Best Aging Grants in Colorado

The Comprecare Fund Grant, managed by The Denver Foundation, invites 501(c)(3) nonprofits to submit proposals focused on improving the health of older adults in Colorado through community-based projects. With a funding range of $7,500 to $20,000, the grant emphasizes innovative programs that promote optimal wellness, addressing physical health, nutrition, and chronic condition management. Applicants should demonstrate collaborative efforts and sustainability in their project plans to effectively engage seniors in health-promoting activities.

The Colorado Organizational Resiliency (COR) Grant, offered by the Next50 Initiative, supports Colorado-based nonprofits that serve marginalized older adults. The grant aims to enhance resilience through infrastructure improvements, technology upgrades, and strategic planning. Eligible organizations must demonstrate innovation and a commitment to equity. This funding opportunity is aimed at addressing challenges faced by nonprofits while fostering economic opportunities for older adults and their communities, ensuring impactful long-term recovery from setbacks.

About Us

Next50 is a private, national foundation based in Denver, Colorado. Since 2016, Next50 has been working toward creating a world that values aging.

The mission of Next50 shall be to promote independence and dignity for the aging population, to include the needs of low and moderate income persons encompassing individuals with physical, cognitive and/or behavioral disabilities, by encouraging and supporting innovative, affordable and coordinated services and initiatives.

Ways we Support Affordable Aging

At Next50, we believe in maximizing our impact by deploying our capital across a range of diverse investment tools and strategies – a polycapital approach.

Next50’s philanthropic approach blends responsive and proactive strategies to drive meaningful, lasting change across our priority areas. By actively engaging with the communities we serve, we gain critical insights that allow us to bridge gaps, anticipate challenges, and amplify impact.

Through polycapital, we leverage a full spectrum of financial and non-financial tools – including grants, investments, policy, advocacy, and community engagement – because creating a world that values aging requires a multifaceted and adaptive strategy.

Sudden and Urgent Need (SUN)

Providing small, Colorado-based organizations serving marginalized older adults with one-time funding to address sudden and urgent needs.

SUN funding is available for efforts such as:

• An organization providing mobile technology training for low-income older adults in a rural area has an unexpected issue that has arisen with their mobile training vehicle and needs a replacement part to be able to continue providing services.

• A small organization providing a financial boot-straps course for low-income older adults has a water leak in their building and must shut down classes until the leak is fixed.

• A small organization serving older adults in rural Colorado receives unexpected notice that its lease will not be renewed, requiring sudden legal and moving expenses to secure new space and maintain operations without disruption.

Sudden & Urgent need

The organization must demonstrate that their need is unbudgeted, unforeseen, time-sensitive, and significantly interferes with their ability to serve older adults and/or their caregivers or provides an immediate opportunity to enhance services. The request must be for an expense that is a one-time need and is not a part of the organization’s general operating or ongoing expenses.

Improving economic well-being for older adults

Applicants must demonstrate how the work of their organization contributes to the economic well-being of the older adults they serve.

Alignment with priority areas

Applicants should be able to briefly describe how their work with older adults aligns with one or more of Next50’s priority areas – Ending Ageism, Advancing Digital Equity, and Supporting Aging in Place

Population served

Requesting organizations must demonstrate a current focus on serving marginalized populations aged 50+ and/or their caregivers. Marginalized refers to the systematic social, economic, and political exclusion or disadvantage faced by individuals or groups, particularly those with intersectional identities. Please refer to our list of priority populations. Applicants who demonstrate a strong understanding of the intersectional identities of the older adults they serve and actively work to dismantle systemic barriers to access will be prioritized.

Impact

Applicants must explain the potential to have an immediate impact on the organization’s ability to serve older adults.

Need For Funds

Applicants must clearly describe their organization’s financial need for requested funds. We will consider both an organization’s need for funding and its financial sustainability. If you have significant cash reserves or a budget surplus, please explain why the requested funds are needed. Similarly, if you have low cash reserves or a budget deficit, please share how the requested funds will help improve financial sustainability and/or how you plan to improve your financial position.

