Live Well at Home Grant

The Live Well at Home Grant is administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services through its Aging and Adult Services Division. This program is rooted in state legislative efforts to reduce reliance on institutional care and expand access to home and community-based services for older adults. The initiative reflects Minnesota’s long-standing commitment to strengthening long-term services and supports systems, particularly for individuals aged 65 and older who are at risk of entering nursing facilities or depleting their financial resources to qualify for Medical Assistance. The program is designed to encourage innovation and improve service capacity across communities throughout the state. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund projects that enable older Minnesotans to remain in their homes or communities of choice. The program supports a wide range of interventions, including capital and renovation projects, service development initiatives, and core service provider support. These efforts are intended to enhance accessibility, expand affordable housing options, and strengthen caregiving networks. Eligible activities may include construction or modification of housing, expansion of transportation or respite services, development of caregiver support systems, and implementation of health promotion programs that reduce the risk of institutionalization. Funding is distributed through a competitive request for proposals process, with total program funding of eight million dollars allocated for the state fiscal year. Individual awards may be up to three hundred fifty thousand dollars per year depending on the project category. In some cases, smaller grants ranging from forty thousand to sixty thousand dollars per year are available for core service providers. The funding is intended as one-time or short-term support to pilot innovative approaches, build infrastructure, or expand existing services. Projects may span a contract period of six to twenty-four months, with potential extensions up to five years depending on performance and available funding. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive, encompassing nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, governmental units, tribal nations, and other community-based organizations. Applicants are expected to demonstrate capacity to deliver services, collaborate with community partners, and address the needs of diverse populations, including underserved groups. Proposals must also include detailed work plans, measurable objectives, and evaluation strategies to assess program effectiveness. Applicants are encouraged to partner with local agencies such as Area Agencies on Aging, healthcare providers, and community organizations to strengthen service delivery and coordination. The application process requires submission through an online grant application portal. Applicants must provide a comprehensive proposal that includes an executive summary, organizational background, description of the target population, detailed work plan, evaluation plan, and budget proposal. Additional required forms and documentation must also be submitted, including disclosures and financial stability verification. Proposals are evaluated through a multi-phase review process, including a pass/fail review of required documentation and a scored evaluation of technical components such as program design, budget, and anticipated outcomes. For the state fiscal year 2027 funding cycle, the application period opened on February 9, 2026 and closes on April 17, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. Following submission, proposals undergo review in May, with contract negotiations occurring in May and June. Awarded projects are anticipated to begin on July 1, 2026. Applicants may seek technical assistance from local Area Agencies on Aging during the development of their proposals. The program coordinator, Miranda Unruh, serves as the primary contact for inquiries related to the grant opportunity.

Focus on clearly defined measurable objectives and strong community partnerships; demonstrate service gaps and sustainability; align proposal with priority populations and innovation goals