Legal Assistance Enhancement Program Grants
Funds support expanding and improving legal services for older adults through state and local partnerships, aiming for lasting, measurable improvements in legal assistance.
Funder: Administration for Community Living
Due Dates: July 24, 2026 (Optional notice of intent) | August 25, 2026 (Full application, 11:59 p.m. ET)
Funding Amounts: $100,000–$250,000 per award/year (2-year period, total program funding $1,000,000/year, ~4–5 awards)
Summary: Supports innovative projects that expand or improve legal assistance for older adults through public-private partnerships at state and local levels.
Key Information: Requires 25% non-federal cost share; faith-based and community organizations eligible; foreign entities not eligible.
Description
This opportunity funds projects designed to expand or improve the delivery of legal services to older adults, particularly those with social or economic needs, through public-private partnerships at the state and local level. The program seeks to support measurable and sustainable improvements in how legal assistance is provided—from legal advice to full representation—by piloting innovative approaches in collaboration with state Legal Assistance Developers (LADs) and other partners. Projects must address a priority legal area identified in the Older Americans Act (OAA), such as income, health care, long-term care, housing, nutrition, utilities, protective services, defense of guardianship, abuse/neglect, or age discrimination.
Applicants are expected to implement a pilot program, conduct an evaluation, and develop a plan for replicating the project elsewhere in the state. The program emphasizes collaboration, measurable outcomes, and alignment with ACL and HHS priorities (improving health, connecting people to services, and protecting rights/preventing abuse).