The GFF Capital Grants by the Gates Family Foundation support capital projects for nonprofit organizations in Colorado, emphasizing community needs and sustainable development. With a focus on enhancing public resources and addressing historical inequities, the foundation prioritizes projects that foster education, environmental protection, and community development. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, demonstrating strong community support and effective management. Capital grants are not given for general operating expenses, loans, or projects already completed.

The Anschutz Family Foundation Grant supports programs that enhance self-sufficiency and community development for economically disadvantaged individuals in Colorado. With a focus on helping families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, the foundation provides grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charities or government entities. The foundation encourages alignment with its mission and requires demonstrated financial need and a solid track record of success.

The Fred & Jean Allegretti Foundation Grant offers financial assistance to charitable organizations focused on improving the quality of life for children, adults, the elderly, and animals. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities that comply with reporting laws and operate in Colorado, Florida, or New Mexico. The foundation seeks proposals that reflect its humanitarian mission, prioritizing dignity and support through education, medical treatment, and the arts.

The Lillis Foundation Grant supports early-stage projects focusing on educational access, assistance for disadvantaged children, and enhancing seniors' quality of life. Grants are available for tax-exempt organizations under 501(c)(3) classifications. However, the foundation does not fund ongoing operational costs, endowments, or religious activities. Their goal is to create impactful programs that improve lives and alleviate loneliness among seniors, thereby fostering a supportive community for all.

The A.V. Hunter Trust provides general operating grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Colorado with budgets under $1 million. It focuses on supporting small, rural, or underserved organizations that offer direct services to individuals in financial hardship, youth, aging adults, or those with disabilities. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $20,000, enabling organizations to address community needs effectively.

The Daniels Fund Grants Program offers support to nonprofit organizations in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, focusing on areas such as Aging, Amateur Sports, Disabilities, and Youth Development. With no specific deadlines, applications are accepted year-round, and the review process generally takes about 120 days. The fund prioritizes impactful programs that drive meaningful change and foster community growth, honoring the legacy of founder Bill Daniels through strategic philanthropic efforts.

The Christian Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that embody Christian values, focusing on those with annual budgets under $1.5 million. They prioritize projects that provide essential services where public funding is lacking, assist vulnerable populations, and promote self-sufficiency among the disadvantaged. Preference is given to specific programs rather than general operating expenses, while applications are evaluated fairly without sectarian bias. However, they do not fund organizations outside the U.S. or requests for research and long-term support.

The Leonard Litz Foundation-Silver Connect Initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for LGBTQ+ older adults by providing grant funding to nonprofit organizations. This program addresses isolation and barriers faced by seniors, particularly those affected by disability, race, or economic hardship. By supporting community-driven models, Silver Connect promotes dignity, safety, and inclusion, ensuring that LGBTQ+ elders have access to necessary resources and affirming services across the Eastern United States.

The Carl W. & Carrie Mae Joslyn Trust Grant supports charitable organizations that benefit youth, elderly, and handicapped individuals in El Paso County, Colorado. This private foundation, administered by JPMorgan, focuses on various program areas including animal welfare, arts and culture, education, and health services. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply, while individuals are not permitted to submit applications. For more details, visit the foundation's official site.

The JA Community Foundation focuses on funding solutions that address the needs of the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. They prioritize programs that enhance senior health, promote history, arts, culture, and support youth. Eligible applicants must be registered 501c3 organizations and can apply from all 50 states. However, organizations with open grants cannot submit new applications until their current grants are closed.

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.

The Changing Aging (CA) Grant supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for older adults and combating ageism. Priorities include advancing digital equity and promoting aging in place for marginalized communities. Funded by Next50, the grant encourages collaboration among nonprofits and requires an equity-focused approach to project design. Organizations may apply for up to three years of funding, with no maximum request limit, although a pre-application call is necessary for larger requests.

