Best Grants for Seniors in Ohio

Nonprofit and public organizations in Ohio can receive funding to run MLK Day community service projects that build or improve assets like parks, schools, senior centers, and community gardens through youth volunteers. Grants from ServeOhio help Ohio senior service and community groups cover supplies, materials, and limited volunteer support for collaborative projects held in January 2026.

Organizations serving older adults with fall-injury prevention programs in Ohio can seek funding to support program operations. Grants from Ohio Department of Health and Human Services help Ohio senior services and health organizations continue injury prevention initiatives, with awards ranging from US $30,000 - US $107,000. Applicants must be in good financial standing with ODH.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio serving seniors, children, the arts, or nature can seek support for community services, education, or assistance to the underprivileged and elderly. With a mission to promote compassion, environmental stewardship, and community service, Andrea Rose Teodosio Memorial Found provides grants that may benefit senior-focused programs and related initiatives.

Ohio senior service and aging-focused nonprofits supporting LGBTQ+ older adults can access funding through Leonard Litz Foundation to strengthen programs and support systems. Grants back initiatives like social connection, healthcare navigation, housing support, and case management that improve dignity, safety, inclusion, and long-term capacity for LGBTQ+ elders across the Eastern U.S.

Nonprofit organizations providing senior services and aging-related care in Ohio can seek funding for programs such as disability support, mental health, hospital and home health care, hospice, and residential care. With a mission to support community health, the Albert G and Olive H Schlink Foundation gives special consideration to projects benefiting Erie and Huron Counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering senior health and services, history, arts and culture, or youth programs for Japanese American and broader Asian American communities in Ohio can apply for project grants from JA Community Foundation. This national program awards US $2,500 - US $50,000 and does not cover ongoing operating costs or individuals.

Ohio 501(c)(3) organizations providing educational or health programs for children or elderly residents of Jackson County can seek support through the J. Floyd Dixon Memorial Fund from The Columbus Foundation. Senior services and aging-focused nonprofits serving Jackson County seniors may be eligible for funding to enhance programs and care locally.

Ohio senior-services and aging-research institutions can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to establish Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers. These P30 center grants support geriatrics research and research education aimed at maintaining or restoring independence in older adults, with all activities organized around a clearly defined aging-related focus area.

Ohio senior-service and aging-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Friends Foundation for the Aging to run innovative, program-based initiatives for older adults. Organizations serving underserved seniors, supporting family caregivers, fostering intergenerational interaction, or developing future leaders in aging services may be especially competitive, with priority for Quaker-aligned groups and those in the PA-NJ-NY region.

Nonprofits, government entities, and universities working to improve economic well-being for marginalized older adults can seek systems-change funding that supports senior services and aging initiatives in Ohio and nationwide. Next50 Foundation backs innovative, partnership-driven projects that make aging more affordable, address ageism, digital equity, or aging in place, and directly benefit low- and moderate-income older adults.

Nonprofit research organizations conducting applied studies on adults 60+ can use these grants for interventional trials, translational work, and health services or policy research with national impact or relevance to Illinois. Grants from Retirement Research Foundation help Ohio senior-focused groups with rigorous projects that improve older adults’ well-being and include strong dissemination plans.

Health care leaders implementing age-friendly care for older adults can receive scholarships to join the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship, focusing on the 4Ms framework, in Ohio and nationwide. The John A Hartford Foundation covers US $13,995 in program fees for fellows advancing senior-focused quality, safety, and affordability in hospitals and health systems.

Nonprofit organizations advancing advocacy for adults 60+ can seek funding for regional or national policy-change projects in the U.S., including Ohio. Retirement Research Foundation supports efforts addressing seniors’ economic security, health care, housing, and related systemic issues, provided funded activities are non-lobbying and clearly focused on improving older Americans’ quality of life.

The McGregor Foundation Grant, established in 2002, aims to support seniors in need across Cuyahoga County. Originating from a rich history of senior care, the Foundation continues the legacy of The A.M. McGregor Home and Amasa Stone House. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and located in Cuyahoga County, with a focus on specific areas of need. The Foundation does not fund scholarships or individual grants.

