Since 1974, The North Central Area Agency on Aging (NCAAA) has played a key role in supporting services in our 38-town region that enhance the quality of life for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers by ensuring they have access to quality and cost-effective services. We do this in two ways. First, we are a funding agency. We administer an annual Request For Proposal (RFP) process that channels funds from the Older Americans Act to agencies and organizations throughout our region. Second, we administer various community-based programs ourselves, including Benefits Counseling and Information and Referral through our CHOICES program and providing person-centered counseling and respite care management through our Family Caregiver Programs.

Despite these efforts, we recognize that much more must be done. The disproportionate number of cases and deaths among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the Coronavirus pandemic exemplifies one of many health inequities that exist in our society. Such injustices reflect systemic ecological, economic, and social biases in our health and service provision infrastructure. We know that in the face of such crises, grassroots and community-based groups often step up and provide critical services and support. Unfortunately, many of these more informal organizations lack the breadth and depth to complete incorporation processes as formal non-profit entities, limiting their ability to secure resources for long-term viability. Recognizing this dilemma, the NCAAA Board of Directors has approved a partnership with consulting agency Led By Us & Associates (LBU) to launch the Seniors Community Action Network (SCAN) Project.

The SCAN Project aims to provide capacity-building frameworks and resources for local grassroots organizations that serve or are willing to serve the senior population. With the support of LBU, NCAAA is launching its first SCAN Project Cohort to build capacity, strengthen networks, and improve processes and systems that lead to the sustainability and viability of organizations. NCAAA understands the vital importance of community-doers and small organizations that impact the networks they serve. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about non-profit budgeting, organization development, grant writing, board development, and lean processes to ensure best practices. The cohort will follow a 8-week training curriculum with coaching and professional development for existing nonprofit organizations or small collective groups seeking help to establish themselves formally.

Sign up today to be part of the Seniors Community Action Network.  Cohort #2 begins Wednesday September 27th, 2023.  To learn more about the process eligibility , or to share concerns, please contact us at [email protected] about this opportunity.

To qualify, your organization must be active in our 38 town region, have BIPOC leadership and:

  • a. Serve individuals over the age of 60 in the North Central Area who are low income, minority, and typically underserved.
  • b. Desire to attain 501 (c)(3) tax status, which is a requirement for most grant- supported funding such as OAA funds through NCAAA.
  • c. Have 501 (c)(3) status but need assistance in the development of operational capacity to improve sustainability.

Grassroot organizations and community groups are encouraged to apply and participate in the SCAN Project. With the consultation of LBU, you will receive the technical guidance and assistance necessary to move closer towards your goals. All applicants will be interviewed during the boarding process for eligibility and potential mentor matching. For questions, email Kelvin Ayala at [email protected]