Help more older adults access SNAP

The National Council on Aging (NCOA), with funding from the Walmart Foundation, is accepting applications for nine grants to help older adults access and enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Through this 18-month initiative, selected organizations will serve as SNAP Enrollment Centers (SECs) and join a coordinated network of community-based organizations working to strengthen SNAP access, enrollment, and retention among adults age 60 and older.

SNAP Enrollment Grant Details at a Glance

The grants will support organizations in Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia, where SNAP participation among older adults remains lower than in many other states and administrative barriers can make it difficult for eligible people to apply for or maintain benefits.

Each selected organization will receive $50,000, along with technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, and access to shared tools and data systems. Together, the network is expected to assist approximately 15,000 older adults with completing and submitting SNAP applications during the grant period.

Why this opportunity matters

SNAP can help older adults afford nutritious food and improve their financial stability. Yet many older adults who may be eligible for SNAP do not participate.

NCOA's approach is informed by 2023 estimates from the Benefits Participation Map, developed in partnership with the Urban Institute. Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia were selected because of low SNAP participation among eligible older adults as well as administrative and operational challenges that can make enrollment and recertification more difficult.

Through this initiative, NCOA will work with selected organizations to identify and address these barriers, strengthen enrollment practices, build partnerships with state and local SNAP agencies, and use data to improve outreach and enrollment workflows.

What will grant recipients do?

Selected organizations will work with NCOA to:

• Conduct community-based outreach to older adults about SNAP.
• Help older adults complete and submit SNAP applications.
• Provide follow-up and recertification assistance.
• Increase awareness of SNAP and its role in addressing food insecurity among older adults.
• Conduct at least one outreach event each quarter.
• Collect required client and demographic information and report program data.
• Participate in NCOA technical assistance and peer learning activities.
• Share successes, challenges, client stories, and lessons learned.
• Support NCOA's three-month follow-up with people assisted through the initiative.

Each organization is expected to assist approximately 1,670 older adults with completed and submitted SNAP applications during the 18-month grant period.

What support will NCOA offer to grantees?

In addition to $50,000 in funding, selected organizations will receive support designed to strengthen their SNAP enrollment work.

NCOA will provide:

• Individualized technical assistance
• Monthly peer learning opportunities
• Data-informed coaching
• Shared tools and resources
• Access to the Cumulus platform for client intake, referrals, reporting, and tracking outcomes
• Opportunities to collaborate with other organizations in the SNAP Enrollment Center network

Organizations that already use another client management system may continue using it if they can use an approved integration to submit required information to Cumulus. Organizations that do not currently use Cumulus are also encouraged to apply.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a nonprofit 501(c)(3), community-based, faith-based, Tribal, governmental, or other public-serving organization eligible to receive grant funds.
• Serve adults age 60 and older in Ohio, West Virginia, and/or Virginia.
• Have experience or demonstrated readiness to provide SNAP outreach, screening, application assistance, submission support, recertification assistance, and/or follow-up.
• Have the staffing and operational capacity to implement the project throughout the 18-month grant period.
• Be able and willing to use Cumulus, or an approved integration that submits data to Cumulus.
• Participate in NCOA technical assistance, peer learning, reporting, and evaluation activities.
• Submit the required financial documentation.

How does our organization apply?

Applications open September 14, 2026. Organizations interested in applying can access and submit the application through NCOA’s online application portal beginning that day. PDF proposals will not be accepted.

• Application portal opens: September 14, 2026 at 12 a.m. 
• Application deadline: October 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET
• Full funding opportunity information (link to PDF)
• Online Application Portal

Applicants should be prepared to provide information about their organization's SNAP experience, staffing and operational capacity, community needs, enrollment strategy, data collection and reporting capabilities, and plans to support follow-up activities.

Applicants must also submit a proposed budget and required financial documentation. The budget should show how the $50,000 award will support SNAP enrollment activities, required travel to the 2027 NCOA Age + Action Conference in Arlington, Virginia, and other allowable project costs.

For questions about the application process, contact NCOA's Center for Economic Well-Being at Center4EWB@ncoa.org.

Informational webinar

NCOA will host an informational webinar to provide additional guidance about the funding opportunity and answer questions from potential applicants.

About the Walmart Foundation

The Walmart Foundation supports initiatives that help create opportunity and improve the well-being of people and communities. Funding for this grant opportunity is provided by the Walmart Foundation.

About NCOA

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person's right to age well. Working with thousands of national and local partners, NCOA provides resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to help ensure every person can age with health and financial security.