Scaling Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs

The Administration for Community Living, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through its Administration on Aging and Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs, is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity titled Scaling Evidence Based Falls Prevention Programs. This initiative is part of a broader federal strategy to reduce falls among older adults, a leading cause of injury and death in the United States. The program aligns with national priorities focused on prevention, community based health promotion, and improving independence for aging populations. It builds on existing federal investments and integrates efforts across multiple agencies to create a coordinated and scalable approach to falls prevention. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to expand and implement evidence based interventions, specifically the Stepping On program and the STEADI clinical framework, across entire states. The program emphasizes a comprehensive, whole person approach that addresses behavioral, clinical, and social determinants of health. Applicants are required to design statewide strategies that identify individuals at high risk for falls, conduct assessments, and connect participants to appropriate interventions and services. Particular emphasis is placed on adults aged 60 to 70, a population identified as both high risk and historically underrepresented in falls prevention programming. Funding will be provided through cooperative agreements, with substantial federal involvement in project implementation. The total program funding is expected to exceed fifteen million dollars across three years, with individual awards ranging from approximately six hundred thousand to over seven hundred thousand dollars in the first year, and reduced amounts in subsequent years. Funds may be used for program implementation, partnership development, technology integration, outreach, evaluation, and dissemination activities. There is no cost sharing requirement. However, restrictions apply, including prohibitions on construction, basic research, and certain policy restricted activities, and all funded work must comply with federal regulations and accessibility requirements. Eligible applicants include a wide range of domestic entities such as state governments, nonprofits, tribal organizations, hospitals, institutions of higher education, and community based organizations. Applications must demonstrate strong partnerships, particularly with healthcare providers and State Units on Aging, and include detailed work plans, budgets, and supporting documentation. Required components include project narratives, budget justifications for each year, letters of commitment from partners, and evidence of organizational capacity. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov following strict formatting and submission guidelines. Applications will be evaluated through a merit review process based on criteria such as project relevance, approach, outcomes, organizational capacity, and budget justification. The review process includes an initial compliance screening followed by scoring by a review panel. Final award decisions consider additional factors such as geographic distribution, alignment with agency priorities, and applicant past performance. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award and must comply with ongoing reporting, evaluation, and collaboration requirements throughout the project period. Key dates for this opportunity include an optional notice of intent due on July 6, 2026, and a final application deadline of July 29, 2026. Awards are expected to be issued by September 30, 2026, with projects beginning immediately thereafter and continuing for a three year period. Applicants are encouraged to ensure all required registrations, including SAM.gov and Grants.gov, are completed well in advance of the deadline. Contact and support information is provided within the funding announcement for technical assistance and inquiries throughout the application process.

Strong partnerships with healthcare providers and State Units on Aging are critical; demonstrate statewide reach and capacity; provide data driven justification for target populations and outcomes