, and a project narrative describing organizational structure, oversight, and program management. Additional attachments may include policies, geographic service area documentation, and indirect cost agreements. Optional requests, such as those for expanded training services or administrative cost adjustments, must be submitted separately. Applications are due within 30 days of the publication of the guidance letter, making the submission timeline critical for compliance. Technical support is available through Grants.gov, and programmatic inquiries may be directed to the Department of Labor via designated email contacts. The review process evaluates compliance with statutory requirements, alignment with program goals, and the applicant’s capacity to effectively administer SCSEP services. This funding opportunity is part of an ongoing federal program with annual cycles. Grantees are expected to maintain continuity in service delivery while adapting to updated guidance and funding levels each year. The program emphasizes accountability, participant outcomes, and effective use of federal funds to support employment pathways for older adults across the United States and its territories.

Ensure compliance with cost share and wage expenditure requirements; align narratives with budget; submit early to avoid technical issues