Institute for Public Administration (IPA) students, staff, and faculty have worked with the state of Delaware to administer the Delaware Senior Center Grant-in-Aid Project annually. Through the senior center project, the continual efforts of IPA assist the state government in determining funding levels for eligible centers.
IPA conducts program evaluations and site visits for eligible centers in Sussex County, Kent County, New Castle County, and the City of Wilmington. The evaluations focus on programs that promote both physical and mental health through fitness, nutrition, social outlets, and health and wellness activities.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that participating in senior center programs assists older adults with learning how to manage their chronic diseases as well as delay their onset. In addition, senior centers offer programs and services that provide opportunities for social interaction, educational development, and health and wellness activities. These programs for older adults have the potential to play a large role in promoting healthy living among the aging population, especially as Delaware's older adult population increases over the next several decades.
Funding Formula Overview
The Senior Center Funding Formula helps the Delaware General Assembly make grant-in-aid fund-allocation decisions. In the past, approximately $6.4 million has been allocated annually to 42 senior centers located throughout the state.
The funding formula considers geographic, demographic, and programmatic factors to provide a fair and efficient assessment for funding the state's eligible senior centers. The primary goal of the funding formula is to encourage centers to better serve Delaware's older adults.
To gain a sufficient understanding of the programs and services offered at each center, at least two IPA team evaluators conduct on-site visits of centers applying for grant-in-aid funding. The evaluation team comprises of graduate students in the University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration as well as professional staff who specialize in public policy, nonprofit management, or health promotion.
For more information, click on the following links to view a report on the Funding Formula and an informational presentation on the Funding Formula process.
Contact Us
For more information about the Senior Center Grant-in-Aid Funding Formula Program at the Institute for Public Administration, contact Eric Jacobson or Julia O'Hanlon.