General Community Older Adult Grants
Senior Center Accreditation Incentive Grants
Senior Center Accrditation Grants, initiated by the Founation in 2011, will continue to be offered in 2012 and 2013.
Local senior centers play a significant role in supporting and enabling older adults to age in place and in their community. Senior centers serve to connect older adults to community services to help them stay healthy and independent. "While senior centers are not required to be accredited, a national accreditation process exists for centers interested in receiving the official recognition that a senior center is meeting its mission in a nationally accepted professional fashion.” (NCOA, n.d.b.)
The goal of the Senior Center Accreditation Incentive Grants is to assist senior centers located in the five county Kansas City metropolitan area* achieve accreditation by the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). * (Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas; and Clay, Jackson and Platte counties in Missouri.)
Have questions about accreditation and the process?
- Contact Sandra Greason, Director, JCC Heritage Center, sandragr@jewishkc.org or (913) 327-8042
- Contact the National Accreditation Coordinating Office, (800) 373-4906 or email nisc.coordinator@ncoa.org
- Or, link to information on Senior Center Accreditation on the National Council on Aging (NCOA) website: http://www.ncoa.org/strengthening-community-organizations/senior-centers/nisc/NISC-accreditation.html
KEY DATES
- Submit application on or before 5:00 pm: April 3, June 24, or October 3, 2013
- Email application to ellenk@jewishkc.org
- Or, mail to Jewish Heritage Foundation: 5801 W. 115th St., Suite 104, Overland Park, KS 66211, (913) 981-8866
- Include on the application budget all allowable expenses (see description of allowable expenses below).
AWARD AMOUNTS
- Costs related to senior center accreditation vary – depending on size of the center. To prepare the budget for the JHF Senior Center Accreditation Incentive Grant Application, Centers should contact the National Accreditation Coordinating Office, 888.508.NISC (6482) or email ncoanisc@mindspring.com to determine specific accreditation costs for your center.
- The Jewish Heritage Foundation will award grants in the amount of approximately two-thirds of the total budget – with a maximum amount of a $2,000 incentive grant. The applying agency/center is responsible for securing the funds for the remainder of budget expenses.
ALLOWABLE EXPENSES
- Membership to the National Institute of Senior Centers
- Purchase of Self-Assessment Materials
- Clerical assistance
- Travel costs for peer reviewer (to be determined in consultation with NISC)
- Accreditation fees (to be determined in consultation with NISC)
ACCREDITATION PROCESS
Accreditation occurs in two phases: a community self-assessment, followed by the actual accreditation process – which includes compiling documentation, an on-site visit, and a review by the National Accreditation Board.
Centers interested in applying for an Incentive Grant must first submit an “Intent to Self Assess” to NISC.
Note: After receipt of the Intent form, centers will be invoiced a deposit of $500; however, payment can wait until all funds have been secured. The $500 is deducted from the total accreditation fee.
The Intent to Self Assess form also includes helpful information on organizing your center’s self assessment.
APPLICATION PROCESS
A completed application must include the following:
Senior Center Accreditation Incentive Grant- Most current financial balance sheet
- Current Federal Tax Exemption letter 501(c)3
- Most current IRS Form 990
- Most current organization annual budget
- Most recent audit report
- Current list of board of directors and officers
If any of the required documentation is not available for inclusion with the application, please explain in an attachment. Please do not include other non-requested materials (e.g. newsletters)