Best Aging Grants in Tennessee

Tennessee Arts Commission

The Tennessee Arts Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly with the special mandate to stimulate and encourage the presentation of the visual, literary, music and performing arts and to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Tennessee. TN Arts Commission Governing Policies can be found here.

The mission of the Tennessee Arts Commission is to cultivate the arts for the benefit of all Tennesseans and their communities. Our vision is a Tennessee where the arts inspire, connect and enhance everyday lives.

Creative Aging Tennessee IV

Building on the successes of Creative Aging Tennessee I, II, and III initiatives, the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) continues to expand arts learning opportunities for older adults through its latest initiative, Creative Aging Tennessee IV. Funded in part by E. A. Michelson Philanthropy and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies; and the State of Tennessee, this initiative connects vital resources to under-resourced communities to provide arts programming to older adults through nonprofit senior centers and governmental entities. Through this initiative, creative aging art classes and programs will continue to support serving older adults in rural communities and urban counties with “art deserts” to offer arts programming for older adults living with social isolation, reduced access to trained artists, and in geographically challenged areas. One of the purposes of this grant is to encourage local communities to apply for small micro-grants for projects that will remove barriers for older adults to increase participation in arts activities.

Application Deadline is 30 days prior to the beginning date of the project activity. This is a Rolling Grant opportunity which means applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funds are depleted and/or until April 1, 2027.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Bedford Community Health Foundation

Our Mission: The Bedford Community Health Foundation:

• Works to identify and address community health needs;
• Awards scholarships for nursing programs and allied health education;
• Makes grants to non-profit organizations providing direct health services;
• Encourages community involvement through donations and service;
• Serves as a community health information resource.

Scholarships

The Bedford Community Health Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for individuals pursuing certification, degrees, and advanced degrees in health-related fields. Students can be full-time nursing students, employed nurses seeking additional education, full-time allied health students, employed health providers wanting to specialize and high school students enrolled in the Governor’s Health Academy at Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center.

David W. and Sandra L.R. Boyes Physician Education Scholarship

The David W. and Sandra L. R. Boyes Physician Education Scholarship is for health professionals and specialists who seek continuing education in the field of gerontology. It is the only scholarship that does not require graduates to pursue employment in the Town or County of Bedford. This scholarship is open to specialists of all kinds including Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Physicians Assistants, Osteopaths and Registered Nurses.

David and Sandra Boyes promoted health and healthy living throughout their careers and in volunteer roles during their retirements. David held a BA Degree in Math and Chemistry. He worked at Owens Corning and at Piedmont Label in Bedford. Sandra, in addition to her BSN degree, held a Ph.D. in Education which enabled her to actively pursue her two passions – education and medicine. In Bedford, she taught in the Bedford Memorial Hospital LPN school of Nursing from 1969 to 1986. She taught in Bedford County schools from 1986 to 1990. David was killed in a tragic accident in 2006. Sandra continued their shared vision of impacting health care for seniors through the creation of this scholarship.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.