A new $1.5M grant opportunity is available from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) funded by the American Rescue Plan Act Home and Community-Based Services. The Enhancing Digital Literacy for Older Adults Grant will provide municipal Councils on Aging (COAs) up to $100,000 per COA to purchase devices, software, or broadband for older adults; and/or provide training and support for older adults to enhance digital literacy.
COAs must apply online before May 22, 2023 using the MassGRANTS application portal.
Applicants can create partnerships with more COAs or other agencies – to apply together. If applicants do apply together in a regional approach, the COA that will act as the financial agent for the grant should submit one application on behalf of the entire partnership.
COAs representing Gateway Cities and rural communities are encouraged to apply. Areas that fall into these categories can be identified in the Department of Public Health’s Office of Rural Health Rural Definition and Mass General Law Chapter 23 Section 3A Gateway Municipality Definition.
Grant funds can be used for:
- Tablets, laptops, and computers
- Monitors, keyboards, and computer mouses
- Speech-to-text/Text-to-speech software
- Mobile hotspots or stipends for home internet (for older adults who are not eligible for the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program)
- Part- or full-time staff or third-party contracts to provide training/support
- Devices to help older adults access training (e.g., headphones, webcams)
- Equipment for training sessions (e.g., projectors, example devices)
Applicants are encouraged to consider access to devices, broadband, and training together as part of their application to enhance digital literacy of older adults.
EOEA will host a Bidder’s Conference on April 26, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM to provide more information and answer questions about the Enhancing Digital Literacy for Older Adults Grant. Please email MAHCBSgrants@pcgus.com by April 20, 2023 to receive information about the Bidder’s Conference.
Additional resources, including FAQs, a guide to using the MassGRANTS Application Portal, and the RFA are included on the grant webpage.
You cannot make any changes to your grant application after it is submitted.
You can submit any questions to MAHCBSgrants@pcgus.com.