Becoming a Partner Agency with Age Central means:
joining a collaborative, mission-driven network dedicated to improving the lives of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers across our six-county region. Our partners are vital to the success of our programs and the well-being of the communities we serve. Through strong partnerships, we are able to expand our reach, ensure service quality, and address local needs in a coordinated and impactful way.
Age Central receives funding from a variety of sources, including federal and state programs such as the Older Americans Act, as well as through private and philanthropic support. These funds are used to support essential services—like nutrition, transportation, caregiver support, mental health, legal aid, and more—that help individuals remain independent, safe, and connected. Because we do not directly deliver all services ourselves, we work with qualified community-based agencies to implement programs on the ground, using public resources efficiently and effectively.
Our funding process is rooted in transparency and public engagement. We release Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for new or continuing services and encourage eligible organizations to apply. These opportunities are guided by our Area Plan, which identifies the region’s most pressing needs and strategic goals. Each application is reviewed carefully to ensure alignment with our mission, adherence to funding requirements, and the capacity to deliver high-quality, person-centered services.
Once selected, partner agencies enter into formal grant agreements with Age Central. They are expected to follow state and federal guidelines, participate in technical assistance and monitoring activities, and submit regular programmatic and fiscal reports. Age Central provides ongoing support to partners through regular check-ins, training, and twice-monthly Agency Meetings. We strive to maintain a collaborative relationship where continuous improvement, innovation, and responsiveness are encouraged.
About Current Open RFPs
If your organization is committed to serving aging and disability communities and is interested in becoming a funded partner, we welcome your application. Click here to see the current open RFPs. We look forward to learning more about your work and how we might collaborate to build stronger, more inclusive communities throughout Central Illinois.