H.R. 8952: Elder Pride Act of 2026

The bill, known as the Elder Pride Act of 2026, aims to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 by establishing a Rural Outreach Grant Program. This program is designed to provide funding to various eligible entities, such as states, Indian Tribes, and nonprofit organizations, to support older LGBTQI individuals and others in protected classes residing in rural areas. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Definitions

The bill outlines key terms for understanding its provisions, including:

• Eligible entity: This includes states, Indian Tribes, tribal organizations, agencies, and nonprofit organizations that serve older individuals or provide sexual health services.
• Rural area: An area not classified as urban by the Census Bureau.
• LGBTQI: Refers to individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex.
• Protected class: Groups legally protected from discrimination based on shared characteristics.

Grant Authority

The bill authorizes the Assistant Secretary to provide grants to eligible entities for the following purposes:

• Create partnerships between rural LGBTQI older individuals and the entities receiving grants.
• Meet the specific needs of these populations.
• Offer comprehensive sexual health services to older individuals in rural settings.

Application Process

Eligible entities must submit a detailed application that includes:

• A description of proposed activities funded by the grant.
• Details about the size and characteristics of the population to be served.
• A plan for public and private resources to support these activities.
• An intent to partner with local organizations.
• Evidence of unmet urgent needs in the community.

Use of Funds

Grant funds can be used for activities such as:

• Education and community outreach to support LGBTQI older individuals.
• Reducing isolation and improving access to care.
• Fostering relationships between service providers and the LGBTQI community.
• Improving cultural competency among service providers.
• Expanding nondiscrimination policies.
• Providing targeted sexual health services.

Compliance and Coordination

Entities receiving grants must:

• Use funds to supplement, not replace, existing state or local funding for LGBTQI services.
• Coordinate with state and local agencies responsible for serving older LGBTQI individuals.
• Focus efforts on populations with the greatest social need.

Reporting Requirements

The Assistant Secretary is required to prepare and submit an annual report to Congress and the public, detailing grant activities over the preceding years.

Funding Authorization

The bill proposes an appropriation of $5 million for each of the fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to support the Rural Outreach Grant Program.

Relevant Companies

None found.