Best Grants for Seniors

Nonprofit operators of high-performing public charter schools planning to add roughly 1,000+ students over 3–5 years can access funding and support through Charter Fund. Charter Fund provides U.S. K–12 education organizations with grants and low-interest loans of $750,000+ plus strategic advising, peer learning, and consulting that may benefit programs serving underserved seniors’ families and communities.

BIPOC-led and BIPOC-allied community-based organizations and Tribal nations in the U.S. can apply for Growing Justice Fund’s support, with awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000 for equitable good food procurement projects. Funding may benefit programs connecting community-serving institutions like elder care facilities with values-based food purchasing that supports historically marginalized producers and communities.

Senior services and aging-focused nonprofits in the U.S. and Canada can access funding for health equity programs, cancer prevention and treatment support, and crisis response initiatives. Local organizations, especially in McKesson Foundation’s priority cities, may be eligible for up to US $25,000 to improve access to care, medicines, food, and supportive services for older adults.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. supporting senior and elder care can seek funding for innovative programs that help older adults age with dignity and independence. Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation also supports work in rare diseases, Jewish heritage, intellectual freedom, and climate change, for projects aligned with its mission and clear, measurable objectives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. serving communities with Albertsons Companies stores can seek funding for innovative programs that end hunger and build long-term self-sufficiency, including for seniors. Focused on food access and hunger, the Albertsons Companies Foundation supports multi-year projects up to US $300,000 that demonstrate impact, feasibility, and collaboration.

Nonprofits running workforce development, job training, or entrepreneurial programs can access funding through Dakota Foundation Dtd 122997 to help people achieve greater economic self-sufficiency. Organizations serving older adults through employment, skills training, or income-generating initiatives may be eligible, with a primary geographic focus on North Dakota, New Mexico, and Colorado but potential consideration for other regions.

Eligible 501(c)(3) charities, local governments, Tribal and religious organizations in Maine can apply for Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation support to meet basic needs, provide health care, or serve underserved people, including seniors. Programs for homebound or low-income older adults, senior housing, or senior health services may be especially competitive in priority communities like Boothbay Harbor, Southport, and Brunswick.

The Kawabe Memorial Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on low-income children, families, and seniors, primarily in the Seattle/King County area. Applications are accepted for general operating support and specific programs, with grant requests encouraged. The fund also offers capital grants to churches and scholarships for teachers and clergy, with most grants lasting one year. Note that proposals must be submitted by the second Friday of March, June, or September.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving food access and nutrition can receive support for food banks, neighborhood kitchens, and other hunger relief efforts in the U.S. Ann B Zekauskas Family Foundation welcomes requests that help food-insecure people of all ages, including seniors, through healthy meals, nutritional education, and related community programs.

High school mathematics teachers and higher education faculty teams in the U.S. can apply for up to US $8,000 to design programs that help underprepared seniors transition successfully into credit-bearing college math. Grants from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics may benefit organizations supporting older adult learners returning to or entering higher education.

Nonprofit organizations advancing advocacy for adults 60 and older can apply for Retirement Research Foundation’s responsive Advocacy Grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $160,000. Focused on senior services and aging issues across the U.S. or in Illinois, projects should pursue systemic policy change and may support broader senior-focused programs and services.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. serving seniors, youth, people with disabilities, or communities can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support programs and facilities. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds senior services, cultural and performing arts, education, health facilities, environmental protection, and other community-based initiatives where modest grants can have significant impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, tribal entities, and select government institutions needing new equipment or technology can seek more than US $50,000 to build capacity from the M J Murdock Charitable Trust. Organizations in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington serving seniors through health, community services, or education programs may be especially competitive.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

Public food garden projects worldwide, including senior-focused community or residential gardens, can receive US $100 - US $1,000 through the Seedmoney SeedMoney Challenge to expand or sustain their gardens. Grants from Seedmoney help organizations running youth, community, food bank, or senior gardens raise funds via a 30-day crowdfunding competition while keeping all donations raised.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing basic needs, housing, financial literacy, or community development programs for adults, including seniors, may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants. Grants from Ameriprise Financial help organizations address hunger, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and culturally enriching community services, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers.

Cooperatives and cooperative development organizations in the U.S. working on senior services, especially affordable limited-equity housing co-ops, research, or technical assistance can apply for $20,000 - $30,000 grants. Cooperative Development Foundation supports cooperative development that addresses immediate community needs and prioritizes established co-op support groups and place-based initiatives with potential for broader impact.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada providing hunger relief, food distribution, food rescue, or nutrition education can apply for Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation’s Fighting Hunger Grants, with awards up to US $10,000. Programs serving seniors through meal assistance or nutrition support may be especially relevant for this opportunity.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations in the greater Chicago area providing senior services, human services, or related programs can apply for McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support operations or specific projects. With a mission to back education, conservation, and human services, McGraw Foundation also considers health, medical, and cultural initiatives that may benefit older adults.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) shelters, rescues, sanctuaries, and similar groups across the U.S. can seek funding for programs that exclusively benefit at-risk senior dogs. With a mission to help older dogs thrive, Grey Muzzle Organization provides grants for foster care, medical treatment, hospice, rehoming support, and seniors-for-seniors adoption initiatives.

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. 

AmeriCorps Vista

AmeriCorps is the federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving. AmeriCorps helps make service a cornerstone of our national culture.

Founded in 1965, AmeriCorps VISTA is a federal anti-poverty national service program designed to provide resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to strengthen efforts to address poverty and poverty-related problems in the United States. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of national service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, now known as AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps VISTA Request for Concept Paper

Projects must be developed in accordance with AmeriCorps VISTA core principles:

• an anti-poverty focus
• community empowerment
• sustainable solutions
• capacity building

Project applications must address one of the following areas:

• Economic Opportunity
• Healthy Futures
• Education
• Veteran and Military Families

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. can receive up to US $15,000 for LGBTQ-focused community support, public education, and HIV and health programs, especially in rural or underserved areas. Grants from Gamma Mu Foundation help senior-service providers and other groups serving older LGBTQ adults fund specific projects rather than general operations.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits running financial literacy or counseling programs for people in need can access funding through the Foundation for Financial Planning, with awards from US $5,000 - US $40,000. Eligible programs engage volunteer CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals in one-on-one pro bono advising, which may include services for seniors and family caregivers among other underserved groups.

Nonprofit organizations improving health outcomes in the U.S. or Canada can seek McKesson Foundation support for programs addressing cancer burden, healthcare workforce diversity, crisis response, and social determinants of health. Senior services providers may be eligible if their work advances prevention, screenings, financial or logistical assistance, food access, or medicine for vulnerable older adults.

Early-career researchers at tax-exempt organizations conducting youth-focused research with U.S. policy or practice implications can receive up to US $425,000 for five-year research and mentoring plans. William T Grant Foundation supports projects that may intersect with issues like economic mobility, racial justice, or educational equity, which can include work affecting older adults’ roles in youth and family systems.

Grants from Harry Sudakoff Foundation help U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits run senior and family human services programs, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $40,000. Organizations, especially those in Sarasota County, may also receive support for related community, arts, youth education, environmental, or science initiatives that benefit older adults.