The Larimer County Community Foundation offers Community Grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support charitable projects in Berthoud, Estes, Fort Collins, and Loveland. These grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in good standing with the IRS. The funding aims to create a lasting impact in the community through various programs and initiatives, enhancing the legacy of generous donors.

The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) offers Responsive Grants for advocacy projects that significantly impact older Americans. These grants support initiatives focused on critical policy issues like economic security and health care. RRF aims to fund projects that use strategic efforts to address systemic challenges and encourage partnerships for resource optimization. Organizations must ensure that RRF funds are not used for lobbying activities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations targeting individuals aged 60 and older.

The RRF Foundation for Aging offers research grants aimed at improving the well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Established in 1950, the foundation has awarded over $239 million to support innovative projects nationwide. Grants are targeted at nonprofit organizations proposing research with immediate implications for adults aged 60 and older, with a focus on practical knowledge and dissemination to impact policy and practice.

The National Institute on Aging is announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAICs) award. This initiative aims to establish centers of excellence in geriatrics research and education to enhance the independence of older adults. Applicants are encouraged to identify a research focus that fosters collaboration and education in aging. Though applications are not currently being accepted, this notice allows potential applicants to prepare meaningful projects. The P30 activity code will be utilized.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The Larimer County Community Foundation offers Intersections Grants, focusing on impactful funding for organizations addressing community needs in Berthoud, Estes, Fort Collins, and Loveland. Aimed at 501c(3) entities and educational institutions, these grants prioritize general support for initiatives related to Sheltering & Caring and Connecting Intersections. This approach ensures that donor contributions effectively enhance community legacy and engagement.

The Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement is dedicated to enhancing the lives of elderly individuals through targeted support for non-profit organizations. Grants focus on critical areas such as dementia care, wellness programs, and community engagement initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that meet the unique needs of seniors, promoting health and active lifestyles. By funding specific projects rather than general support, the foundation aims to make a meaningful impact on the quality of life for senior citizens.

The John A. Hartford Foundation offers scholarships for the Age-Friendly Health Systems Cohort as part of the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship. This initiative targets healthcare leaders aiming to implement the 4Ms Framework, enhancing care for older adults. Selected fellows will receive a program fee scholarship of $13,995, enabling them to focus on transformation efforts in health systems. This fellowship seeks diverse leaders to address critical healthcare challenges and improve quality, safety, and affordability.

The Roaring Fork Valley Community Health Fund aims to enhance overall health in the Roaring Fork Valley by funding projects focused on advanced primary care, social determinants of health, workforce education, and health education. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local communities. Priority is given to initiatives that embody innovation, equity, legacy, and integrity, reflecting the foundation's commitment to accessible healthcare for all.

The McKnight Clinical Translational Research Scholarship supports young investigators focusing on cognitive aging and age-related memory loss. Funded by the McKnight Brain Research Foundation, this scholarship offers $65,000 annually for two years, plus an education stipend. Eligible applicants should have completed their PhD or residency within the last five years and conduct their research in accredited U.S. institutions. The award emphasizes rigorous training and aims to foster careers in human cognitive aging research.

The NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program aims to enhance the research workforce by providing intensive research experiences for recent graduates. This initiative supports early-stage investigators in Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, addressing a critical shortage of researchers in the field. Participants engage in independent research, mentorship, and professional development, equipping them with skills necessary for advanced degrees and research careers in aging and dementia. The program fosters innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for advancing AD/ADRD research.

The Robert J. Keown Trust, established in 1934, provides financial assistance to needy Christians through grants to charitable organizations. Managed by Wells Fargo Bank N.A., the trust focuses on supporting organizations that benefit residents of Los Angeles County. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Preference is given to requests aiding needy Christians and elderly women. The trust awards an average of four grants per year, fostering community support and outreach.