Best Aging Grants in Colorado

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Opportunity

About RSVP

Established in 1971 and now one of the largest senior volunteer programs in the nation, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP engages people ages 55 and older in a diverse range of volunteer activities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers tutor children, help prepare simple taxes, assist victims of natural disasters, provide nutrition/food support, facilitate opioid and substance abuse education workshops, and serve in their communities in many other ways. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week. While serving, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers improve their own lives by staying active and civically engaged. 

Funding Priorities

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP programming is designed to meet community needs. Applicants may propose activities intended to address community needs by thoroughly explaining the unmet need and activities to be completed by volunteers to address that need. In addition, AmeriCorps is interested in programming that addresses agency priorities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP priorities for this funding opportunity are:

• Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers: Provide respite, support groups, system navigation, care coordination, and resources for older adults, including custodial grandparents, and caregivers.
• Helping Older Adults Re-enter the Workforce: Offer job readiness, mentoring, training, and remove barriers to employment for older adults (volunteers provide services, not seek jobs).
• Building Strong Families: Support parents in helping children succeed, mentor parents, connect families to resources, and strengthen community partnerships.
• Preventing and Mitigating Fraud and Scams: Use digital navigators and other strategies to protect older adults from financial fraud and exploitation, including emerging AI-driven scams.
• Reducing Homelessness: Develop or renovate affordable housing, assist people experiencing homelessness in finding and maintaining permanent housing, and address housing needs for vulnerable populations.
• Supporting Behavioral Health Initiatives: Improve mental health, reduce isolation, prevent substance use, provide harm reduction tools (Naloxone, fentanyl test strips), peer support, and recovery services.

Award Funding Requirements

Applicants must construct the budget in the following manner. The federal share of the budget must not exceed $75,000 plus up to $350 for every unduplicated volunteer, whether or not they serve in an outcome-based work plan. 

The Japanese American Community Foundation Grants support programs for the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. Funding ranges from $2,500 to $50,000 for projects focusing on senior health, history, arts, culture, and youth. Eligible applicants must be registered 501c3 public benefit nonprofit organizations. Note that organizations with open grants cannot apply until their current grant is closed. Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) before the full proposal.

The Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging is designed for early-stage physicians and health professionals committed to aging research. This initiative, supported by the NIH, aims to cultivate leadership skills and advance research in geriatrics. Eligible candidates must demonstrate prior research support and leadership in their field. While applications are not currently being accepted, this NOFO encourages potential applicants to develop collaborative and impactful projects in aging research.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) plans to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at advancing precision aging and cognitive health. This initiative seeks innovative study designs using machine learning and adaptive methods, focusing on personalized prevention strategies for older adults. While applications are not currently solicited, this NOFO encourages researchers to collaborate and develop impactful projects in aging research. The R01 activity code will be utilized for funding.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is preparing to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at advancing research on the genomic factors influencing Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (AD/ADRD). This initiative encourages interdisciplinary projects that utilize innovative genomic analysis techniques to uncover the mechanisms of neurodegeneration. The goal is to identify therapeutic targets that can inform precision medicine strategies for AD/ADRD treatment, while allowing time for potential applicants to form collaborations.

The National Institute on Aging, in collaboration with the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, is announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at exploring the link between olfactory decline and aging, Alzheimer's disease, and related dementias. This research could reveal olfactory dysfunction as a health indicator in older adults and identify new targets for therapeutic strategies. While applications are not currently being accepted, interested researchers are encouraged to prepare for future submissions.

The Piñon Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions focused on enhancing the education, health, and well-being of children and the elderly. Although it primarily funds initiatives in West Texas, the Dallas Fort Worth area, and Oklahoma City, it is open to proposals from other regions that can positively impact community growth. The foundation believes in the transformative power of education and health to foster community success and development.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the participation of older adults in the Senior Nutrition Program by focusing on preventative health initiatives. The project seeks to build capacity through statewide efforts, develop shared resources for program sustainability, and foster collaboration among senior nutrition programs and key organizations. By achieving these goals, the initiative will improve health outcomes and strengthen community ties for older adults.

The Aging Services Leadership Fellowship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, is a one-year non-clinical program for recent master's graduates or mid-career professionals with at least five years of experience. The program emphasizes cohort learning, community building, and skill development in aging services. Participants engage in specialized training, networking events, and mentorship opportunities designed to foster leadership and cultural humility, ultimately preparing them to lead in the aging services sector.

The Combating Social Isolation of Older Adults Grant, provided by the Sephardic Home for the Aged Foundation, aims to combat elder abuse and neglect exacerbated by social isolation. This initiative recognizes that isolation can lead to severe mental and physical health issues among older adults. It promotes trauma-informed care and mental health services to help these individuals reconnect socially. Additionally, the Foundation supports intergenerational programming as a vital strategy to foster community connections and reduce isolation among seniors.

The Dementia Care and Brain Degenerative Diseases Grant, offered by the Sephardic Home For The Aged Foundation, aims to support innovative projects enhancing care and quality of life for older adults affected by dementia. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits in operation for at least two years. The Foundation prioritizes proposals focusing on dementia care, promoting collaboration and resource access for aging individuals. Interested applicants should submit a Letter of Inquiry through the online application system.

