Best Aging Grants in Massachusetts

The Alma Gibbs Donchian Foundation provides grants primarily to support institutions in Vermont, focusing on issues such as elderly welfare, educational assistance for learning disabilities, and community preservation. Emphasizing partnerships and innovative program models, the Foundation prefers applicants with a strong financial management background. Grants typically range from a few thousand dollars to $20,000, with larger amounts considered for significant impact projects. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt organizations.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation provides grants primarily to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that serve Malden and surrounding communities. Established in 1927, the foundation focuses on areas such as culture, education, healthcare, and poverty relief. Grant applications are accepted annually, with a deadline on the second Tuesday in February. The foundation emphasizes support for local initiatives that enhance community welfare and development, excluding certain categories like endowment funds and research grants.

The MetroWest Human Services Grant Program, managed by the Foundation for MetroWest, aims to build strong families and communities by providing general operating grants to organizations serving underrepresented individuals. In 2023, priority will be given to those assisting low-income households, homeless individuals, and vulnerable populations such as immigrants and the disabled. This initiative strives to eliminate barriers to essential resources, fostering an inclusive environment for all residents in the MetroWest region.

The AARP Community Challenge Grant supports projects that enhance community living for residents aged 50 and older. With a focus on immediate improvements and long-term progress, grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, covering areas like public spaces, transportation, and digital literacy. Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $20.1 million through more than 1,700 grants across the U.S. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities committed to serving the needs of older adults.

The Moffat Geriatric Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports innovative physical therapy research. With a commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes, this grant aims to fund both emerging and established researchers. By addressing health disparities and fostering a new generation of researchers, the program seeks to advance evidence-based practices that improve movement and health across diverse populations.

The Fred J. Brunner Foundation Grant supports organizations that aid vulnerable populations, particularly the young and elderly, through education, shelter, and hunger initiatives. Established in 1956 by Fred J., the foundation distributes grants annually in the fall, focusing primarily on recipients in the greater Chicago area, although exceptions are made. The foundation operates without regard to race, creed, or ethnicity, allowing all recipients to reapply each year.

The Fund for Sandwich Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for Sandwich, MA residents through grants for initiatives addressing community challenges. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities and those with a fiscal sponsor. The fund prioritizes innovative proposals that support at-risk populations and tackle local issues across various sectors, including health, education, and the arts, with grant requests up to $5000 being considered.

The Gould Charitable Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Boston and Kansas City. The foundation prioritizes innovative projects that can make a significant impact, particularly those with high leveraging potential and long-term benefits. Areas of interest include elder services, environmental stewardship, health care, personal rights, disadvantaged training, children's welfare, and women's issues. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on projects that offer valuable community enhancements.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Mission Hill/Fenway Neighborhood Trust Grant supports community-based organizations in the Mission Hill and Fenway areas. It provides funding for projects that enhance the quality of life, focusing on arts, education, youth sports, senior activities, community gardens, affordable housing, and social services. Eligible applicants include non-profits and civic groups dedicated to these initiatives, fostering community development and engagement.

The S.W.A.N. Society in Boston provides financial assistance through individual grants to senior, single women in need, helping them maintain independence and dignity. Founded in 1816, the Society also supports community organizations that assist women aged 65 and over. All agency grants must be earmarked for female clients, and their distribution is based on the Society's fiscal circumstances and careful review of agency needs. This non-profit organization is dedicated to empowering elderly women facing financial challenges.

The Chatlos Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and globally, focusing on Bible colleges, religious causes, liberal arts colleges, medical concerns, and social issues. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the category. The Foundation prioritizes program support and typically funds requests under $10,000. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based, tax-exempt for at least two years, and aligned with the Foundation's mission, ensuring that funded projects achieve independence.

The Marshall Home Fund offers grants aimed at benefiting older adults in Watertown. Their Program Grants support public agencies and non-profits with projects that promote an Age-Friendly Community. These grants fund innovative services and programs for residents aged 55 and older, enhancing social participation, health services, and civic engagement. Applicants are encouraged to address community needs for a twelve-month project period, fostering a supportive environment for older adults to thrive.

The Shirley Charitable Foundation Grant supports community enrichment initiatives in Shirley, focusing on education, public safety, youth activities, arts, and senior citizens. Grants, up to $2,000, are awarded biannually to programs that foster social change and collaboration among organizations. Eligible recipients include nonprofits directly benefiting the town. The Foundation prioritizes sustainable programs and those that build community spirit, while excluding requests for operating costs and discriminatory projects.

