Falls among older adults are common, costly, and deadly. Significant strides have been made in disseminating evidence-based falls prevention programs to reduce falls risk. But these efforts are not reaching or relevant for all populations and communities.

Recognizing these gaps, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) Innovation Lab examined literature about evidence-based falls prevention programs and identified their key components, activities, or approaches that are associated with reduced falls risks among older adults.

This funding opportunity will award grants to up to 18 community-based organizations to test the identified falls prevention components, demonstrating if and how these activities and approaches offer flexible, adaptable, and relevant options for older adult falls prevention. Rooted in evidence and driven by community need, all projects will be developed by communities, for communities.

What will ACL Innovation Lab grantees do?

Grantees will:

• Select at least two falls prevention activities identified by the ACL Innovation Lab from a menu provided.
• Deliver the falls prevention activities to older adults in their communities.
• Engage their community in decisions and activities throughout the project to ensure efforts reflect the community’s needs, interests, values, and preferences. This should include the formation or involvement of an existing Community Advisory Board or similar group/committee, shared decision making, and consistent communication with the community on progress and findings.
• Collect and report a limited amount of de-identified data about: a) the people who participate in the falls prevention activities; and b) how the activities are being conducted, delivered, and the extent to which they are associated with reducing fall-related risks.
• Participate in technical assistance offerings to support delivery of selected falls prevention activities and address any challenges encountered during the project period.

Eligibility

Entities eligible to apply for this funding opportunity include domestic public or private non-profit entities including:   

• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS other than institutions of higher education 
• Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS other than institutions of higher education
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, independent school districts, private institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments) 
• Native American tribal governments (federally recognized)
• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
• State governments
• County, city, or township governments
• Special district governments
• Community organizations
• Faith-based organizations

Individuals, for-profit organizations, and foreign entities are not eligible for this funding opportunity.

How do I apply for the ACL Innovation Lab funding opportunity? 

All applicants must electronically submit their application via the application portal.  

Applicants should log in to the application portal and familiarize themselves with the online application requirements well before the submission deadline. Please note that in the 24-hour period leading up to the application deadline, staff may not be able to assist all applicants with any system-related issues. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application well before the deadline so that any unforeseen difficulties or technical problems may be addressed in advance. 

While late submissions will not be accepted, NCOA may choose, at its sole discretion, to extend the application deadline for all applicants. NCOA strives to give all applicants any support needed to successfully submit their application prior to the deadline. Submission is defined as all sections completed, marked finished, the application “submit” button used, and the application status shows “Submitted.”

ACL Innovation Lab request for proposals (RFP)

The following RFP provides a detailed overview of the project background and goals, award information, and application process. All potential applicants should review the RFP in detail. 

 

Download the full RFP

 

Application materials

Applicants are required to use the templates below for the application attachments section. These forms are also available for download via the application portal.  

• Budget Template
• Budget Narrative Template
• Work Plan Template
• Application Narrative Worksheet (optional resource)

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find more information about this funding opportunity?
Please open the Request for Proposals (RFP) document on this webpage (above) to find more information about this funding opportunity. 

Will you be holding an information session?
A virtual information session and office hours were held for this funding opportunity.  Access the office hours recording and transcript here (passcode mv=.80m8). Questions from the information session and office hours are answered in this section, below.

LETTER OF INTEREST (LOI) AND APPLICATION

Will NCOA inform applicants if the LOI is acceptable to go forward to the application? Are applications invite only?
Applications are not invitation only. Once you submit your LOI, you will receive an email notification that it has been received, and you are able to proceed to completing the full application. NCOA is only accepting applications from applicants that submitted their LOI by Feb. 24, 2025.

Can we add or change a proposed falls prevention activity from the letter of interest (LOI) in our application, or must it match the submitted LOI?  
Applicants may add or change an activity in their application; activities in the submitted application do not need to match the submitted letter of interest.

