Best Aging Grants in New York

The New York Community Trust's Education Grantmaking program aims to enhance opportunities for underserved students in NYC's public schools. It supports projects that promote systemic reforms, equity, and safe learning environments. Key areas include improving academic outcomes, increasing access to high-level coursework, and ensuring emotional and social support for students. Priority is given to initiatives that foster culturally inclusive curricula and advocate for policies benefiting all students, particularly those historically underserved. Grants typically cover one year and focus on impactful, scalable projects.

The Guru Krupa Foundation Grant supports charitable causes in social, educational, and religious/cultural areas, rooted in Hindu values. The foundation prioritizes projects that aid the underprivileged, enhance education, and preserve cultural heritage, particularly in India and the US. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to effective accounting practices. The foundation seeks specific projects with measurable outcomes, focusing on direct funding for programs rather than administrative costs.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations integrating visual or performing arts into education can access funding through Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust to enhance arts-based learning programs. Grants up to US $25,000 support initiatives that revitalize curricula, motivate students, empower educators, and address inequities in education, which may benefit programs serving older adults through intergenerational or community arts engagement.

Pincus Family Foundation

PFF is driven by the values that our founders David and Gerry Pincus lived by: “to get involved, not just think about your own life, you are supposed to do things for other people.” Today, the second and third generation of Pincus Family members have added their ethos, while keeping the founders’ legacy alive.

Pincus Family Foundation Grant

Mission Alignment: We support our non-profit partners to develop and enhance programs that improve the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

PFF Funds Projects, Programs, & General Operating Support in Four Priority Areas

Creative & Performing Arts

The Pincus Family Foundation’s Creative and Performing Arts portfolio supports programs where young people use art as a tool to address the structural inequities they face. Five strategic priorities:

• Arts for Social Change Focus – Integrating artistic practice with community organizing, policy advocacy, and/or systemic change efforts
• Hyperlocal Community Integration – Deep community embedment with extensive local partnerships
• Teaching Artist Investment – Commitment to the professional development and well-being of teaching artists
• Cultural Responsiveness – Programming that incorporates community cultural wealth with community input
• Environmental Justice Integration – Authentic integration of environmental themes from community-identified priorities

Target Constituency: Organizations serving preK-12 youth from marginalized communities with arts for social change programming that connects them to the power of art to question and transform systems.

Education

High school readiness for many low-income students, largely is a result of poor preparation in middle school. PFF is funding programs/projects that support middle school engagement and focus on achievement filling a funding gap. 

Target Constituency: We support non-profit organizations serving middle school students who face gaps in comprehensive high school readiness. These organizations implement innovative programming that creates challenging yet nurturing environments—preparing students for achievement while inspiring them to become engaged, confident citizens ready to contribute to their communities.

Health & Wellness

Goal: Advance children’s health and well-being by supporting nonprofits that strengthen social conditions, empower youth, and build healthier environments in marginalized communities.

Target Constituency: Nonprofits whose work strengthens social determinants of health for children in marginalized communities.

Play & Recreation

Goal: Advance children’s social-emotional development and physical well-being by supporting nonprofits that create inclusive play-based programming, competitive sports opportunities, and outdoor recreational experiences in under-resourced communities.

Target Constituency: Non-profits whose work promotes access to quality recreational programming for children ages 6-18 in under-resourced communities.

For all grants, the organization’s mission and scope must align with the Foundation’s mission. For the latter, these grants can be either unrestricted or restricted to a particular program or project. The type of grant and what it is used for will dictate the goals and objectives to be met.

Nonprofit and tax-exempt intermediary organizations serving older adults in Western New York can apply for Ralph C. Wilson Foundation grants to support caregiver services and respite care. Programs in eligible counties that address significant community needs for seniors and their caregivers, with creative and collaborative approaches, may be competitive for funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York City that provide services to elevate low-income residents out of poverty may be eligible for funding that can also support senior and aging-related programs. Robin Hood Foundation supports economic mobility across life stages and invites mission-aligned groups to submit an expression of interest.

Nonprofit organizations in New York and California can receive US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support early childhood education, families in crisis, environmental justice, and arts programs serving low-income and marginalized communities. Grants from Sills Family Foundation help community-based groups, including those aiding immigrants, refugees, and justice-impacted families, with primarily one-year awards and some general operating support.

For-profit and nonprofit organizations addressing healthcare access, food security, or economic vitality in New York can apply for the American Heart Association’s Social Impact Fund Nationwide Grant, with awards up to US $500,000. U.S. and Puerto Rico-based groups serving older adults as part of broader community health efforts may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing high-impact human services in New York City can apply for Tiger Foundation grants of US $50,000 - US $300,000. Grants from Tiger Foundation help New York programs in education, youth, family support, employment, and justice, which may include services that benefit low-income older adults alongside other community members.

Nonprofit public charities and fiscally sponsored groups serving Westchester County residents can seek funding for human services, youth development, workforce development, arts, and social justice initiatives. Focused on community well-being, the New York Community Trust invites New York organizations, including those supporting older adults’ basic needs and stability, to propose programs that improve local quality of life.

