Grant Opportunity: Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Richland County Seniors

  Posted on February 18, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is offering grant funding to support community efforts aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness among Richland County residents age 60 and older. This opportunity is funded by the Richland County Senior Services Levy.

Background
Older adults face an increased risk of social isolation and loneliness due to factors such as living alone, the loss of loved ones, chronic health conditions, and sensory impairments. These grants are intended to engage established, local organizations that bring community members together in meaningful ways.

Purpose
The goal of this grant is for local organizations to expand existing programs and services to be more inclusive of at-risk older adults.

Successful Applicants Will:

• Demonstrate the capacity to incorporate older adults into existing or planned public activities
• Show the ability to provide a timely intake response and screening process for individuals expressing interest in participation
• Demonstrate the ability to serve referrals from the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging and other community organizations
• Administer required pre- and post-intervention screenings to determine the appropriateness of initial participation and to measure participant impact

Funding Details:

• Awards of up to $10,000 per project
• No matching funds required
• Funding period: April 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
• No subcontracting allowed without prior approval

Key Dates & Information:

• Applications available online February 18, 2026 at www.aaa5ohio.org/events/social-isolation-grant-opportunity-/
• Grant Application and Information Session: February 24, 2026
• Virtual session to provide an overview, including application instructions, scoring criteria, reporting, and Q&A
• Register by February 23, 2026 by contacting Trae Turner
• Application Deadline: March 13, 2026, by 4:00 PM (no late submissions accepted)

Questions:
For additional information or assistance with the application, please contact:

Trae Turner
Chief of Planning and Development
Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
Phone: 567-241-8923
Email: tturner@aaa5ohio.org