Trellis is pleased to announce 39 Twin Cities-based organizations will receive nearly $12 million in Older Americans Act Title III funding in 2024 to support older adults and caregivers in the community. Trellis is the designated area agency on aging for the Twin Cities metro area, a role authorized in the federal Older Americans Act and assigned by the Minnesota Board on Aging.
In May of 2023, Trellis opened a competitive bid for applications for Older Americans Act Title III-B, III-C, III-D and III-E funding. These funds support a wide range of services: Home-delivered meals, transportation access, help with chores, social connections, legal assistance, health promotion and disease prevention, caregiver supports and more.
As part of a commitment to reducing disparities in service access, Trellis simplified the application process this year and made all Older Americans Act funding available at the same time. The goal in doing so was to help organizations think broadly about how they could leverage different types of Title III funding.
This year’s process was the most competitive to date, with 74 organizations submitting funding requests totaling more than $20,000,000—nearly twice the amount of funding available. A review committee of 35 community members reviewed all applications and recommended funding awards to Trellis’ board of directors. Trellis is grateful to the review committee for sharing their time and perspectives to consider each proposal, especially given the high volume of applications.
“This process confirmed what we know to be true—that there remains an overwhelming need to support older adults and caregivers that exceeds the funding we have available through the Older Americans Act.” says Amanda Nickerson, Older Americans Act program director. “Trellis is proud to support the organizations that will receive Title III awards in 2024, and we will continue to advocate for additional funding so we can better meet needs in our community.”
Funding under the Older Americans Act program is one of many ways in which Trellis engages with community organizations. Trellis supports individuals through the Senior LinkAge Line, a free, statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging in partnership with Minnesota’s area agencies on aging. Senior LinkAge line staff partner with community organizations to conduct informational presentations for older adults and caregivers, answering questions about Medicare and making connections to services and resources. ElderCare Development Partnership staff provide consultation on funding opportunities, support program development and connect aging services providers to expand the network of supportive services available to older adults.
Award Amounts by Service Category
| Service Category | # of Awards Granted | Amount Funded |
|---|---|---|
| Title III-B (supportive services) | 22 | $2,530,494 |
| Title III-C (nutrition) | 5 | $7,900,071 |
| Title III-D (health promotion) | 11 | $238,531 |
| Title III-E (caregiver support) | 16 | $1,300,091 |
| Total | 54 | $11,969,187 |
Organizations Funded
The following organizations were awarded funds in 2024. Some organizations received funding in more than one Title III category. To learn more about the services and service area of the awarded organizations, visit their websites or minnesotahelp.info.
Presbyterian Homes – Optage Senior Dining
Scott-Carver-Dakota-CAP Agency
SEWA – Asian Indian Family Wellness
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
United Cambodian Association of MN