The Bushrod H. Campbell and Adah F. Hall Charity Fund supports initiatives addressing the needs of the elderly, education for underserved youth, and social services for vulnerable populations in Greater Boston. Additionally, it funds reproductive health projects both locally and for US-based nonprofits operating internationally. Grants are administered by Hemenway & Barnes LLP, focusing on impactful local programs while also considering international reproductive health issues.

The MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.

The Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging (K76)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), The John A. Hartford Foundation, and the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) are collaborating on this initiative to develop of a cadre of talented scientists prepared and willing to take an active leadership role in transformative change that will lead to improved health care outcomes.

Emerging leaders are clinically trained (primarily physician) early-stage investigators who have begun to establish research careers and have shown signs of leadership potential who will use this award to further develop the tools, skills and resources to have a significant impact in their field of expertise. 

The National Institute on Aging is pursuing this initiative to recruit talented new investigators who have begun to establish research programs and through this award will be ready to assume leadership roles in their field of expertise and well poised to change theory, practice and health outcomes related to the health of older individuals. Unlike other mentored K awards candidates for this award must have received competitively awarded research support as a PD/PI at the faculty level and have had prior leadership responsibilities in the clinical or research domain.

It is anticipated that seven to ten awards will be granted in 2017, up to 5 years of funding limited to $225,000 in direct costs per year. 

The Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation, established in 1984, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Stamford and Worcester, New York, and Winchendon, Massachusetts. By funding charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation supports various initiatives, including community health services, historical preservation, education, and public safety. Organizations aligned with these goals are encouraged to apply for grants to foster community spirit and cooperation.

The George E. Curtis Charitable Fund Grants support low-income elders and disabled individuals in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. Established in 1931, the fund primarily aids Visiting Nurses Associations and similar organizations providing essential home care. Additionally, it offers assistance for emergency fuel, visual impairment support, and palliative care. The fund prioritizes organizations that deliver direct services, ensuring these individuals can maintain their independence and quality of life despite economic and physical challenges.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Postdoctoral Fellowships in Aging Research Grant aims to support postdoctoral fellows in their research on the biology of aging. In partnership with the American Federation for Aging Research, this program offers up to 10 grants of $75,000 each for one year, emphasizing the need for research that translates basic aging biology into clinical applications. Applicants must be postdoctoral fellows in qualified non-profit settings in the U.S. and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Discovery Award, in partnership with the American Federation for Aging Research, aims to fund innovative research that explores the biological mechanisms of normal aging. This award supports projects with a strong potential for groundbreaking discoveries, particularly from researchers new to the aging field. Up to two awards of $525,000 over three years will be granted, promoting scientific collaboration at designated conferences.

The Diana Jacobs Kalman/AFAR Scholarships for Research in the Biology of Aging offer MD, DO, PhD, or combined-degree students the opportunity to conduct research on aging. Established by Diana Jacobs Kalman, a leader in aging science, the program addresses the challenges of an aging population. By awarding up to ten scholarships, it aims to foster innovative research and improve the quality of life for older adults. Proposed projects should focus on specific areas like immune function, inflammation, and genetic control of longevity.

The AFAR Grants for Junior Faculty and Glenn Foundation for Medical Research offer up to $160,000 for one- to two-year research projects focusing on the biology of aging. Aimed at early career faculty, these grants support innovative studies not limited to age-related diseases but rather the fundamental mechanisms of aging. Approximately 10 grants will be awarded in 2026, with funding starting July 1. Applicants must be independent investigators within 10 years of their postdoctoral training.

The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation Grant supports a variety of community needs in Lowell, MA, focusing on children, disadvantaged young women, and the elderly. Established in 1944, it funds social services, education, and cultural programs, among others. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and not private foundations. The foundation favors projects that create equitable opportunities for underserved groups, promoting a balanced representation in community leadership. General operating costs are typically not funded.

The Clark and Ruby Baker Foundation Grant aims to support charitable organizations that align with the philanthropic mission of the Baker family, focusing on Methodist-affiliated educational institutions, aid for disadvantaged children, and assistance for the sick in Georgia. The Foundation considers funding for construction projects of educational and medical facilities, ensuring that grants are awarded to meet specific community needs and promote long-term benefits.