About The John A. Hartford Foundation

The John A. Hartford Foundation, based in New York City, is a private, nonpartisan, national philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults. The leader in the field of aging and health, the foundation has three priority areas: creating age-friendly health systems, supporting family caregivers, and improving serious illness and end-of-life care.

Since 1982, The John A. Hartford Foundation has awarded more than $758 million in grants to enhance the health and well-being of older people.

JAHF New Partners Program Call for Proposals:

National Initiatives Advancing Improvements in Care for Older Adults

The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) is entering a new chapter that builds on its work to improve care for older adults and support family caregivers while bringing new organizations, leaders and ideas into its community of grantees and partners.

Through this funding opportunity, JAHF is seeking proposals from organizations that have not previously received a major grant from the foundation.

Proposed initiatives must have a national or multi-site scope and align with at least one of the foundation's three priority areas:

• Age-Friendly Health Systems
• Family Caregiving
• Serious Illness and End-of-Life Care

The National Center for Law and Elder Rights, funded by the US HHS: Administration for Community Living, aims to enhance legal assistance for older individuals as mandated by the Older Americans Act. This initiative will support local providers through training, legal advice, and system design to ensure effective delivery of services. Up to four cooperative agreements will be awarded to organizations that collaborate in this vital legal assistance effort.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is funding a three-year cooperative agreement to enhance the Direct Care Workforce Strategies Center. This initiative focuses on addressing the critical shortage and high turnover rates among direct care workers. By bolstering this workforce, ACL aims to ensure older adults, individuals with disabilities, and family caregivers can live, work, and engage fully in their communities, thereby improving overall quality of life.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving seniors, mental health, children’s mental health, hospice, developmental disabilities, or youth leadership can seek grants for programs and services. The Columbus Foundation’s Focused Funds Grants – Spring Deadline support work in Franklin County, including senior services and aging-related initiatives, with awards up to US $25,000 across targeted focus areas.

Ohio 501(c)(3) organizations serving seniors through health, wellness, dementia, stroke, or mobility programs can access funding through the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement for specific projects and related program needs. National in scope, this grant may benefit Ohio senior service providers offering adult day care, home health, screenings, nutrition, transportation, or geriatric research.

This funding opportunity from the US HHS Administration for Community Living aims to support innovative community-based nutrition models that enhance health outcomes for older adults participating in Senior Nutrition Programs. Projects should focus on improving access to healthy foods, promoting healthy aging, and developing sustainable practices. By fostering community partnerships, the initiative seeks to replicate successful strategies across the Aging Network, ultimately improving the quality of life for seniors nationwide.

The Together We Thrive: Del Mar Grants for Older Adults, provided by The Dayton Foundation, aim to support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of older adults in Greater Dayton. Since 1921, The Dayton Foundation has invested in community well-being through various charitable initiatives, including competitive grants, scholarships, and collaborative efforts to enhance local support systems. The funding amounts and number of grants depend on available resources, emphasizing a commitment to impactful community assistance.

The AARP Community Challenge Grant supports innovative projects that enhance community livability for people aged 50 and older. Funded by the AARP Foundation, these demonstration grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 and aim to improve pedestrian safety, expand broadband access, and reconnect divided communities. Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $20 million in grants, fostering immediate improvements and long-term progress across the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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 Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty supports early career investigators in aging research, focusing on -omics studies related to biological aging and age-related diseases. Research areas include genomics, proteomics, and interventions targeting aging. Eligible applicants are independent researchers at U.S. not-for-profit institutions, with 10 years or fewer since their postdoctoral training. The award may cover overhead costs, promoting innovative research in the vital field of gerontology.

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 Ohio Living Lifelong Learning Fund, created by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, supports educational programs for seniors in Mahoning County. Grants range from $500 to $1,500, aimed at enriching the lives of senior residents through learning opportunities. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $60 million to various local charitable initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving community well-being and lifelong education.