Best Aging Grants in New Jersey

The Piñon Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions focused on enhancing the education, health, and well-being of children and the elderly. Although it primarily funds initiatives in West Texas, the Dallas Fort Worth area, and Oklahoma City, it is open to proposals from other regions that can positively impact community growth. The foundation believes in the transformative power of education and health to foster community success and development.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 Ponce De Leon Foundation Grant supports community projects aiming to address economic and social challenges in core areas such as affordable housing, healthcare, and education. Established by Ponce Bank, a certified Minority Depository Institution, the Foundation prioritizes proposals from registered non-profit organizations to enhance local development and assist underserved communities in New York City. This initiative reflects a commitment to equitable access to resources and services for individuals and groups in need.

National Community Care Corps Grant

Community Care Corps encourages organizations across the country to apply for 18-month grants ($30,000–$200,000) to develop and scale innovative volunteer programs that provide nonmedical assistance to older adults, adults age 18 and older with disabilities and family caregivers.

Projects funded through this initiative will increase the number of community-based volunteer programs available to provide nonmedical assistance while decreasing the number of older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers who need assistance in maintaining independence in the community but are unable to obtain help. In doing so, the initiative will strengthen community-based supports that help people maintain independence, reduce unmet needs, and improve overall well-being.

Focus Areas

Proposals must include one or more of the following focus areas:

• Integrate principles of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers
• Support grandparent/kinship-led households
• Use off-the-shelf materials. Off-the-shelf materials are products, components, or resources that are readily available for purchase and immediate use, without the need for custom development, modification, or special ordering
• Engage college students/interns for intergenerational connections
• Expand virtual or low-tech access
• Provide volunteer chaperone programs for non-emergency medical appointments
• Increase access to respite programs
• Build opportunities for volunteer skill-building

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 David and Minnie Berk Foundation, established in 1961, provides grants to charitable organizations in the arts, education, and social services, focusing on youth, the elderly, and the needy. With a maximum grant of $10,000, they support innovative ideas and pilot programs. Eligible recipients must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in the greater New York metropolitan area, while ineligible organizations include those with budgets exceeding $3,000,000 and individual projects.

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 Community Chest Annual Grants provide financial support to nonprofits in New Jersey, focusing on key areas including mental health services, food insecurity, home care, educational enhancement, and racial justice education. Organizations that have been operational for over two years and comply with diversity guidelines are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to initiatives addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly those impacted by the pandemic. Grants can support a range of programs aimed at fostering community well-being and resilience.

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 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 Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation Grant seeks to support innovative healthcare programs addressing critical needs in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and nearby communities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a focus on healthcare, particularly in areas like psychiatry, renal services, and pediatric care. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate sustainability and collaboration among agencies to enhance community health outcomes while avoiding funding for political, religious, or purely operational costs.

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 Secular Distribution Grant supports charitable activities aimed at enhancing community well-being, particularly within 100 miles of Coatesville, PA. Focused on health and human services, the grant encourages projects that address community needs, foster self-reliance, and promote civic engagement. With a commitment to philanthropic impact, funding is reserved for organizations demonstrating 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and a proven need, while maintaining strict eligibility criteria to ensure effective resource allocation.

The Astle-Alpaugh Family Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance the well-being of individuals and families in Central New Jersey. With a focus on supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, the foundation prioritizes funding for educational programs in the arts, history, and health. It also champions community involvement through grants for local museums and community centers. The foundation does not support multi-year grant requests or student scholarships, ensuring that funds are directed to immediate community needs.

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 Achelis and Bodman Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on grantmaking in New York City and northern New Jersey, addressing critical issues in six program areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Employment, Health, Public Policy, and Youth and Families. Emphasizing support for nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), the Foundation aims to improve local communities through impactful grants while prioritizing accountability and excellence in various sectors.

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.