Best Grants for Seniors in Maine

Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status serving low-income, vulnerable residents in Maine can receive up to US $30,000 to address basic needs like hunger, housing, and crisis support. The John T Gorman Foundation funds existing programs, general operating support, and one-time, 12‑month projects, including services that help seniors age in place.

Local governments in Maine can obtain funding for operating costs, equipment, and program materials that benefit low- and moderate-income residents, including seniors, through the CDBG Public Service Grant Program. Maine Department of Economic and Community Development supports services such as senior programs, health care, recreation, public safety, homelessness, and mental health, with awards up to US $50,000.

Organizations in Maine working to improve health and access to care for older adults, rural residents, families, and others can apply for Maine Health Access Foundation’s Systems Improvement and Innovation Responsive Grants, with awards up to US $50,000. Funding supports systems-level innovations that advance health equity in rural health, aging, behavioral health, and maternal and child health.

Grants from Point32Health Foundation help Maine nonprofits serving older adults advance equity in aging through multi-year general operating support. Organizations focused on social and racial justice, policy, advocacy, and systems change around aging and social determinants of health may be eligible, with funding usable for operations, staff wellness, leadership coaching, and other capacity-building needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine and other Vermont Mutual Insurance Group territories can seek funding for education, youth development, community-based initiatives, and basic needs programs that strengthen community quality of life. Vermont Mutual Insurance Group provides support to help build healthy lives and vibrant communities, which may include services benefiting seniors and aging populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving seniors and other vulnerable groups in Maine can apply for Agnes M. Lindsay Trust grants of US $1,000 - US $7,500 to support health and welfare, dental care, food security, shelters, and camperships. Grants from Agnes M. Lindsay Trust help Maine senior services and human services programs with both capital and operating needs.

Nonprofits serving seniors and other vulnerable groups in Maine and Northern New England can seek support for senior services, basic human needs, home health, hospice care, arts access, education, and environmental education. With a mission to aid underserved communities, Adelard and Valeda Roy Foundation provides US $2,500 - US $10,000 for programs benefiting immigrants, refugees, Indigenous communities, low-income youth, and the elderly.

Maine research institutions and universities focused on senior health and aging 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 for older adults, and are available across the U.S. territories and states.

Nonprofit research institutions conducting applied studies on adults 60+ and their caregivers can seek support for aging-focused research, including interventional trials, translational work, and health services or policy studies. Grants from Retirement Research Foundation help Maine and other U.S. organizations when projects have national relevance or are specific to Illinois, with strong dissemination plans encouraged.

Health care leaders focused on senior services and age-friendly care in Maine and nationwide can receive scholarships covering US $13,995 in fees for the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship. John A Hartford Foundation supports implementation of the Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms Framework through these competitive fellowships for rising hospital and health system change agents.

Nonprofit organizations advancing advocacy for adults 60+ through U.S. or Illinois policy-change projects can seek funding to address seniors’ economic security, health care, housing, and related systemic issues. Retirement Research Foundation supports strategic, partnership-driven efforts that clearly separate advocacy from lobbying and can include Maine-focused work with broader regional or national impact, with awards from US $10,000 - US $160,000.

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

Nonprofits, government entities, and universities supporting marginalized older adults can seek funding for systems-level innovations that make aging more affordable, including in Maine. Next50 Foundation supports projects focused on ending ageism, advancing digital equity, or aging in place, especially those serving low-income and historically underserved seniors through collaborative, multi-year efforts.

Maine senior service nonprofits addressing the needs of older adults can access funding through Friends Foundation for the Aging for innovative, program-based work rather than capital projects. 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those serving underserved seniors or offering caregiver support, intergenerational programs, or leadership development in aging services, may be particularly competitive.

Maine senior services and aging-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement to support programs for older adults. Grants back specific projects such as adult day care, dementia and stroke support, home health and wellness, nutrition and mobility services, and limited research on geriatric life improvement across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs serving Japanese American seniors, youth, and communities in Maine and nationwide can apply for project grants from the JA Community Foundation, ranging from US $2,500 - US $50,000. Focus areas include senior health and services, history, arts and culture, and youth; operating costs are not funded.

Maine nonprofits serving LGBTQ+ seniors and providing senior services or aging support can access funding through the Leonard Litz Foundation’s SilverConnect Initiative to strengthen programs for older adults. Grants support efforts that reduce isolation, improve quality of life, and expand affirming resources and care systems for LGBTQ+ elders within the foundation’s Eastern U.S. service area.

With a mission to support health and senior care, Albert G And Olive H Schlink Foundation provides Maine organizations serving older adults with funding for senior services, aging, and related patient care. Nonprofits focused on disability, mental health, hospice, home health, and residential care for seniors may be especially competitive, with preference for Ohio-based work but broader U.S. applicants considered.

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 Sephardic Home For The Aged Foundation offers grants focused on end-of-life care and preventing elder neglect. They encourage nonprofits with a 501(c)3 status, operational for at least two years, to apply for funding. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs that enhance the quality of life for older adults through education, advocacy, and community outreach. Interested organizations should submit a Letter of Inquiry before applying for the grant.

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 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 David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sight preservation, children's services, and environmental conservation, primarily in Utah. Established in memory of David Kelby Johnson, who tragically lost his life at a young age, the foundation aims to honor his legacy by supporting impactful charitable initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, with a commitment to improving communities both locally and globally.

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.

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.