Nonprofit organizations in New York focused on the environment, animal welfare, or visual arts can apply for Joseph Robert Foundation grants of up to US $10,000 for general operating or project support. Smaller organizations, including those offering community-based programs that may serve older adults, may be especially competitive.

Focused on youth mental health, the Swift Foundation invites New York nonprofits to seek US $25,000 - US $45,000 for clinical and mental health services for children and young adults up to age 26. Incorporated organizations in the five boroughs may use funds primarily for general operations, which can complement senior-serving and intergenerational programs.

Nonprofit literacy programs serving economically or socially at-risk children in New York City boroughs and other eligible regions can receive $2,000 to $10,000 for ongoing, interactive reading initiatives. Grants from Lois Lenski Covey Foundation help organizations provide innovative, multi-session literacy programming, including preschool book engagement, school-age reading skill development, and two-generation approaches involving parents or caregivers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving food access and hunger relief can seek funding from the Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation in New York and across the U.S. The foundation supports food banks, neighborhood kitchens, nutritional education, and culinary arts career programs, which may benefit organizations serving older adults and other vulnerable groups.

Young faculty-rank scientists and engineers at invited U.S. research institutions, including those in New York, can be nominated for the Blavatnik National Awards, which provide US $250,000 in unrestricted funds for innovative work in life sciences, physical sciences and engineering, or chemical sciences. Aging and gerontology researchers at eligible institutions may be strong candidates.

Focused on basic needs and community vitality, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in New York, to apply for support for hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and community development programs. Organizations must serve U.S. clients, demonstrate measurable outcomes and financial stability, and may receive priority if they engage Ameriprise volunteers.

New York organizations serving children and teens grieving a death can access funding through the National Alliance for Children’s Grief to host local community education events. Grants of US $10,000 support youth-focused bereavement education, which may benefit programs that also engage grandparents or older caregivers within aging-related services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New York City’s five boroughs can apply for Venable Foundation grants, averaging approximately US $10,000, to support general operations or projects in areas like human services, health, education, and arts. Senior-serving and aging-focused programs that benefit economically disadvantaged residents may be especially competitive.

501(c)(3) organizations in New York’s eight Western counties can apply for Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s competitive grants, awarding US $18,000 - US $20,000 for community-impact projects. Funding supports racial equity, economic mobility through education, environmental resilience, arts and culture, and select programs serving people with visual, speech, or hearing impairments, which may include aging-focused services.

The Friends Foundation for the Aging Grant supports innovative and impactful programs aimed at addressing the needs of older adults, particularly within underserved populations. This Quaker foundation prioritizes collaboration and sustainability in its funding efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities focused on enhancing the quality of life for aging individuals. Grants are typically awarded for one year and target organizations that align with the foundation's mission and values.

Youth-serving nonprofit organizations in New York seeking to improve direct services for ages 5 to 25 can apply for the Youth Service Improvement Grants, with awards of US $25,000. Grants from William T Grant Foundation help address curriculum gaps, frontline staff skills, or other service limitations, and include technical assistance and peer learning opportunities that may benefit agencies also serving older adults.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) community-based organizations running youth-focused programs in mental health, harm reduction, substance use disorder, housing, or workforce development in New York can seek funding to serve communities disproportionately affected by past drug policies. New York State Office of Cannabis Management’s Community Reinvestment Program offers US $50,000 - US $200,000 Tier 1 grants, which may benefit groups also supporting older adults in impacted families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations in rural New York communities under 20,000 people can seek up to US $12,000 to develop, implement, or sustain literary, visual, music, or performing arts programs. The Laura Jane Musser Fund prioritizes groups expanding access, engaging community members in creating art, and demonstrating strong local support.

New York 501(c)(3) organizations providing educational and human services programs for at-risk children and families can access funding through Conscious Kids; awards US $10,000 - US $20,000 for program support. Groups serving underserved communities, including foster and homeless youth, may be eligible, and some programs may also engage aging caregivers or grandparents in supportive roles.

Nonprofit organizations in New York and other eligible Allianz cities that create or expand personal and professional growth programs for teens and young adults can access funding through Allianz Foundation for North America. Grants of US $25,000 - US $50,000 support initiatives helping 16–25-year-olds become successful, self-reliant, socially conscious leaders, which may benefit intergenerational and aging-focused community efforts.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits that provide direct services to grieving children and youth can apply for the National Alliance for Children’s Grief Grief Reach Cycle 2, with $15,000 for one-year capacity-building projects. New York senior-serving organizations with intergenerational or youth grief programs may be eligible if they meet budget, staffing, and financial documentation requirements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Dutchess, Putnam, or Ulster Counties can receive $2,500 - $20,000 in unrestricted general operating support for core costs and capacity building. Grants from Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley help New York organizations, including those serving older adults, advance work in areas like mental health, housing, transportation, and food security.