The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) aims to broaden Supportive and Social Day Program capacity, enhance culturally tailored options, and bolster dementia-friendly infrastructure. EOEA plans to allocate approximately $4.5 million from federal funds under Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021.
EOEA seeks to award funds to meet the grant objectives:
- Expand Supportive and Social Day Program capacity throughout Massachusetts for individuals age 60 and older and/or living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias of any age;
- Address unmet needs of communities such as the lack of existing Supportive and Social Day Programs, culturally tailored programs, and programs delivered within age- and dementia-friendly physical spaces; and
- Provide one-time funding to Supportive and Social Day Programs capable of sustaining themselves beyond the grant period, concluding March 31, 2025.
To meet the grant objectives, Applicants must select one of the following categories:
- Category 1: Planning: Funds may be used for the research and development of a comprehensive business strategy to establish or enhance Supportive and Social Day Program(s). This business strategy must be rooted in the needs of the community the program serves. This category is solely for planning purposes and excludes implementation activities.
- Category 2: Expansion: Funds may be used for expanding or improving existing Supportive and Social Day Program(s). This category is for programs aiming to implement changes to an existing Supportive and Social Day Program, including research and development if linked to expanding existing program(s).
- Category 3: New Program Launch: Funds may be used to carry out activities involved in implementing one or more new Supportive and Social Day Program(s), including research and development if connected to initiating a new program(s) launch.