Best Grants for Seniors in Oklahoma

Company culture at Clark Associates emphasizes responsibility, sharing our success with others, and the importance of building strong communities. To help fulfill these goals, Clark Associates Charitable Foundation (CACF) was incorporated in 2001 and provides funding to organizations serving people in need and those delivering positive experiences for youth. CACF supports non-profits operating in and around its business locations and those where our employees volunteer and actively contribute. To date, CACF has distributed over $44 million in charitable contributions.

Organizations must be registered 501c3 charities serving three basic categories: people in need, innovative youth educational programs, and youth programs in music and the arts. People in need represents the largest giving category and includes homelessness, food insecurity, individuals with disabilities, victims of abuse, and people in recovery. Examples of other grant recipients include those assisting veterans, senior citizens, at-risk youth, academic enrichment, mentorship, leadership development, and those focused on the performing and visual arts.CACF evaluates grant applications submitted by non-profit organizations every month of the year.

Oklahoma local governments serving seniors and broader community needs can seek funding for public infrastructure and community development projects in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Department of Commerce supports senior centers, fire protection, water and wastewater systems, and other eligible improvements through its Community Development Block Grant Small Cities Program, with awards of approximately US $152,222.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Oklahoma serving low-income and vulnerable older adults can seek support for services that improve or enhance seniors’ quality of life. The Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Foundation also funds programs for children, youth, and people with disabilities in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas.

Oklahoma senior services and aging-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement to support projects that help older adults stay healthy, active, and engaged. Grants may fund programs addressing dementia, stroke, home health, adult day care, nutrition, transportation, social activities, or geriatric research improving seniors’ quality of life.

Nonprofits, government entities, and universities working to improve economic well-being for marginalized older adults can apply for Changing Aging support from Next50 Foundation; funding is national, including Oklahoma. Grants back innovative, systems-level efforts that make aging more affordable, end ageism, advance digital equity, support aging in place, and prioritize mission-aligned older adult populations.

Oklahoma senior services and aging-focused 501(c)(3) public charities can access funding through Friends Foundation for the Aging to run innovative, program-based support for older adults. Organizations, especially those serving underserved seniors or reflecting Quaker values, may receive one-year grants for impactful, collaborative, and replicable aging programs rather than capital expenses.

Health care leaders focused on senior services and aging can receive scholarships to join the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship, implementing the Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms framework within their organizations in Oklahoma and nationwide. John A Hartford Foundation covers the US $13,995 program fee for selected Age-Friendly Fellows; travel and other costs are excluded.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting Japanese American seniors, youth, arts, culture, or history, including those in Oklahoma, can apply for project grants from the JA Community Foundation. Awards range from US $2,500 - US $50,000 and are available nationwide for programmatic work, including through fiscal sponsors, but not for ongoing operating costs or individuals.

Nonprofit organizations providing senior services and aging-related care, including disability support, mental health, hospice, and residential care, may be eligible for funding in Oklahoma and nationwide. With a mission to support community health and elder care, the Albert G and Olive H Schlink Foundation gives special consideration to projects serving Ohio’s Erie and Huron Counties.

Grants from Retirement Research Foundation help Oklahoma nonprofits conduct applied research that improves the well-being of adults age 60 and older and their caregivers. Eligible projects must have national relevance across the U.S. or specific relevance to Illinois, and can include interventional trials, translational studies, or health services and policy research with strong dissemination plans.

Oklahoma nonprofits serving LGBTQ+ seniors can access funding through the Leonard Litz Foundation’s SilverConnect Initiative to strengthen services and support systems for older adults. Grants back programs that reduce isolation, improve quality of life, and expand access to affirming resources such as social connection, healthcare navigation, housing support, and community-based services across the Eastern U.S.

Nonprofit organizations advancing advocacy to improve life for adults 60+ can seek funding for regional or national policy-change projects in the U.S., including Oklahoma. Retirement Research Foundation supports efforts addressing seniors’ economic security, health care, housing, and related systemic issues, provided funded activities are non-lobbying and clearly separated from any lobbying work.

Oklahoma research institutions and universities focused on senior services and aging research 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 maintaining or restoring independence in older adults, within a nationally competitive program open across the U.S. territories.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aiming to stimulate research on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD). This initiative focuses on validating novel drug targets and supports early-stage drug discovery efforts. The U01 activity code will be utilized, and while applications are not currently solicited, this notice allows potential applicants ample time to form collaborations and develop impactful projects in the field of AD/ADRD research.

Graduate students pursuing aging or gerontology research in Oklahoma can seek support to complete their doctoral dissertations and transition into aging-focused postdoctoral positions through this two-phase award from the National Institutes of Health. Focused on aging research careers, it provides training supports to help emerging investigators move into competitive postdoctoral roles nationwide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing senior services, vision care, children’s services, environmental conservation, historic preservation, or drunk driving prevention in Utah can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $100,000 to support impactful programs. The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation primarily funds Utah-based work, which may inspire similar efforts serving seniors in Oklahoma.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations providing senior services, health care for the sick or aged, or related human services, including those in Oklahoma, can seek US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support their work. Harry Kramer Memorial Fund also supports South Florida education, Israel-focused charities, and organizations substantially backed by religious institutions.

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 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.

Joseph L. Ruby Student Scholarship Fund

Established in honor of former Direction Home Akron Canton President and CEO Joseph Ruby to award scholarships to students enrolled in gerontology, social work, nursing or a related health care program.

Amount:

• $5,000 or more

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Elder Organizations

The Markoly Foundation takes pride in supporting local organizations that provide services for elders in our community. Seniors face a number of challenges that come with aging, especially when they don’t have loved ones who are able to assist them with their needs. We provide grants for a variety of senior-related programs from Caregiver Education and Support to Emergency Meal Delivery and Transportation Services.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.

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 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.

The AARP Community Challenge Grant: Capacity-Building Microgrant offers $2,500 to support projects that enhance community livability for residents aged 50 and older. Initiated in 2017, it has funded over 1,700 projects nationwide, focusing on immediate improvements and long-term progress. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities, aiming to implement innovative programs in areas like disaster preparedness, walkability, and home modifications. This initiative fosters inclusive communities and empowers older adults.