SMP 101

Though every SMP program is unique in its own way, there are certain fundamentals that all SMPs need to follow as part of the national SMP network. These fundamentals are explained in the SMP cooperative agreement with the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA). SMPs are provided with support from both AoA and the SMP Resource Center in meeting the expectations described in the SMP cooperative agreements. AoA funds the SMP program as well as the SMP Resource Center.

Below are core resources needed by every SMP:

• For an understanding of basic SMP grant requirements, how to work with your AoA project officer and grants specialist and AoA reporting procedures, click here.
  
  
• To network with other SMP project directors, take advantage of the monthly mentor calls. Visit our Calendar for the schedule and access instructions..
  
  
• To learn about the products and services provided by the SMP Resource Center, click here.
  
  
• Standardized SMP outreach materials – an SMP brochure, logo and personal health care journal – have been developed by AoA so that SMPs have a national identity.
  
  
• All SMPs must report program activities in the web-based reporting tool called SMART FACTS.
  
  
• In addition to semi-annual reporting to AoA, SMPs report semi-annually to the Office of the Inspector General, using SMART FACTS. To learn more about OIG Reporting, click here.
  
  
• The SMP Resource Center provides regular webinars on topics of interest to SMP project directors and support staff. For information about upcoming webinars, see the training page.
  
  
• AoA provides a listserv for use by the SMP network. For more information about the listserv and how to use it, click here.
  
  
• New SMPs project directors automatically receive an SMP Resource Manual from the SMP Resource Center, explaining the fundamentals of SMP work.

2009 SMP Program Announcement (Adobe PDF File)