Title III Funds: request for proposals

Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) is inviting proposals from organizations wishing to request funds under Title III of the Older Americans Act. Funding is for the federal fiscal year from October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012 and may be for continuing programs or new programs that can begin on October 1.

The notice below provides detailed information about the types of programs that might be funded, who might apply, and how to apply.

Technical assistance is available by phone or appointment for anyone who may have questions about the process. New applicants are encouraged to call me at the number below to discuss their program ideas before completing their proposal.

Completed proposals are due at Mystic Valley Elder Services no later than Monday, July 11, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. All proposals submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by Mystic Valley Elder Services' Advisory Council and the agency's Board of Directors and will be evaluated on the criteria outlined in the proposal packet. The MVES Board of Directors reserves the right to reject any and all proposals based on what it determines to be in the agency's best interests. MVES reserves the right to negotiate with the applicant any items contained in the proposal. Final awards will be based upon available Title III funding.

To request a copy of the proposal packet, please contact Vida Poole at vpoole@mves.org.

Notification of RFP for FY 2012 Title III Funds

MVES Mission and Service Area

Incorporated in 1975, Mystic Valley Elder Services, Inc. (MVES) is a private, nonprofit elder services organization providing assistance and access to a comprehensive range of in-home and community services for elders. Its mission is to assist elders to live safely and independently at home. MVES provides and coordinates a variety of in-home and community services including elder care advice, caregiver support, care planning and coordination, in-home supportive services, and home delivered meals. The MVES service area includes Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, and Wakefield. MVES has been designated the Area Agency on Aging for this area and is part of a network of 27 similar elder service agencies in Massachusetts.

Eligibility for Funding

To succeed in its mission, MVES must collaborate and partner with as many organizations as possible, including community groups, Councils on Aging, faith communities, and other service providers. Any of these organizations are eligible for funding under Title III.

Funding Priorities

The purpose of Title III funding is to address the non-economic factors that restrict the capacity of the individual to live independently and limit their ability to access services. These include physical and mental disabilities; language barriers; cultural, social or geographical isolation; or isolation caused by racial or ethnic status. Successful applicants will demonstrate their ability to deliver a service in one of the categories described below. Funding requests should be in the range of $1,000 - $10,000, with the exception of legal services. MVES will fund innovative programs that promote the health, wellbeing, and independence of elders and to complement or supplement the support activities of primary caregivers. Areas of focus include:

• Family Caregiver Services – focus on supporting individuals caring for an elder with dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease or other illness, or any disabling illness or condition that limits an older person’s ability to maintain an independent lifestyle. Priority caregiver services include in-home or community-based services that support families and individuals in their roles as caregivers. A limited amount of funds may be available for family and caregiver education and support groups.
• Special Populations – focus on services for elders with special needs, isolated, marginalized, and elders who are disadvantaged by racial, cultural and/or linguistic barriers.
• Health Promotion Programs – focus on healthy aging, maintaining and enhancing elders’ physical and mental health including evidence-based programs related to healthy eating, chronic disease self management, and balance and falls prevention
• Legal Services – outreach and services to help elders experiencing problems in civil matters, including issues related to grandparents raising grandchildren, to obtain advice, counseling, information, and or representation.
• Transportation – focus on services, including rides and/or escort programs to essential services such as medical appointments, business errands, shopping and senior activities for individuals who do not drive and whose physical limitations prohibit them from using public transportation.

Criteria for Selection

Applicants will be selected according to the criteria below:

• Programs that best address one of the priority areas described above (Funding Priorities).
• Programs that reach the target populations most effectively.
• Programs that use the input of elders in the design and operation of the program.
• Programs that represent and serve a diverse group of people, agencies, and organizations.
• Programs that demonstrate cost effectiveness in their operations.
• Complete, well-written applications that offer creative approaches to serving elders.
• Past performance of previous award winners.

Timeline for Proposal Review and Grant Awards

• Completed proposals are due at Mystic Valley Elder Services no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2011.
• The Mystic Valley Elder Services’ Advisory Council reviews proposals and a recommendation is made to the Board of Directors.
• The Board of Directors makes the final decision on grant awards by September 30.
• Grant funds become available October 1, 2011 pending availability of federal funding.

Contact:
For a copy of the proposal packet, please contact Vida Poole, Director, Community Programs/AAA Planner at 781-324-7705 or vpoole@mves.org