Can we adjust our populations served after submitting our letter of interest?
Yes, you may change the proposed populations served in your application; they do not need to match your letter of interest.

Do we have to use the templates provided (e.g., budget, work plan) in the application, or may we use our own?
Applicants are required to use the templates provided in the request for proposals (RFP) document, the application portal in the Budget upload section, and linked to the funding opportunity landing page.

Can you speak more to the letters of support process?
Applicants should make a strong effort to secure letters of commitment from partners that will play a key role in their project. Scoring will be based on the quality of the letter content, including specificity of partner roles and history of the partnership (if applicable), and whether you have endorsement from your organizational leadership or Tribal leadership (if applicable) for this project.

Do applications have to be submitted electronically? 
Yes, all applicants must submit their application electronically via the application portal. No hard copy applications or email attachments will be accepted.

Are the application questions available outside of the application portal? 
The application questions are listed in the RFP document above for your reference and planning purposes. However, applicants must enter the application portal and complete the letter of interest form to access the application questions in the portal. 

Can I save my work while completing the application?
When writing your application, we strongly recommend that you draft your responses in a Word document and then copy and paste the responses into the online application form. You can save the application before submitting, and we advise that you save your application draft frequently.  

Can an organization submit more than one application?  
No, an applicant organization cannot submit more than one application.  

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

Is this grant an opportunity for community/county long term care facilities?
This funding opportunity is not intended for long-term care facilities. It is intended to reduce falls, falls risks, and falls related injuries among older adults living in the community, not institutional or acute care settings.

Does a Medicaid-funded assisted living community qualify?
Yes, an assisted living community, including those receiving state Medicaid funds, is eligible to apply as long as it a domestic public or private non-profit entity.

Would a group of assisting living facilities be eligible?
Yes, if the primary applicant is a domestic public or private non-profit entity.

Can a HUD 202 Independent Community with services available on site or a HUD independent living apartment complex that provides programming onsite and in the community qualify to apply as long as activities do not overlap?
Yes, both entities are eligible to apply if they are domestic public or private non-profit entities

Are YMCAs eligible if funds are used to open activities to entire communities, not just members?
Yes, YMCAs are eligible to apply to implement activities not currently offered to members and nonmembers.

How does the RFP define “community” of interest?  We are exploring opportunities in partnership with local senior living communities—as the population in these communities are older and more frail than folks living in their own homes.  Would this focus qualify?
Yes, senior living or housing communities are eligible to apply if they are domestic public or private non-profit entities.

Would Adult Day Service Programs that are non-residential be eligible to apply?
Yes, ADSP are eligible to apply if they are domestic public or private non-profit entities.

Are Home Care Aide programs eligible for this grant?
Yes, Home Care Aide programs are eligible to apply if they are a domestic public or private non-profit entity.

Can an academic center partner with a community organization? The academic center would be the submitting organization.
Yes, academic centers are eligible to apply in partnership with a community organization(s) if they are domestic public or private non-profit entity.

Can a rural Fire and Rescue Department (funded by property tax levies) interested in implementing an in-home falls assessment program apply for this funding?
Yes, fire and rescue and emergency medical services are eligible if they are a domestic public or private non-profit entity.

Do the falls prevention activities need to be implemented in community settings or may they be implemented in a hospital setting?
This RFP is intended to support falls prevention activities in community settings, not hospital/acute care settings.

COMMUNITY-BASED PARTICIPATION/PARTNERSHIP REQUIREMENT

Is it mandatory to have an existing or propose to form a community Advisory Board?
Yes, as part of the project it is required that you engage an existing or form a new community Advisory Board.

Our organization is a community-based social service agency serving a variety of low-income older adults. We serve the community and are part of the community. In terms of the community Advisory board requirement, could you provide some concrete examples for organizations like ours to meet?
Examples include organizations that serve the populations and communities you aim to reach in this project, those who can implement the activities you plan to deliver, and other partners who can contribute to your goals and objectives.

