Best Aging Grants in Kentucky

Third- and fourth-year undergraduate students in Kentucky preparing for careers directly serving older adults can receive $2,000 through this elder care scholarship. Focused on aging and gerontology fields, Blue Grass Community Foundation offers a renewable award for full-time students maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA.

Focused on senior services and community health, Humana Foundation invites Kentucky nonprofits, government entities, and faith-based organizations to apply for support. Funding can back programs for older adults that address emotional wellbeing, suicide prevention, substance use, nutrition, food security, wellness education, and disaster preparedness or recovery in Kentucky communities, especially Louisville.

Health care leaders working on senior-focused care and aging services in Kentucky and nationwide can receive scholarships to join the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship, implementing the Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms Framework. John A Hartford Foundation covers US $13,995 in program fees for selected Age-Friendly Fellows; travel and other expenses are not included.

Nonprofit organizations conducting applied research to improve the well-being of adults age 60+ can seek support for aging-focused studies from RRF Foundation for Aging. Grants fund interventional trials, translational studies, and health services or policy research with national relevance or impact in Illinois; Kentucky-focused projects may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

Kentucky research institutions and universities focused on senior services and gerontology 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 improving independence and functional outcomes for older adults, including those in Kentucky and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions.

Nonprofit organizations advancing advocacy for adults age 60+ through regional or national policy-change efforts in the U.S., including Kentucky, can apply for $10,000 - $160,000 to support strategic projects. Retirement Research Foundation funds initiatives addressing systemic issues like economic security, health care, and housing that clearly separate advocacy from lobbying activities.

Nonprofits, government entities, and universities working to make aging more affordable for marginalized older adults can seek systems-change funding, including in Kentucky. Next50 Foundation supports senior services and aging initiatives that advance ending ageism, digital equity, or aging in place, emphasize innovation and partnerships, and focus on low- and moderate-income, historically underserved older adults.

Kentucky senior services and aging-focused 501(c)(3) public charities can access funding through Friends Foundation for the Aging for innovative, program-based work serving older adults. Organizations, especially those aiding underserved populations or reflecting Quaker values, may be eligible if they address unmet aging needs, coordination of care, caregiver support, leadership in aging services, or intergenerational initiatives.

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

Kentucky senior services and aging nonprofits can access funding through Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement to support specific projects improving elders’ health, engagement, and quality of life. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may propose programs such as adult day care, home health and wellness, dementia and stroke support, nutrition, mobility, or related geriatric research.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kentucky can seek project funding for Japanese American and broader Asian American senior health, services, history, arts, culture, and youth programs. Focused on these areas, JA Community Foundation invites applications nationwide, offering US $2,500 - US $50,000 for project-based work rather than ongoing operating costs.

Kentucky nonprofits serving LGBTQ+ older adults can access funding through the Leonard Litz Foundation to strengthen services and support systems for seniors. Grants back programs that reduce isolation, improve quality of life, and expand affirming resources such as social connection, healthcare navigation, housing support, and case management within the foundation’s broader Eastern U.S. footprint.

With a mission to support health and aging services, nonprofits serving seniors and related patient care in Kentucky can seek funding from the Albert G and Olive H Schlink Foundation. U.S.-based organizations, especially those focused on senior services, gerontology, and residential or home health care, may be considered; there are no preset grant size limits.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations operating at least two years and providing senior services like end-of-life care or elder neglect prevention in Kentucky can seek support for innovative programs. With a mission to foster innovation in aging, Sephardic Home for the Aged Foundation funds services, education, outreach, and advocacy benefiting older adults nationwide.

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 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 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.

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 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.

Nonprofit health and aging-focused organizations in Kentucky that are current or past grantees or key partners can seek up to US $2,500 from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund for conference, workshop, and training costs. Funding supports registration, travel, lodging, and incidentals for professional development events directly connected to health or the fund’s work.

Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations providing elder advocacy and care may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $100,000 to support senior services, primarily serving Utah. The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation also funds children’s services, vision care outreach, environmental conservation, historic preservation, and drunk driving prevention and education projects through annual grant awards.

Tax-exempt nonprofits providing senior services or related human services in Kentucky’s Boone, Campbell, or Kenton counties can apply for the Haile Jr Foundation’s grants to enhance quality of life for older adults. Funding can support programs such as basic needs, housing, workforce readiness, education access, and arts and culture that benefit local residents.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations providing care for the sick or aged, supporting Israel’s general welfare, offering education in South Florida, or significantly backed by religious institutions may be eligible for this funding, including those serving seniors in Kentucky. Harry Kramer Memorial Fund awards US $10,000 - US $25,000 for these charitable activities.

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 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 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 Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana Grant supports 501c3 nonprofit organizations in specific counties of Kentucky and Indiana, with a focus on improving health and advancing social justice for vulnerable populations. They offer funding ranging from $25,000 to $500,000, encouraging impactful proposals while engaging in relational philanthropy. Interested organizations must submit a Letter of Interest, with cycles in May and December, to explore potential alignment and funding opportunities.