The Sephardic Home For The Aged Foundation offers grants focused on end-of-life care and preventing elder neglect. They encourage nonprofits with a 501(c)3 status, operational for at least two years, to apply for funding. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs that enhance the quality of life for older adults through education, advocacy, and community outreach. Interested organizations should submit a Letter of Inquiry before applying for the grant.

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund offers Scholarships for Conferences and Professional Development to support health-related events. These scholarships, up to $2,500 per person and $5,000 per organization, are available for current or past grantees and partners. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a requirement to submit at least four weeks before the event. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received funding in the previous year, ensuring equitable access to professional development opportunities.

The Rocky Mountain Health Foundation's Simple Gifts Fund supports organizations focused on community health, including coalitions, gardens, language justice, peer support, and respite care. Grants of up to $15,000 are available, emphasizing a streamlined application process and minimal reporting requirements. A pre-application Zoom call is mandatory for all applicants to ensure eligibility and discuss funding requests. This fund aims to strengthen community health through direct services and support.

The Transition to Aging Research Award for Predoctoral Students, funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), invites exceptional graduate students to pursue aging-related postdoctoral training. This two-phase award supports late-stage doctoral candidates in completing dissertation projects across diverse research areas. It aims to facilitate smooth transitions into competitive aging-focused postdoctoral roles, fostering the development of future investigators in aging research. This initiative is designed to enhance collaboration and impactful research in the field of aging.

The Douglas County Philip S. Miller Competitive Grants program supports 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations providing vital services to enhance the quality of life for Douglas County residents. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, the program prioritizes initiatives that address self-sufficiency, youth at risk, and mental health services. Eligible nonprofits must be registered in Colorado and significantly serve the Douglas County community, ensuring a positive impact on local residents.

The Alma Gibbs Donchian Foundation provides grants primarily to support institutions in Vermont, focusing on issues such as elderly welfare, educational assistance for learning disabilities, and community preservation. Emphasizing partnerships and innovative program models, the Foundation prefers applicants with a strong financial management background. Grants typically range from a few thousand dollars to $20,000, with larger amounts considered for significant impact projects. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt organizations.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The AARP Community Challenge Grant supports projects that enhance community living for residents aged 50 and older. With a focus on immediate improvements and long-term progress, grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, covering areas like public spaces, transportation, and digital literacy. Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $20.1 million through more than 1,700 grants across the U.S. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities committed to serving the needs of older adults.

The Moffat Geriatric Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports innovative physical therapy research. With a commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes, this grant aims to fund both emerging and established researchers. By addressing health disparities and fostering a new generation of researchers, the program seeks to advance evidence-based practices that improve movement and health across diverse populations.

The Fred J. Brunner Foundation Grant supports organizations that aid vulnerable populations, particularly the young and elderly, through education, shelter, and hunger initiatives. Established in 1956 by Fred J., the foundation distributes grants annually in the fall, focusing primarily on recipients in the greater Chicago area, although exceptions are made. The foundation operates without regard to race, creed, or ethnicity, allowing all recipients to reapply each year.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Topfer Family Foundation Grant aims to empower individuals by providing essential resources and support in various program areas, including child abuse prevention, youth enrichment, job training, children's health, and aging in place. This grant is focused on fostering self-sufficiency through initiatives that promote education, practical life skills, and access to healthcare. The foundation prioritizes organizations in the greater Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Broward County areas, ensuring that funds directly benefit local communities.

The Myron Stratton Home Grant aims to honor Winfield Scott Stratton's legacy by supporting organizations that assist underserved populations, including the elderly, children, and those unable to work due to illness. The grant prioritizes innovative projects that enhance existing services or create new programs to meet community needs in El Paso and Teller counties. Collaborative efforts that prevent service duplication are especially encouraged, ensuring that resources effectively reach those in need.

The Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant supports diverse community initiatives, emphasizing education and environmental sustainability. Established in 1952, it funds accredited educational programs, ecological preservation, and health services, while encouraging employee volunteerism and matching contributions. The Foundation prioritizes support for 501(c)(3) organizations and local projects that enhance community welfare. With a history of impactful giving, it plays a vital role in fostering societal well-being and innovation across various sectors.

The Chatlos Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and globally, focusing on Bible colleges, religious causes, liberal arts colleges, medical concerns, and social issues. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the category. The Foundation prioritizes program support and typically funds requests under $10,000. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based, tax-exempt for at least two years, and aligned with the Foundation's mission, ensuring that funded projects achieve independence.

The Broomfield Community Foundation offers two annual grant cycles, focusing on Human Service, Education, and Senior programs. These grants aim to support innovative and collaborative efforts that benefit Broomfield residents. Eligible organizations must demonstrate their tax-exempt status and provide necessary documentation. Funding is specifically for community programs and cannot be used for individuals, religious activities, or political lobbying. This initiative fosters community generosity and enhances the quality of life in Broomfield.