Can a current Falls Prevention Coalition qualify as an Advisory Board?
Yes, a Falls Prevention Coalition (state or local) qualifies as an Advisory Board if it includes or if you propose to recruit organizations that serve the populations and communities you aim to reach in this project, those who can implement the activities you plan to deliver, and other partners who can contribute to your goals and objectives.

If only our organization implements the selected activities, are we required to have Key Partners?
Community involvement is a requirement of this RFP. We recommend that you identify partners to work with and engage them in the development of your application and grant project.

DEFINITION OF COMMUNITY

Will you please clarify the definition of community to be served? Can this be a community of older adults based on the older adult having been recently injured or are you looking for community by locality or social/demographic group?
Please define the community(ies) you aim to serve within the context of older adults with the greatest social and economic needs (see Appendix H in the funding opportunity RFP), as well as populations at high risk of falls. If the population you aim to reach includes older adults who have recently been injured, you may include this information as well.

How is NCOA defining community? Is it an area or town, or can a long-term care facility test these activities?
Community is defined broadly and can be a specific geographic area such as a county, a town/city, multiple counties, statewide and multiple states. The funding opportunity is not intended to fund falls prevention activities in long-term or hospital/acute care facilities.

Are there geographic limits on this RFP? Could we apply as a state or a region?
The service area must be domestic, but there are no geographic limits within the domestic service area, so a regional or state effort would be considered. A multi-state effort would also be considered.

Can an Innovation Lab funded activity/program be implemented in one county if a similar program is offered in a different nearby county?                                                                 
Yes, this is acceptable.

DUPLICATION OF CURRENT EFFORT

Can you provide examples of what would and would not be considered 'duplicative' in terms of duplicating vs. complementing existing programming?
An example of duplicating existing programming would be the following: you currently provide home modifications to your client base, and you propose to provide the same type of home modifications to the same population of clients. An example of complementing existing programming would be the following: You provide a specific set of home modifications to your client base. You propose to provide new or additional home modifications that go beyond what you currently provide to your client base, or you propose to provide the same home modifications to a new population you have not yet reached (beyond your client base).

Implementation of an evidence-based program is not allowable, so if we chose Activity 1 (physical activities) or 3 (cognitive) would we be creating our own activities and testing the veracity?
Yes, the Innovation Lab is intended to test the implementation of falls prevention activities identified by the Innovation Lab and demonstrate if and how this approach is feasible, acceptable, and offers flexible, adaptable, and relevant options to address communities’ falls prevention needs.

Are you interested in the development of new programs (e.g., exercise or home mod)?
The Innovation Lab is intended to test the implementation of falls prevention activities identified by the Innovation Lab and demonstrate if and how this approach is feasible, acceptable, and offers flexible, adaptable, and relevant options to address communities’ falls prevention needs.

If my organization is currently doing home modifications, but we are not involved with a falls prevention program, is that considered duplicative?
Your example is duplicative if you propose to conduct home modification-related activities that are the same as activities you currently conduct. If you propose to expand existing activities in your application, that is not considered duplicative.

Can current ACL evidence-based falls prevention grantees apply for this funding opportunity?
Yes, current ACL falls prevention grantees can apply, but the proposed Innovation Lab effort must be implemented separately from the ACL grant-funded evidence-based programs.

We currently deliver falls prevention programming. Can you detail what kind of overlap is not allowed?
If you are already implementing a program that meets the ACL definition of evidence-based health promotion, it would be considered overlap if your selected activities are being added to the evidence-based program. If not being added to an evidence-based program, your program or activities are acceptable as long as they are included on the activities list in the RFP.

If we do in-home assessments to identify fall risks, but are not currently able to fund home modifications, would this mean duplication?
Using Innovation Lab grant funds to support home modifications that are not currently funded would not be considered duplication of effort.

