This grant opportunity is now closed.

NCOA's Center for Benefits Access is soliciting applications for 12-month grants (October 1, 2021 to September 29, 2022) to selected organizations to become Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs).

BECs use person-centered strategies in a coordinated, community-wide approach to find and enroll Medicare beneficiaries—both older adults aged 65+ years and adults living with disabilities — who have limited income and resources to access available benefits, with the primary focus being on the following five core benefit programs:

• Medicare Part D Extra Help (or Low-Income Subsidy, LIS)
• Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps)
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Who is eligible to apply for these grants?

Organizations eligible to apply for BEC grants include state or community-based nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and faith-based organizations addressing the needs of older adults and younger adults with disabilities. Grants of up to $100,000 each will be awarded to selected organizations.

Special consideration will be given to agencies serving areas that are not currently served by a BEC and agencies who are focused on serving NCOA’s target populations. Examples include people residing in rural areas, border communities, immigrants, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, members of tribal communities residing on and off reservation land, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, those with limited English proficiency (LEP), and veterans.

Current BECs are not eligible for this opportunity. Current BECs should reference the Grant Invitation and Application instructions for sustainability funding. 

How do I apply for the BEC grant?

The Request for Proposals (RFP) below outlines the specific requirements for applying for this grant, including eligibility and selection criteria, resources available to grantees, and data collection requirements for the successful applicants.

What is the application deadline?

Applicants are required to submit a simple letter of intent beginning Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 9 a.m. ET.  A link to complete the application will be sent to those who submit a letter. Those who do not submit a letter of intent by the deadline but would like to apply must still submit a letter of intent in order to receive the application guidance. Proposals are due by 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 1, 2021.

Please see page 8 in the above RFP below for the full application timeline, including the link to submit the letter of intent.

Informational webinars

NCOA is hosting two information sessions to provide guidance on applying for the BEC grant, and answer questions from potential applicants. Both events will be recorded and links posted to this page.

• Session 1: Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 2 pm ET: Download the slides from this webinar or access the recording below
• Session 2: Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 2 pm ET:  Download the slides from this webinar or access the recording below

About this grant opportunity

NCOA is able to provide this BEC grant funding announcement through our MIPPA Resource Center award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Community Living (ACL). Successful grantees will be required to abide by all HHS grant guidelines outlining appropriate use and restriction of use of federal funds.

Questions?

Please see below for answers to frequently asked questions about this opportunity.

For additional questions about this BEC grant announcement, please email becproposals@ncoa.org