Monday, December 2, 2019 - 09:57am

North Dakota organizations now have until Monday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. Central Time, to apply for grant funding to help improve their capacity to develop, strengthen and integrate programs that allow older adults to remain in their homes and communities as long as possible. The original application deadline was today.

“We are hoping the additional time will allow potential applicants to really examine any unmet needs and propose ideas and solutions to help older adults remain living safely in their communities,” said Caprice Knapp, the department’s Medical Services Division director. “Organizations in communities both large and small are encouraged to apply. One key element to an organization’s proposal is identifying both formal and informal supports to help bridge any gaps between individuals’ needs and available services.”

The department anticipates funding four community grants up to $105,000 each. The funding can be used for projects such as, but not limited to, expanding and supporting a network of volunteer caregivers, providing health promotion and wellness activities, coordinating transportation to medical appointments and other home and community-based services and supports. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with other organizations to address local needs. The community grants are one-time funding and must be invested in a project by June 30, 2021.  

Public, private and nonprofit entities are eligible to apply. Applicants will need to complete a project narrative, work plan and budget outline. The application forms and other grant information is available online at www.nd.gov/dhs/info/pubs/medical.html. Individuals with questions are encouraged to contact Jake Reuter at 701-680-9638 or jwreuter@nd.gov

During the 2019 legislative session, North Dakota lawmakers appropriated the grant funding to the department to support continued expansion of the state’s in-home and community-based services for older North Dakotans.