Best Aging Grants in Tennessee

Organizations developing innovative projects that increase independence for people with disabilities and older adults in Tennessee can apply for the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging’s Innovation Grant, with awards up to US $20,000. Funding supports forward-thinking, scalable approaches, especially those using enabling technology and advancing employment, workforce development, person-centered practices, and quality of life.

Nonprofit organizations, local governments, and public transit agencies in Tennessee can access funding to improve transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities through the Section 5310 program. Grants from Tennessee Department of Transportation support rolling stock and mobility management projects in small urban and rural areas, helping aging populations reach essential services and activities.

Senior centers in Tennessee can apply for capital funding to improve buildings and equipment and enhance services for older adults, with awards ranging from US $5,000 to US $50,000. Grants from the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging support senior services that provide resources, activities, and social connection for aging populations.

Low-income agencies serving elderly or disabled homeowners in Tennessee can access funding to address critical home safety repairs and accessibility needs. Focused on emergency housing stabilization, Tennessee Housing Development Agency supports repairs to roofs, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural elements, windows, doors, and accessibility improvements, with awards up to US $24,999 per home.

Nonprofit and public agencies in Tennessee developing or preserving rental housing for low- and very-low income seniors and other vulnerable groups can apply for Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s competitive grants, with awards of US $200,000 - US $600,000. Funding supports activities like new construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, or conversion of units serving households at or below 80% of area median income.

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

U.S.-based nonprofits, government entities, and universities working to make aging more affordable through systems-level change can seek Changing Aging support for innovative programs serving marginalized older adults, including in Tennessee. Grants from Next50 Foundation back efforts ending ageism, advancing digital equity, and supporting aging in place through collaborative, multi-year initiatives.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities addressing the needs of older adults through innovative programs can access funding through Friends Foundation for the Aging. Grants support senior services, aging and gerontology initiatives, caregiver support, and related programs, with priority for underserved populations, small community-based organizations, and projects that are collaborative, replicable, and grounded in Quaker-aligned values.

Nonprofit organizations conducting applied research on adults age 60+ can seek support for interventional, translational, or health services and policy studies benefiting older adults and caregivers. Grants from RRF Foundation for Aging help Tennessee and other U.S. aging-focused groups pursue projects with national or Illinois regional relevance and strong dissemination plans.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving older adults in Tennessee can apply for West End Home Foundation’s grants to support aging-related programs or capital projects. Funding is available for mission-aligned services in Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson counties that promote dignity, connection, and successful aging for adults, especially those age 60 and older.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with projects serving Japanese American seniors, youth, history, or arts and culture in Tennessee and nationwide can apply for JA Community Foundation grants of US $2,500 - US $50,000. Programs must be project-based rather than ongoing operating support, and fiscally sponsored projects are eligible.

Nonprofit organizations advancing advocacy for adults 60+ through regional or national policy-change projects in the U.S., including Tennessee, can apply for funding of US $10,000 - US $160,000. The Retirement Research Foundation supports efforts addressing seniors’ economic security, health care, housing, and related systemic issues, excluding lobbying for specific legislation.

With a mission to support health and human services, the Albert G and Olive H Schlink Foundation provides Tennessee organizations serving seniors and aging populations with flexible grant funding. Nonprofits focused on senior services, gerontology, patient care, hospice, or residential care may be eligible, with special consideration given to programs based in or benefiting Ohio communities.

Tennessee nonprofits serving older adults with health, wellness, or quality-of-life programs can access funding through the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may seek support for specific projects such as adult day care, dementia and stroke services, home health, nutrition, transportation, or geriatric research that helps seniors stay active and engaged.

Tennessee 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 that advance ways to maintain or restore independence for older adults, within a nationally competitive program.

Health care leaders focused on aging and senior services in Tennessee and nationwide can receive scholarships covering US $13,995 in fees to join the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship, implementing the Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms. The John A Hartford Foundation supports fellows leading system-level change for older adult care, with preference for AHA member organizations.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations providing senior services, health care for the sick or aged, or related human services can seek funding, including work connected to Tennessee. Harry Kramer Memorial Fund provides US $10,000 - US $25,000 for programs aiding the sick or aged, Israel-focused welfare efforts, South Florida education, or organizations substantially supported by religious institutions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing elder advocacy and care, vision outreach, or related services in Tennessee and other states can apply for grants from the David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation. Awards of US $5,000 - US $100,000 primarily support Utah-based work but may also fund senior services and other eligible programs nationally.

The Transition to Aging Research Award for Predoctoral Students, funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), invites exceptional graduate students to pursue aging-related postdoctoral training. This two-phase award supports late-stage doctoral candidates in completing dissertation projects across diverse research areas. It aims to facilitate smooth transitions into competitive aging-focused postdoctoral roles, fostering the development of future investigators in aging research. This initiative is designed to enhance collaboration and impactful research in the field of aging.

501(c)(3) charitable, benevolent, and religious organizations serving needy Christians can apply for the Robert J. Keown Trust’s US $10,000 - US $20,000 grants to support basic human needs, disability care, and senior services. While the trust primarily benefits Los Angeles County, Tennessee programs aiding elderly Christian women or infirm Christians may be eligible.

The Community Foundation for Dickson County, established in 1999, aims to enhance the quality of life in Dickson County by supporting local nonprofits. With a focus on education, leadership, and community improvement, the foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in the area to apply for grants up to $5,000. Funding priorities include environmental initiatives, youth and elder support, and the preservation of historical sites.

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund offers Scholarships for Conferences and Professional Development to support health-related events. These scholarships, up to $2,500 per person and $5,000 per organization, are available for current or past grantees and partners. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a requirement to submit at least four weeks before the event. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received funding in the previous year, ensuring equitable access to professional development opportunities.

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 Woodmont Christian Church Outreach Ministry Grant aims to support organizations that serve those in need within the community. With a mission to grow disciples of Christ, the church allocates over 22% of its budget to non-profits, assisting more than 50 organizations. The grant focuses on addressing various needs such as food, shelter, health, education, and support for vulnerable populations, embodying the church's commitment to service and outreach.

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 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.