Please describe how to separate the Innovation Lab activities and current evidence-based programs.
A participant enrolled in the Innovation Lab activity cannot participate in an evidence-based falls prevention program at the same time and an individual who previously participated in an evidence-based program within the past 12 months is not eligible to participate in an Innovation Lab activity. Please contact us directly at healthyaging@ncoa.org if you need additional details.

Is it correct that programs such as Walk with Ease and Matter of Balance are evidenced-based and may not be used?
Yes, that is correct that this funding opportunity is not intended to support the implementation, augmentation, or adaptation of existing evidence-based falls prevention programs that meet the ACL definition of evidence-based health promotion, such as programs listed in the National Council on Aging (NCOA) Evidence-Based Program Tool.

REACH AND PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY

Are there participant eligibility criteria?
Yes, participants must be at least age 60 (Tribal communities may determine the minimum age of participants). Participants must be community-dwelling older adults. Participants must be able to provide informed consent to participate in the project. Individuals who are unable to provide informed consent due to impaired cognition are not eligible to participate.

Can participants be assisted living residents if they are not long term/nursing home residents and/or unable to consent due to cognitive impairment?
Yes.

Who meets the definition of older adult?
For the purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity and consistent with the definition in the Older Americans Act, we are defining an older adult as an individual who is 60 years of age or older. For tribes and tribal organizations, the age of Tribal older adults is defined by the tribe and may vary.

Can you clarify the definition of "community-dwelling older adults"?
For the purposes of this funding opportunity, “community-dwelling older adults” refers to older adults who live in community settings, as opposed to institutional settings such as long-term care or skilled nursing facilities.

Can grantees engage evidence-based falls prevention program participants in the falls prevention activities they implement as part of this funding opportunity? 
No. Participants must not have participated in an evidence-based falls prevention program within the 12 months prior to starting the ACL Innovation Lab falls prevention activities. 

Is there a minimum number of participants for the project?
No, but please provide a rationale for your reach in your application.

Will preference be given to applications that have the greatest reach, or is there a minimum number for anticipated community members served?
There is no minimum number of community members or participants served. Preference will not be given to applications that propose to reach large numbers of people.

What if participants drop out of the programming? Will bringing in new participants be acceptable?
Yes, conducting new or ongoing outreach to recruit new participants is acceptable.

PROPOSED ACTIVITY/PROGRAM DESIGN

Does the project director need to be an employee of the applicant organization?
No, the project director is not required to be an applicant organization employee.

Is there a minimum FTE requirement for project director?
There is no FTE requirement for the project director. The applicant may decide and must justify in terms of appropriateness for the work they propose.

Is there an expected amount of planning with the sponsor before initiating the participant enrollment that we should build into our work plan?
Yes, grantees should expect the first two to three months to involve planning with the Innovation Lab team and onboarding with the project Institutional Review Board (IRB). Participant enrollment may not begin until IRB onboarding is complete.

Can we offer a scope of support, for example virtual versus in-person depending on locality, or should service delivery be standardized?
You may offer a scope of support with a range of delivery options based on locality; however, the delivery of services within each option must be standardized.

We were planning to propose a quasi-experimental evaluation design as part of the demonstration project. Would you recommend that we don’t include a rigorous evaluation?
This level of rigor is not required, but applicants may propose implementing a quasi-experimental design.

Can we propose an intervention that is not listed in the menu of options in the application?
No. Applicants may only propose to implement falls prevention activities listed in the application.

Where can I learn more about the ACL Innovation Lab falls prevention activities that applicants can select?
Please refer to the RFP to view the list of falls prevention activities and guidelines for selection (Appendices C and D). This information is also available on the application portal.

Could you please clarify whether applicants need to select one activity from Category 1 AND one activity from Category 2?
Applicants must select at least one activity from Category 1 OR Category 2. Applicants can, but are not required to, select one activity from both categories. Please refer to Section C. Proposed Project and Appendix C of the RFP for further detail.

