Senior centers and local community-based organizations serving older adults are trusted, and effective in reaching older adults. As part of our shared vision to improve the lives of older adults, NCOA is partnering with up to 50 senior centers and local organizations to expand access to technology training in communities with limited resources. 

NCOA will provide the tools, training, and resources organizations need to confidently support older adults in building practical online skills—like using email, browsing the internet, and staying safe online. Older adults participate in short, focused online courses on the topics they need most, learning at their own pace in group workshops or one-on-one sessions, guided by trained leaders in a familiar and welcoming setting. 

Key highlights of the collaboration with AT&T to help older adults use the internet safely and confidently:

• Each participating senior center and community-based organization will receive training, materials, and  curriculum to provide in-person workshops and one-to-one support to improve digital literacy. 
• Participating organizations may apply for one of three tiers of funding, each tied to a specific impact goal based on the number of older adult participants they will engage in digital literacy programming. Organizations can select the tier that best matches their capacity and community reach. Funding amounts range from $4,500 to $9,000 
• Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 22, 2025 and the project will begin on Oct.1, 2025 
• Senior centers and community-based organizations in all states are eligible to apply. Those in AT&T’s key U.S. service areas are especially encouraged to apply. (See the map below for AT&T's key coverage areas.) 

What are the benefits of participating in this new funding opportunity?

Organizations may apply for different tiers of funding; each tied to a specific impact goal.  Depending on the tier selected, participating organizations will receive between $4,500 and $9,000. Additionally, participating organizations will receive 2 to 4 laptop computers.  

Among the Tier 1 organizations, 10 will be asked to host AT&T volunteers and will receive a $500 stipend. 

All participating organizations will receive training, technical assistance, and access to the materials to host the workshops. Materials are available in both English and Spanish.  

Funding can be used at your discretion and can include the purchase or upgrade of technology equipment. 

What is required of an organization during this funding opportunity?

Summary of requirements for participating organizations: 

• Host at least four (4) in-person workshops with older adults to introduce them to the online digital literacy curriculum. 

• Provide one-on-one support to older adults using the self-paced online learning modules through designated office hours (minimum of 1 hour per week). 

• Serve a total of at least 75, 100, or 150 unique older adults, depending on the tier, during the period of Oct. 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026. Each individual participating in this initiative can be counted only once, regardless of the number of times they receive support or attend a workshop. 

• Report progress to NCOA on a monthly basis. 

• Provide at least 2 client testimonials with photos that highlight how an older adult’s participation improved their digital literacy. 

• Participate in training and use provided resources to conduct the workshops. If requested, allow NCOA to conduct a site visit during a workshop. 

• If selected to participate in the AT&T Volunteer Outreach portion of the program, organizations at the Tier 1 level will be expected to offer at least four volunteer opportunities for AT&T employees to support the digital literacy workshops. These opportunities will be scheduled in coordination with NCOA and AT&T. 

Additional details about these requirements are available in the online application. 

Who is eligible to apply for funding?

Not-for-profit or governmental senior centers and community-based organizations that: 

• Serve older adults, especially in underserved, inner-city, or rural areas 

• Have access to a facility with internet access, laptops or tablets that can be used during workshops, and space for group sessions 

How do interested senior centers and/or community-based organizations apply?

Interested organizations must complete the online application.  

Does the application require a budget or financial reporting?

No. This opportunity is a service contract. There is no budget or financial reporting requirement.

What are the reporting requirements?

​​​​​​​You will be required to complete a report each month during the performance period (Oct. 1, 2025– April 30, 2026). The online report will include information about activities and participation. You will also be required to provide at least two participant testimonials during the performance period. Please see the application for more details.

For more information, please contact NCOA at digital.literacy@ncoa.org.