National Ombudsman Resource Center

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), number HHS-2026-ACL-AOA-OMRC-0128, announces a cooperative agreement from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to fund the National Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Resource Center. The opportunity seeks one qualified domestic public or private non-profit entity to provide nationwide leadership, training, and technical assistance to State LTC Ombudsman programs. Dedicated to protecting rights and preventing abuse in residential care facilities, the selected Center will analyze system data, host an annual conference, manage a public resource website, and support volunteer recruitment. Total expected program funding is $1,549,221 over a three-year period of performance, structured as three 12-month budget periods of $516,407 each, beginning September 30, 2026. Applicants must provide a 25% non-federal cost-sharing match. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, faith-based and community organizations, hospitals, and institutions of higher education. Disqualifying factors include late submissions, foreign or individual applicants, and failing to meet formatting or core eligibility criteria, such as securing a full-time Project Director recognized in consumer advocacy. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by July 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The submission must include a double-spaced project narrative limited to 20 pages, a detailed budget narrative, and required standard forms. Reviewers will score applications out of 100 total points, evaluating the project's purpose and need, proposed intervention and work plan, anticipated impact, organizational capabilities, and budget justification. Final selection will align with ACL strategic priorities and compliance with federal policies.