Deadline: 22-Jul-2026
The ACL National Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) Resource Center provides national coordination and technical assistance to strengthen evidence-based self-management programs for older adults and adults with disabilities. It acts as a central hub supporting program delivery, partnerships, data reporting, and sustainability across the aging services network. The award is a single cooperative agreement of $992,562 to establish and operate the national resource center.
Overview of the Program
This initiative is funded through a cooperative agreement administered by the Administration for Community Living.
The program establishes a single national Resource Center to support chronic disease self-management efforts aligned with the Older Americans Act, particularly Title III-D.
It focuses on improving coordination across the national aging network and strengthening evidence-based health programs.
Core Purpose of the Resource Center
Strengthening Self-Management Education (SME) Programs
- Support evidence-based chronic disease self-management programs
- Increase participation among older adults and adults with disabilities
- Improve program quality and consistency nationwide
National Coordination Role
- Serve as a central connector across the aging network
- Link discretionary and formula-funded CDSME programs
- Improve communication between stakeholders
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building
- Provide tiered and individualized technical assistance
- Support program implementation and scaling
- Share best practices and training resources
Data, Reporting, and Performance Improvement
- Strengthen data collection systems
- Improve reporting metrics and accountability
- Track outcomes and program effectiveness
Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build collaborations across health and aging networks
- Strengthen institutional partnerships
- Engage stakeholders in program development
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
- Support long-term program funding strategies
- Promote cost-effective delivery models
- Ensure continuity of evidence-based services
Key Functions of the Resource Center
1. Technical Assistance Hub
- Provide guidance to CDSME program implementers
- Offer training and implementation support
- Develop educational resources
2. National Coordination Center
- Align local and state programs with national goals
- Strengthen coordination across aging services networks
- Improve program consistency
3. Data and Evaluation Support
- Standardize data collection approaches
- Support reporting compliance
- Improve evaluation of program outcomes
4. Partnership Development
- Foster collaboration between health and aging sectors
- Support cross-sector engagement
- Promote integrated service delivery
5. Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination
- Highlight program successes
- Share toolkits and best practices
- Support national learning networks
Funding Details
- Total funding: $992,562
- Award ceiling: $992,562
- Award floor: $992,562
- Type: Cooperative agreement (single award)
Eligible Applicants
Government Entities
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- Other Native American tribal organizations
- Public housing authorities / Indian housing authorities
Educational Institutions
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Independent school districts
Nonprofit and Other Eligible Entities
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status
Program Alignment
All applicants must demonstrate capacity to support:
- Evidence-based health program infrastructure
- National coordination and technical assistance delivery
- Aging and disability service systems
Why This Program Matters
The CDSME Resource Center strengthens national health outcomes by improving how chronic disease self-management programs are delivered and coordinated. It ensures that older adults and adults with disabilities have better access to evidence-based tools that improve independence and quality of life.
Key impacts:
- Expands access to chronic disease self-management programs
- Improves national coordination across aging services
- Strengthens data-driven health interventions
- Enhances program quality and sustainability
- Supports independent living for older adults and disabled populations
How the Program Works
Step 1: Award Selection
- Single national organization selected
- Receives cooperative agreement funding
Step 2: Center Establishment
- Set up national coordination infrastructure
- Build technical assistance systems
Step 3: Program Support Delivery
- Provide training and guidance to CDSME programs
- Offer tiered technical assistance
Step 4: Data and Reporting Systems
- Implement standardized data collection
- Support performance monitoring
Step 5: Partnership and Engagement
- Build national stakeholder networks
- Strengthen cross-sector collaboration
Step 6: Sustainability Planning
- Support long-term program continuity
- Promote cost-effective implementation models
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak national coordination capacity
- Lack of experience in evidence-based health programs
- Poor data and evaluation infrastructure
- Limited stakeholder engagement strategy
- Inability to operate at national scale
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate national-level coordination experience
- Highlight expertise in aging and disability services
- Provide strong data and evaluation systems plan
- Show partnerships across health networks
- Emphasize sustainability and scalability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CDSME Resource Center?
It is a national hub supporting chronic disease self-management education programs for older adults and people with disabilities.
Who funds the program?
The Administration for Community Living (ACL), a U.S. federal agency.
How much funding is available?
$992,562 for a single award.
Who can apply?
Government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal organizations.
What is the main goal?
To improve coordination, access, and quality of chronic disease self-management programs nationwide.
Is this a multi-award program?
No, it is a single cooperative agreement award.
What populations are served?
Older adults and adults with disabilities.
Conclusion
The ACL National CDSME Resource Center is a national-level initiative designed to strengthen the infrastructure behind chronic disease self-management education. By improving coordination, technical assistance, and data systems, it enhances the quality and reach of evidence-based health programs across the United States.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.