The Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) has awarded grant funding to 72 senior centers in Tennessee totaling $3 million. Among them are centers in Moore, Franklin and Coffee counties.

The awards range from $6,000 to $100,000 in one-time funding to support senior centers across 52 different counties in providing older adults with access to resources, activities, and social connection.

“Senior centers provide so many older adults with a safe, welcoming place to engage with their friends, stay active and develop new skills and interests,” said DDA Commissioner Brad Turner. “I want to make sure we as a state agency are doing all we can to help senior centers flourish. These grants will help ensure that dozens of centers in both rural and urban communities across Tennessee will be able to buy new equipment, upgrade their facilities, and develop and sustain programming for their visitors.”

DDA will be distributing both minor grants of up to $10,000 and major grants of up to $100,000. The grant funding is encouraged to fund the following goals: Capital Projects, including building improvements and equipment, Marketing, Programming/Activities and Routine Operating Expenses, not including staff salaries.

In total, 147 centers located in 86 counties submitted applications for grant funding.

Moore and Coffee along with Franklin County were among the minor grantees which will get up to $10,000. Locally, the McMinnville Senior Center is a major grantee and could get up to $100,000.