(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) "Aging-in-place program" means a program or service that enables an individual to live in the individual's own home and participate in a community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. (3) "Senior village" means a local, member-driven, nonprofit organization that: (i) supports community members who choose to age in place by: 1. fostering social connections through activities and events; and 2. coordinating volunteer help at home using a neighbor-helping-neighbor model; and (ii) is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. (b) The Department may make grants to nonprofit organizations and area agencies on aging to expand and establish aging-in-place programs for seniors. (c) Any nonprofit organization or area agency on aging may apply to the Department for a State grant to be applied toward the cost of expanding or establishing an aging-in-place program that provides to seniors: (1) assistance with the costs of in-home personal care services for activities of daily living, including bathing, personal hygiene and grooming, dressing, toileting, functional mobility, food preparation, laundry, and house cleaning; (2) psychological, economic, or functional assistance to enable successful health management, access to medical care, or compliance with treatment recommendations; (3) awareness of and access to resources, services, and benefits; (4) support services and care coordination; (5) affordable transportation; (6) assistance making in-home modifications or repairs to improve safety, mobility, and accessibility; or (7) the opportunity to live in a senior village. (d) To be eligible for a State grant to expand an existing aging-in-place program under this section, a nonprofit organization or area agency on aging shall demonstrate an equal match for funds requested. (e) The Department shall publicize the availability of grant opportunities under the aging-in-place program to eligible organizations at least 6 weeks before grant applications are due. (f) The amount of the State grant for an aging-in-place program shall be determined after consideration of: (1) all eligible applicants; (2) the total amount of State funds available for grants; and (3) the priorities of area need as may be established by the Department in consultation with area agencies on aging and in alignment with area plans on aging. (g) (1) For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $100,000 for the purpose of making the State grants under this section. (2) At least 20% of the funding appropriated under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be used to support senior villages. (h) The Department shall notify an area agency on aging within 2 weeks after a grant award to a nonprofit located within the jurisdiction of the area agency on aging. (i) The Department may adopt regulations for receiving and considering applications and for disbursing funds to applicants.
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