Can the Innovation Lab be used to develop strategies to prevent falls?
Yes, that is correct, i.e., this RFP is intended to implement strategies that address the falls risk needs of your communities/populations served.

How long do the participants need to commit to joining the proposed activities? Is there a projected number of participants and interactions or attendance?
You will need to determine the number of participants and define the dose and duration of your activities in your proposal.

Are participants for this project able to participate in more than one selected activity at once, or do activities need a completely different set of participants?
Individuals may participate in more than one selected activity at once.

Can we use this funding to deliver or adapt an evidence-based falls prevention program? 
No, grant funds cannot be used for the delivery or adaptation of evidence-based falls prevention programs that meet the ACL definition of evidence-based health promotion, such as programs listed in the National Council on Aging (NCOA) Evidence-Based Program Tool. Rather, this funding must be dedicated to testing and demonstrating the implementation of the falls prevention activities identified by the ACL Innovation Lab. These activities are listed in the RFP document linked to on this webpage (Appendices C and D).

Are we allowed to propose to implement non-falls prevention evidence-based programs?
You are allowed to propose to implement a non-falls prevention evidence-based program, but participants of your selected activities must not have participated in an evidence-based program within the 12 months prior to starting the falls prevention activities, and must be advised not to participate in an evidence-based program until after they have completed this project’s final data collection. 

Can we propose a pre-packaged program that is not currently approved as an ACL evidence-based falls prevention program?
You can propose to implement a non-evidence-based program if the proposed activities align with the falls prevention activities listed in the RFP. Please contact us directly at healthyaging@ncoa.org if you need additional details and we will respond to your inquiry.

Will you provide a curriculum for the selected activities once an agency is funded?      
The Innovation Lab technical assistance experts will be available to assist in the development of curriculum related to your selected activities, if you do not have a specific curriculum.

Can the two activities originally chosen in a funded application be changed based on guidance from the IRB on challenges with implementation?
This is possible, based on technical assistance and IRB guidance.

HOME MODIFICATIONS AND ASSISTIVE DEVICES

Can you clarify the stipulation around equipment/home modifications and having a maximum request of $1,000/participant—is this total maximum per participant, or maximum per modification per participant?
The $1,000 maximum for the provision of home modifications is the total maximum cost of all home modifications per participant. 

It is suggested to partner with nonprofits that do home modifications. Is it also allowable to partner with certified contractors/handyman services?
Yes, you may partner with certified contractors/handyperson services as well as nonprofits.

How is the $1,000 limit per person determined?
The $1,000 limit per person should be determined based on the cost of the recommended home modifications. If the total cost exceeds the $1,000 maximum, grantees may use other funding sources as supplemental funding or they must identify the priority home modifications that have a total cost which does not exceed $1,000. 

Can outside funds be utilized to increase the amount of home modification that is provided?
Yes, you may use outside funds to increase home modification provisions.

Is the cost of assessment included in the $1,000 maximum per client, or is the $1,000 maximum only for the actual home modifications?
The $1,000 maximum is for the cost of the home modifications only. This does not include the cost of assessment/recommendations or installation.

For Category 2: Home Modification, may activities 5 and 6 (provision of assistive devices and education on assistive devices) be conducted by an occupational therapist or do they have to be conducted by a physical therapist?
Both occupational therapists and physical therapists are considered qualified professionals to implement the provision of assistive devices and education on assistive devices.

Could a nurse conduct the initial home assessment and then bring in a physical therapist or occupational therapist as needed?
Yes, this would be acceptable.

Is there a cap on how much of the budget may be contracted out for occupational therapy/home modification work?
No, there is no cap in the budget for the amount that may be contracted out for home modification and occupational therapy services.

Can we formalize partnership with a physical therapy/occupational therapy provider or home modification contractor after submission?
Yes, however, you must include funding in your budget to support the proposed work of the provider/contractor.

