Why It Matters

Senior centers rely on a patchwork of federal programs to fund transportation, nutrition, health services and facility improvements, even as nearly four in 10 operate without Older Americans Act funding.

A recent Congressional Research Service report outlines the federal funding programs and other resources that congressional offices can use to assist senior centers. The July 8 report found that senior centers generally do not rely on a single federal funding stream and instead may receive support through the Older Americans Act and programs administered by agencies including the departments of Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, and Health and Human Services.

Senior centers provide community-based services and activities intended to help older adults remain healthy, independent and connected to their communities. In fiscal 2024, states reported 9,572 senior centers, but only about 61% received Older Americans Act funding, meaning roughly 39% operated without OAA support.

Most senior centers rely on multiple sources of public and private funding rather than a single federal program. The CRS report is designed to help congressional offices identify federal grants and resources that may be available to centers in their states and districts.

The Older Americans Act remains a major source of federal support for senior centers. Under Title III, federal funding flows primarily through formula grants to states and territories. State agencies on aging then distribute funding to area agencies on aging, which can award funds to local service providers. The funding can support transportation, physical fitness programs, adult day care and other services that allow older adults to remain independent.

The Big Picture

Senior centers are operated by a range of entities, including local governments, nonprofit organizations, area agencies on aging and faith-based organizations. Because the federal government does not operate a single grant program exclusively supporting all senior center expenses, facilities may draw on programs across several agencies.

The Older Americans Act's Title III-B Supportive Services and Senior Centers program allows federal formula grant funding to support senior centers and a range of services, including transportation, health, education, counseling, referral and recreational programs. Federal law also allows OAA funding to support the establishment, maintenance, modernization or construction of multipurpose senior centers.

Other federal programs can supplement OAA funding. The Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant program may support eligible senior center construction, rehabilitation and public services. State Medicaid programs may reimburse certain services provided to eligible beneficiaries at senior centers.

Medicare-related programs can also provide resources for services offered through senior centers. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides grants supporting information, counseling and enrollment assistance for Medicare beneficiaries. House appropriators proposed $55.2 million for the program in fiscal 2026.

The Federal Transit Administration's Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program can help support transportation for older adults and people with disabilities, addressing one of the barriers that can prevent seniors from accessing community services.

Federal funding also supports nutrition programs frequently delivered through senior centers. House appropriators proposed more than $1 billion for senior nutrition programs in fiscal 2026, including funding for congregate meals served in facilities such as senior centers and home-delivered meals for older adults who are homebound because of illness, disability or geographic isolation.

The Bottom Line

The report is primarily a resource guide rather than an assessment of whether senior centers receive adequate federal funding. It identifies federal programs that congressional offices can use to connect senior centers with potential funding and assistance.

With roughly four in 10 senior centers receiving no Older Americans Act funding, centers may rely on a combination of federal, state, local and private resources. The programs identified by the report provide potential support for services ranging from transportation and nutrition to Medicare counseling, facility improvements and other programs designed to help older adults remain independent in their communities.

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