By KHI NEWS SERVICE

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services is accepting applications for grants aimed at preventing exploitation and abuse of elders.

Any Kansas nonprofit organization registered with the Kansas Secretary of State and local government entities may apply.

Agency officials said the grants would will be awarded for projects that help prevent elder abuse or raise awareness of the problem.

The winning projects should target seniors or their caregivers with emphasis on those in rural communities. Applicants also must collaborate with local organizations responsible for programs for elders in their communities.

The grants will run from Sept. 1, 2014, through Aug. 31, 2015, with a maximum amount of $5,000 for each award. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m., June 16, 2014.