Where do you recommend locating an occupational therapist to do this kind of work?
You may consult the following sources:

• Contact your State Occupational Therapy Association to find occupational therapists through the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Find alumni of the University of Southern California’s Executive Certificate in Home Modification (ECHM) Program in your state who are occupational therapists.
• The Home Modification Information Network is a database of home modification programs, providers, and funding sources that is searchable by state. Providers include occupational therapists.
• The Home Modification Occupational Therapy Association is a network of occupational therapists across the country who specialize in home modification.
• Rebuilding Together national network of local/regional affiliates that may partner with occupational therapists.
• Habitat for Humanity national network of affiliates that may partner with occupational therapists.

Please describe funding and its use related to home modifications.
As part of the activities listed in Category 2: Home Modifications and Assistive Devices, grantees may provide minor home modifications that aim to increase general safety, reduce falls risks, increase home accessibility, and improve the functional abilities of the participant to make tasks easier. Home modification and assistive devices can be covered by grant funds, but expenses may not exceed a total of $1,000 per participant.

If home modifications have specifically been provided for only one group of our client base (because of previous grant funding limitations), but not for the entire client base, would it be considered duplicative if we propose to offer it to our client base as a whole?
That would not be considered duplicative as long the home modification activities align with the activities described in the RFP.

Although we aren't funding home modifications, would we be able to do Category 2 because of the concurrent implementation requirement of #2 home assessment/evaluation?
Yes, you would be able to expand your existing home modification assessment/evaluation efforts by proposing to add the implementing home modifications/adaptative devices activity as well as at least one other new falls prevention activity. 

INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB)

Do we need to have experience with an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or experience collecting and reporting data? 
No, IRB and data collection and reporting experience is not required for this funding opportunity. Technical assistance will be provided to grantees by NCOA and partners to support these activities.

Do grantees need to fill out IRB paperwork themselves?
The Innovation Lab will complete the project’s IRB application, and each grantee will complete an onboarding process. As part of this process, grantees will provide details related to their project, including their planned falls prevention activities, populations served, outcomes they will measure, and protection of data. The Lab will provide extensive technical assistance to grantees to support their IRB onboarding and participant consent process.

Can you explain further the Institutional Review Board (IRB) interaction/involvement?
Description of IRB interaction/involvement can be found in the request for proposals (RFP). IRB approval is required if you are selected for funding. The University of Pittsburgh will serve as the multisite IRB of record for the Innovation Lab grantees, and the Lab will provide technical assistance to help guide grantees through the IRB approval process. See Appendix J of the RFP for considerations for Tribal organizations. Tribal organizations applying for this funding opportunity may work with their Tribal IRB, Indian Health Service (IHS) IRB, university IRB, or other IRB of their choice and must obtain applicable Tribal authority approvals.

Is Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval required before the letter of interest, before the application, or during the project if funded?
IRB approval will be required after the grant is awarded, during the project period.

Do all organizations need to go through the University of Pittsburg’s IRB, or just if a grantee doesn’t have a "home institution" or tribal IRB?
NCOA’s preference is that Innovation Lab grantees use the University of Pittsburgh’s IRB, except if the grantee is a Tribal organization. 

EXERCISE SAFETY MONITORING

Do exercises need to be supervised or will a home program with check-ins suffice?
Supervision of exercises is required and is described in the RFP. Specifically, applicants must indicate their agreement to develop a safety plan should they be awarded funding. This plan will put measures in place to reduce the risk of harm or injury; for example, teaching participants how to utilize appropriate structural support for falls prevention exercises/physical activity. Technical assistance will be provided to grantees to support the development of their safety plan. A home program with check-in may suffice.

BUDGET

Does the total award amount include all costs—direct and indirect?
Yes, the total budget over the 2-year grant period includes all costs, inclusive of direct and indirect costs.

