Grants for Senior Citizens
- Author: Bryan Miller
- Posted: 2024-08-02
Grants are available through a number of government departments and the Federal Grants Wire website. The following lists the different grants available to senior citizens.
- Mortgage Insurance-Rental Housing for the Elderly. This grant helps seniors find high-quality rental housing. It makes funds available for programs that financially protect lenders while increasing the number of rental properties available to the elderly.
- The Foster Grandparent Program. Promotes volunteering by those who are over age 55 and low income. The funds provided connect seniors with special-needs children to encourage enriched relationships.
- Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Encourages seniors to volunteer for various services within their communities to keep them feeling useful and connected.
- Capital Assistance Program for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities. This grant supports private transportation for senior citizens where buses and trains are not available or are unsuitable due to medical needs.
- The Nutrition Services Incentive Program. Provides support to state agencies and tribal organizations to buy food and other supplies for senior nutrition programs and the home delivery of meals.
State Grants
Seniors can also apply to receive grants from their state. States often receive funds from both organizations and the federal government to support the needs of the elderly, but individuals must apply directly to the state in order to receive assistance. Some states have a focus on housing while others try to help with prescription drug costs and other health-related expenses. Those who need a grant should check the Department of Social Services or other state website for all of the options available to them.
Foundation Grants
A large number of foundations are seeking both groups and individuals who offer health, housing and educational services to the elderly. A database is available at The Foundation Center to search for senior grants.
The following foundations provide grants for senior citizens:
- The AARP Foundation gives grants to non-profit organizations that provide low-income seniors with money, nutritional and housing needs while keeping them connected to their families and communities. Throughout the year, AARP asks for proposals. Currently, organizations that are interested in participating must apply for grants through the foundation's website.
- The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has a mission to improve the health of everyone in America. It does offer a large number of grants to colleges, organizations and other non-profit entities that specialize in the support and care of seniors.
- The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc. offers grants to those who provide care and support services to older people. The foundation awards numerous grants each year and is willing to accept inquiries regarding new senior projects. Organizations seeking funding must submit a proposal and follow a strict process to gain approval.
- The MetLife Foundation offers generous grants to support healthy aging in seniors and research on Alzheimer's disease, a common form of dementia. Organizations are welcome to apply for funding. The foundation will actively pursue proposals it finds interesting and will request more information with a letter.
- The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation gives out sizeable grants for causes that focus on the well-being and quality of life for senior citizens. Unlike other foundations, unsolicited requests for funding are not accepted. Organizations must be invited to apply for grants. While this foundation awards millions of dollars in grants each year, it will stop providing funding in 2022.
If an individual or an organization that supports seniors wants to apply for a grant, it takes deep research, a great deal of preparation, hard work, time and patience. There may be situations where a number of applications will have to be made at the same time. It is possible that years may pass before funds are received. The focus should always be on improving the lives of older citizens, and all the effort will be worthwhile.
