DDA Awards $3 Million in Grant Funding to 72 Senior Centers

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) has awarded grant funding to 72 senior centers in Tennessee totaling $3 million. 

The awards range from $6,000 to $100,000 in one-time funding to support senior centers across 52 different counties in providing older adults with access to resources, activities, and social connection.

“Senior centers provide so many older adults with a safe, welcoming place to engage with their friends, stay active and develop new skills and interests,” said DDA Commissioner Brad Turner.  “I want to make sure we as a state agency are doing all we can to help senior centers flourish.  These grants will help ensure that dozens of centers in both rural and urban communities across Tennessee will be able to buy new equipment, upgrade their facilities, and develop and sustain programming for their visitors.”

DDA will be distributing both minor grants of up to $10,000 and major grants of up to $100,000.  The grant funding is encouraged to fund the following goals:

• Capital Projects, including building improvements and equipment
• Marketing
• Programming/Activities
• Routine Operating Expenses, not including staff salaries

In total, 147 centers located in 86 counties submitted applications for grant funding.

To watch a video about how the Lebanon Senior Citizens Center plans to use its major grant award, click here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK0bOs2Qr_w

The senior centers receiving major and minor awards are listed below:

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About the Department of Disability and Aging

The Department of Disability and Aging is the state agency responsible for oversight of services and supports to 1.5 million older adults and Tennesseans with disabilities. The department is the result of a merger between the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disabilities, effective July 1, 2024.  Every day, the department strives to support people to live rewarding and fulfilling lives through Medicaid waiver Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), and a wide range of services and supports for older adults and adults with disabilities. DDA also provides services to infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays through the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS), and children under the age of 18 with disabilities or complex medical needs through the Katie Beckett Program. The department supports people to live the lives they envision for themselves by ensuring people are free to exercise rights, engage with their broader communities and experience optimal health. DDA is the first state service delivery system in the nation to receive Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership.  It has also been recognized as a national leader in its efforts to increase competitive, community-based employment outcomes for people with disabilities and its commitment to enhancing independence through Enabling Technology.