RO/CO Retention Grant
Can you apply?
This grant is for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Illinois to support Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program services. Eligible organizations are AAAs serving specific Planning and Service Areas (PSAs) designated by the Illinois Department on Aging. Funding is allocated to regional AAAs to improve protection and safety of residents in long-term care homes. Staff retention and recruitment in ombudsman services are the primary allowable uses of funds.
Program description
The Long-Term Care Provider Funds are used to improve protection of the health and safety of residents in long-term care homes through the expansion of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program services.
This special grant of Long-Term Care Provider funds will be used for staff retention and recruitment in order to continue to improve protection of the health and safety of residents in long-term care homes through the expansion of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program services. State funding available to Area Agencies on Aging through FY 2027 budgeted appropriation for the Long-Term Care Provider Grant.
PSA01 – 124,861
PSA02 DuPage – 52,522
PSA02 Kane, Kendall, and McHenry – 78,741
PSA02 Lake – 52,522
PSA02 Will, Grundy, and Kankakee – 57,871
PSA03 – 94,678
PSA04 – 107,075
PSA05 – 87,914
PSA06 – 84,814
PSA07 – 57,875
PSA08 – 61,371
PSA09 – 87,410
PSA10 – 92,258
PSA11 – 52,522
PSA12 – 52,522
PSA13 City of Evanston – 52,522
PSA13 Suburban Cook (except Evanston) – 52,522 Administered by the Illinois Department on Aging via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 402-05-1487).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Agency designation confirmation as Area Agency on Aging for the relevant PSA
- Current organizational budget and staffing plan
- Narrative describing retention/recruitment needs and service impact
- Budget narrative explaining allocation of funds to staff salaries
Program contact
- 👤 Kelly Richards
- 📧 Kelly.Richards@Illinois.gov
- 📞 312-814-1203
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Area Agencies on Aging serving designated Planning and Service Areas (PSAs) in Illinois are eligible. Your organization must be the AAA for your specific PSA region.
What can the funding be used for?
Funds support staff retention and recruitment for Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs. This includes salaries and related expenses to maintain and expand ombudsman services.
Is there a matching requirement?
No. This grant does not require cost sharing or matching funds from applicants.
What is the funding amount?
Awards range from $52,522 to $241,656, depending on your Planning and Service Area. Specific allocations are set for each PSA.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is June 19, 2026. Contact the Illinois Department on Aging for current application procedures and any recent updates.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm your organization is the designated AAA for your Planning and Service Area before applying. Ineligible applicants will be rejected immediately.
- Allocations are pre-determined by PSA region. Review the funding table to identify your area's specific award amount.
- Focus your narrative on retention and recruitment challenges specific to Long-Term Care Ombudsman services in your region.
- Document current staffing levels and turnover rates. Show how funding will prevent service gaps to nursing home residents.
- Demonstrate existing ombudsman program capacity and your plan to maintain or expand services with new staff.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirmation of AAA designation for your PSA. Proposing uses beyond ombudsman staff retention and recruitment. Submitting incomplete documentation about current staffing or service capacity.
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