Resource & Capacity Building

The population is aging as the Baby Boom Generation (born between 1946 - 1964) ages. In addition, the life expectancy (number of years a person lives) is increasing. Not only are there more older people who are living longer, but people are living healthier and more active in old age. These factors strengthen the case for home- and community-based services that support seniors.

The information found below offers resource and capacity building support for new programs or existing programs looking to expand services. There is financial (resource) and organizational (capacity) support for organizations to support the independent living of older adults.

Resource Building

Community Service / Services Development Grants
In the 2001/2002 sessions, the Minnesota Legislature appropriated approximately $8.5 million to the Department of Human Services (DHS) to assist communities in rebalancing their long-term care service delivery system. The Community Services/Community Services Development (CS/SD) Grants are intended to expand the infrastructure for services and housing options.

Older Americans Act
Enacted in 1965 the Older Americans Act provides a wide range of funding for providers to support individuals 60 years old or older. The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging offers Title III funding on a three-year competitive bid process. Funding is available for caregiver, chore, health promotion, legal, nutrition, health insurance counseling / information and assistance, special access services for minority service providers, and transportation.

Vital Aging Network (Off Site)
The Vital Aging Network (VAN) offers Vital Aging Communities grants of up to $1,000 to support the active engagement of older adults in communities. Subscribe the VAN listserv for a monthly e-Bulletin which announces the availability of funds. VAN also supports vital aging in communities through education and partnerships

Capacity Building

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (Off Site)
The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits offers information for nonprofit organizations on business development, networking, legislative advocacy and general resources for organizations.

Minnesota Council on Foundations (Off Site)
Founded in 1969, the Minnesota Council on Foundations is a regional membership association of grant makers working to improve the health and vitality of our communities. Resources on the website include a guide for Minnesota grant seekers, seminars and tips for grant writing.

MinnesotaHelp.info (Off Site)
MinnesotaHelp.info is a statewide resource database containing information on more than 12,000 agencies providing such services as health care, education and recreation, retirement, disability and social service information. This Directory contains information on nonprofit and public health and human service programs and some for-profit programs. The site walks consumers through six simple steps that lead them to service and housing options that may benefit them or can assist them in assisting family member, friend or client.

Southeast Metro SAIL / Eldercare Development Partnership
Southeast Metro Seniors Agenda for Independent Living (SAIL) is an Elder Care Development Partnership of seniors and senior service providers serving the counties of Dakota, Ramsey and Scott. The mission of Southeast Metro SAIL is to reshape the long term-care system in the Southeast metro area, making more community options available and accessible to older persons. The Southeast Metro SAIL Coordinator is available to provide technical assistance to organizations in the community.