Best Aging Grants in Ohio

Nonprofit and public organizations in Ohio can receive $250 - $1,000 to run MLK Day community service projects that build or improve community assets, including those serving seniors. Grants from ServeOhio help Ohio senior services and community groups fund supplies and limited volunteer support for youth-led projects held January 1–31, 2026.

Ohio organizations serving older adults with fall-injury prevention programs can access funding through the Ohio Department of Health. Grants from Ohio Department of Health and Human Services help Ohio senior services and health providers continue evidence-based efforts to reduce falls among older adults, with awards ranging from US $30,000 - US $107,000 for program operations.

Nonprofit organizations in Ohio serving seniors, children, the arts, nature, or underprivileged communities can seek support for programs, services, and education initiatives. With a mission to compassionately assist the underprivileged and elderly, Andrea Rose Teodosio Memorial Found provides funding that may benefit aging-focused and senior service programs across the state.

With a mission to support health and human services, the Albert G and Olive H Schlink Foundation provides Ohio aging and senior service nonprofits with flexible grant funding. U.S.-based organizations, especially those in Ohio serving seniors and related care needs, may be prioritized, with special consideration for work benefiting Erie and Huron Counties.

Ohio nonprofits serving LGBTQ+ older adults with senior services and aging programs can access funding through Leonard Litz Foundation to strengthen supports and reduce isolation. Grants back social connection, healthcare navigation, housing support, case management, and other affirming services for LGBTQ+ elders within the foundation’s Eastern U.S. footprint, with emphasis on dignity, safety, and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with projects serving Japanese American and broader Asian American communities can seek funding for senior health and services, history, arts and culture, and youth programs, including in Ohio. Focused on these priority areas, JA Community Foundation invites U.S. applicants for project-based grants ranging from US $2,500 - US $50,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing educational or health programs for children or older adults in Ohio’s Jackson County may be eligible for this support. The Columbus Foundation’s J. Floyd Dixon Memorial Fund focuses on services for seniors and youth, helping local agencies expand programs that benefit county residents across generations.

Ohio aging and gerontology research institutions 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 focused on maintaining or restoring independence in older adults, within a unifying theme that advances the mission of the OAIC program.

Health care leaders focused on improving senior care and aging services in Ohio can receive scholarships covering US $13,995 in fees for the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship. The John A Hartford Foundation supports fellows implementing the Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms Framework in their hospitals or health systems to enhance care for older adults.

Nonprofit research institutions conducting applied studies on adults age 60+ can seek support for aging and caregiver-focused research with national U.S. or Illinois relevance. Grants from RRF Foundation for Aging help advance interventional trials, translational work, and health services or policy research that produce practical guidance for advocates, providers, and the aging network.

Nonprofit organizations advancing policy change for adults 60+ can seek funding for advocacy projects with regional or national impact, including work benefiting Ohio seniors. Retirement Research Foundation supports efforts on issues like economic security, health care, and housing across the U.S.; awards range from US $10,000 - US $160,000.

The McGregor Foundation Grant, established in 2002, aims to support seniors in need across Cuyahoga County. Originating from a rich history of senior care, the Foundation continues the legacy of The A.M. McGregor Home and Amasa Stone House. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and located in Cuyahoga County, with a focus on specific areas of need. The Foundation does not fund scholarships or individual grants.

Ohio senior services and aging-focused 501(c)(3) public charities can access funding through Friends Foundation for the Aging to run innovative, program-based initiatives for older adults. Organizations, especially those serving underserved populations or reflecting Quaker values, may be eligible if they address aging issues, caregiver support, leadership in aging services, or intergenerational programs in the U.S.

U.S.-based nonprofits, government entities, and universities working on systems-level solutions to make aging more affordable can seek Changing Aging support, including organizations in Ohio. Next50 Foundation funds innovative efforts that advance senior services and aging priorities like ending ageism, digital equity, and aging in place for low- and moderate-income, marginalized older adults.

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in senior services, aging, hospice, or related health and social services can seek project support through Focused Funds Grants. The Columbus Foundation offers up to US $25,000 for programs in Franklin County, including aging, mental health, developmental disabilities, youth leadership, and environmental conservation initiatives.

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

Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving seniors through geriatric health, wellness, or quality-of-life programs can access funding through the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement. Grants support specific projects such as dementia and stroke services, adult day care, home health and wellness, nutrition, mobility, and related geriatric research benefiting older adults.

The SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program supports junior investigators in exploring human sexuality and sexual wellness. Funded by the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, this initiative provides $5,000 to undergraduate, medical, and graduate school students. Awards are disbursed in two payments, with specific reporting requirements. This program aims to enhance research in sexual medicine and foster diversity in the field, particularly focusing on historically underserved populations.

The SMSNA Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program supports junior investigators in the field of human sexuality and sexual wellness. With a funding of $7,500, the program aims to attract emerging researchers and clinicians to sexual medicine. Applications are accepted from graduate students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows, with an emphasis on diverse backgrounds. The program promotes ethical research practices and requires mid-term and final progress reports to ensure accountability.

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.

The Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarships, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, provides a $7,500 annual scholarship for doctoral students completing coursework at accredited institutions. Applicants may receive up to $15,000 in pre-candidacy scholarships and a total of $45,000 throughout their doctoral program. The Foundation encourages research in areas such as acute care, cardiology, pulmonary health, and PT education, fostering a new generation of skilled researchers in physical therapy.

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 Ohio Living Lifelong Learning Fund, created by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, supports educational programs for seniors in Mahoning County. Grants range from $500 to $1,500, aimed at enriching the lives of senior residents through learning opportunities. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $60 million to various local charitable initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving community well-being and lifelong education.

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.

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 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.