What is the maximum indirect or administrative costs?
This opportunity will allow the amount of indirect costs claimed by each recipient to coincide with their current and approved NICRA (Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement) or for the de minimis rate of 10% to be taken in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs).

The RFP includes information about indirect costs for organizations with a negotiated rate with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or other federal agency. What about nonprofits?
This indirect cost limitation also applies to nonprofits.

Can an applicant propose giving fiscal or other types of incentives, such as small amounts of money or gifts, to recruit program participants?
In limited circumstances to meet programmatic goals, an applicant may propose some kinds of incentives. Monetary incentives such as cash are not allowable. Gift cards in very small denominations ($5-$10) signed for and properly accounted for can be an option. An applicant needs to weigh its programmatic resources and fiscal costs against its ability to meet its targeted number of program participants.

The budget narrative template uses a table. Should the narrative description be inserted by line item or as a paragraph below the table?
The narrative descriptions in the Budget Narrative should be included within the table alongside each item. They should not be added below the table.

Can you please clarify the amount of the executive salary cap for the ACL Innovation Lab grant proposal?
The compensation calculations and any charges against the funding received should not exceed the Level II salary maximum of $225,700 per year.

Will it be allowable to include some budget items for provision of support that address social determinants of health?
Budget items for provision of support that addresses social determinants of health are allowable if they align with your selected falls prevention activities.

How will the funding be paid out? Will it involve monthly invoices or cost reimbursement?
The awarded funding disbursement will be tied to the submission of progress and financial reports. 

Is there a minimum amount of funds that must be requested for an application to be considered?
There is no minimum budget request requirement.

Is there a planned or average amount of each award or will it vary based on the project?
There is no average amount of each award. The maximum amount is $290,000 over two years. The funding amount will vary based on the needs of the project, including personnel, equipment/supplies, travel, contractual, etc.

Are matching funds required?
No.

Do all proposed fall prevention activities and the volume thereof need to be funded directly through these funds, or can an applicant note matched funding that they have to accomplish the activities (e.g., home modifications)?
Match funding is acceptable but not required.

DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING

What kind of data will be collected? Can you provide more details as it might affect the proposed activities?
Limited data on participants, including limited demographics and information regarding falls risk and chronic conditions will be required. In addition, information about your activities/programs being implemented and limited outcome data will be required of your activity participants. Optional data may also be selected. Significant technical assistance will be provided to grantees on data collection.

Can you provide more information on data reporting after it is collected?
The data collected and reported for this project will be de-identified. The Innovation Lab will provide additional details and support to grantees related to data reporting.

OTHER QUESTIONS

If selected as a grantee, what technical assistance will we receive to support our project?  
Selected grantees will receive comprehensive technical assistance from NCOA and partners across the full project period. Technical assistance will include one-on-one and group formats, and support grantees’ project implementation, community engagement, data collection, and other areas. 

Will grantees retain intellectual property rights to the developed activities/program(s)?
Yes, grantees will retain intellectual property rights to the developed activities/program(s).

Will the Lab publish papers about the project findings? If so, can grantees be co-authors?
We will engage and welcome grantees in developing manuscripts for submission. More details will be shared with grantees post-award.

Is there any research material from the Innovation Lab that gives some background for the three categories of priority activities?
The methodology regarding the development of the falls prevention taxonomy/categories has not been published yet. See Appendix B of the RFP for additional background on the Innovation Lab taxonomy development process.

Will this grant opportunity be offered again in later years?
There are no current plans to offer this grant opportunity in future years.

I am interested in how I can better my organization's grant writing ability. If our application is not selected, would our scoring be available to us?
Yes, upon request, NCOA will share a summary of applicant scores and reviewer comments.

Will it be possible to circulate a list of participants on the applicant information call?    
No, NCOA is not able to provide that information.

Who can I contact if I have questions? 
Please email healthyaging@ncoa.org with any questions regarding this funding opportunity. 

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $2,5000,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.