Best Grants for Seniors in Wisconsin

Focused on improving life for older adults and people with disabilities, the Trillium Foundation invites Wisconsin 501(c)(3) and other IRS-recognized nonprofits to apply for program support. Organizations serving seniors, veterans, and underserved communities may receive funding for services that enhance quality of life beyond what public programs typically cover.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing senior services, health care, social services, education, or arts access in Wisconsin can seek flexible community funding. Patrick and Anna M Cudahy Fund supports programs such as elderly care, subsidized health and dental services, housing, food assistance, and enrichment opportunities that benefit low-income and aging populations.

Wisconsin senior service and youth-focused nonprofits can access funding through First American Bank’s administration of the Andrew and Alice Fischer Charitable Trust to support education and programs for vulnerable populations. Organizations in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, including parts of Wisconsin, serving seniors, children, veterans, or individuals with special needs may be eligible.

Wisconsin senior services and aging-focused nonprofits can apply for Leonard Litz Foundation’s SilverConnect funding to strengthen programs for LGBTQ+ older adults. The program supports initiatives like social connection, healthcare navigation, housing support, case management, and community gatherings that improve dignity, safety, inclusion, and long-term organizational capacity for LGBTQ+ elders across the Eastern U.S.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations providing senior services in Wisconsin can apply for grants supporting housing access, aging in place, health and mental health care, food security, legal assistance, and community engagement. Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation’s Kott Memorial Charitable Trust also backs educational internships, caregiver and nursing training, research, and capacity building for agencies serving older adults.

Nonprofit organizations advancing advocacy projects for adults 60 and older in Wisconsin or nationwide can apply for Retirement Research Foundation’s Responsive Advocacy Grants, with awards from US $10,000 - US $160,000 to support policy-change efforts. Eligible projects must focus on systemic issues affecting older Americans and keep RRF-funded advocacy activities clearly separate from any lobbying.

Nonprofit research organizations conducting applied studies on adults 60+ can seek support for projects with national impact or specific relevance to Wisconsin and Illinois. With a mission to improve the lives of older adults, Retirement Research Foundation provides funding for interventional trials, translational studies, and health services or policy research that includes strong dissemination plans.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing the needs of older adults in Wisconsin can access program funding through Friends Foundation for the Aging, which prioritizes innovative, collaborative senior services. Grants mainly support aging-related programs, especially for underserved populations, and may benefit organizations focused on healthy aging, caregiver support, and intergenerational initiatives.

Nonprofits, government entities, and universities supporting marginalized older adults with systems-level innovations can seek Changing Aging grants to improve economic well-being and make aging more affordable in Wisconsin and nationwide. With a mission to promote independence and dignity for aging populations, Next50 Foundation prioritizes efforts ending ageism, advancing digital equity, and supporting aging in place through collaborative, innovative initiatives.

Wisconsin nonprofits serving seniors, youth, or Japanese American and broader Asian American communities can access funding through JA Community Foundation for time-limited programs and projects, not ongoing operations. 501(c)(3) organizations, including those using a fiscal sponsor, may be eligible for awards of US $2,500 - US $50,000, with current grantees waiting until existing grants close.

With a mission to advance aging science, the National Institutes of Health provides Wisconsin senior-services and gerontology research programs with support to establish Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers. Academic or research institutions conducting geriatrics research that promotes independence for older adults may be eligible to apply when the upcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity is released.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving seniors and older adults in Wisconsin can seek project funding from the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. With a mission to strengthen local communities, the foundation provides support for senior services, health and wellness, and related community programs within its Wisconsin and Menominee County, Michigan service areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin communities served by Wisconsin Public Service that provide senior services, health and human services, or aging-related programs can seek project or capital support. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation funds initiatives in community development, health, education, environment, and arts that may benefit older adults.

Nonprofit organizations providing senior services, aging support, or related health and residential care can seek funding for programs benefiting older adults, including those in Wisconsin. The Albert G and Olive H Schlink Foundation supports disability care, mental health, addiction treatment, hospital and home health care, hospice, vision services, and nursing or residential care, with special consideration for Ohio-based work.

Wisconsin senior services and aging-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement to support projects that help older adults stay healthy, active, and engaged. Eligible programs include dementia and stroke support, adult day care, home health and wellness, screenings, nutrition, mobility, and related geriatric research.

Wisconsin hospital and health system leaders focused on senior care and aging services can access scholarship support to join the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship, implementing the Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms Framework. The John A Hartford Foundation covers US $13,995 in program fees for selected Age-Friendly Fellows working to improve care for older adults.

The JTMF Foundation Grant focuses on improving the lives of individuals in need, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. By partnering with organizations addressing immediate needs and long-term challenges, the foundation supports children, older adults, veterans, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Guided by Catholic values, JTMF aims to empower communities while seeking innovative solutions to societal issues. Organizations that align with these focus areas are encouraged to connect, fostering a collaborative effort towards meaningful impact.

The Kenosha Community Foundation offers Field of Interest Grants to support various philanthropic interests through specific funds. These grants assist local non-profit organizations in enhancing community welfare, arts, education, and services for vulnerable populations. Funds like the ANVK Field of Interest Endowment support elderly residents, while the Kenosha Arts Fund enhances cultural life. The Foundation's responsive grant-making adapts to community needs, ensuring impactful contributions to enhance quality of life across Kenosha.

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards aim to support innovative research in cognitive aging and memory loss, offering two 3-year grants of $750,000 each. Targeted at early-career investigators, the program encourages high-risk, high-gain proposals that explore clinical translational research and the biological mechanisms of cognitive aging. By fostering emerging scientific leaders, the initiative seeks to advance transformative discoveries in this critical area of aging research, enhancing understanding and treatment of age-related cognitive decline.

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.

The Harry Kramer Memorial Fund Grant supports U.S. charitable organizations that assist individuals and institutions in Israel, focusing on welfare, healthcare for the sick and aged, and education in South Florida. Founded by Harry A. Kramer, a successful entrepreneur and veteran, the fund reflects his deep commitment to charitable causes. Organizations must qualify under Section 501(c)(3) and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply for funding, ensuring that aid reaches those in need.

Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations providing senior services, vision care, children’s services, environmental conservation, historic preservation, or drunk driving prevention programs, including those serving Wisconsin, can apply for the David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation’s grants; awards US $5,000 - US $100,000 for impactful projects. Priority is given to organizations conducting activities in Utah.

Graduate students pursuing aging or gerontology research in Wisconsin can access funding through the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging to support their transition into aging-focused postdoctoral positions. This two-phase F99/K00 award backs late-stage dissertation work and provides training supports, which may benefit programs ultimately serving seniors.

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 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.