Best Aging Grants in Oklahoma

The Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Foundation provides Oklahoma nonprofits serving low-income and vulnerable older adults with funding for services that improve or enhance seniors’ quality of life. 501(c)(3) organizations may also be eligible if they support children, youth, or people with disabilities alongside aging-related programs.

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.

Local governments in Oklahoma seeking to improve infrastructure and services for seniors can apply for Community Development Block Grant Small Cities funding, which offers approximately US $152,222 for eligible projects. Oklahoma Department of Commerce supports senior centers, fire protection, water and wastewater, accessibility improvements, and other public facilities that benefit aging residents in small communities.

Health care leaders from U.S. hospitals and health systems working on age-friendly care for older adults can receive scholarships covering the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship fees. John A Hartford Foundation supports leaders implementing the 4Ms Framework for senior care, which may benefit Oklahoma organizations focused on aging and gerontology services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with projects serving Japanese American and broader Asian American communities, including senior health and services, can apply for JA Community Foundation grants across the U.S., including Oklahoma. Awards of US $2,500 - US $50,000 support time-limited programs in areas like senior services, aging, history, arts and culture, and youth.

With a mission to support health and senior care, nonprofits serving older adults and related patient services in Oklahoma can seek funding from the Albert G and Olive H Schlink Foundation. U.S.-based organizations working in areas like senior services, gerontology, hospice, home health, and residential or nursing care may be eligible.

Oklahoma organizations serving LGBTQ+ older adults can access funding through Leonard Litz Foundation to strengthen senior services and aging-focused programs. Grants support initiatives that reduce isolation, improve quality of life, and expand affirming resources such as social connection, healthcare navigation, housing support, and community-based aging services for LGBTQ+ elders across the Eastern U.S.

Oklahoma senior services and aging-focused 501(c)(3) public charities addressing the needs of older adults can access funding through Friends Foundation for the Aging for innovative, program-based work. Organizations, especially those serving underserved elders or reflecting Quaker values, may receive support for collaborative, replicable initiatives, caregiver support, leadership development, and intergenerational programs in the U.S.

Nonprofits, government entities, and universities working to make aging more affordable for marginalized older adults can seek systems-change funding, including in Oklahoma. Next50 Foundation supports innovative, partnership-based efforts in areas like ending ageism, advancing digital equity, and aging in place that improve economic well-being for low- and moderate-income older adults.

Nonprofit research institutions conducting applied studies on adults 60+ can seek support for senior services, aging, and caregiver-focused projects with national U.S. or Illinois relevance. Grants from Retirement Research Foundation help organizations run interventional trials, translational studies, and health services or policy research, especially projects building on prior work and sharing findings widely.

Nonprofit organizations advancing advocacy for adults 60+ through policy-focused projects in Oklahoma and beyond can apply for Retirement Research Foundation’s Responsive Advocacy Grants, offering US $10,000 - US $160,000. These grants support regional or national efforts on issues like economic security, health care, and housing that drive systemic change for older Americans.

Oklahoma research institutions and medical centers focused on aging and senior services 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 in older adults, within a nationally competitive program.

Oklahoma aging and senior-service nonprofits can access funding through the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement to support specific projects that help older adults stay healthy, active, and engaged. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may propose programs in dementia and stroke care, adult day services, home health, screenings, nutrition, mobility, or related geriatric research.

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

Request for Proposals

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.

Graduate students pursuing aging or gerontology research in Oklahoma and other eligible U.S. locations can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support a transition into aging-focused postdoctoral training. Focused on aging research, this two-phase F99/K00 award supports late-stage doctoral dissertation work and provides training to help launch competitive aging research careers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing senior services or elder advocacy may be eligible for program funding, primarily for work in Utah but also in other regions including Oklahoma. The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $100,000 for projects in elder care, vision outreach, children’s services, environmental conservation, historic preservation, and drunk driving prevention.

Harry Kramer Memorial Fund provides Oklahoma senior services and aging-focused nonprofits with funding for care of the sick or aged, human and social services, and related health programs. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations, including those supported by religious institutions or serving Israel’s general welfare, can apply year-round for US $10,000 - US $25,000 awards.

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.

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 Aging Research Dissertation Awards aim to enhance the diversity of the scientific workforce engaged in aging research. These awards support dissertation projects aligned with the National Institute on Aging's strategic priorities. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent prior to the deadlines, which occur quarterly from February 2025 to October 2026. This funding opportunity seeks to cultivate innovative research addressing aging and aging-related health issues.

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.

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research grants for institutions with limited NIH funding, emphasizing biomedical research experiences for undergraduates. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over the past seven years. This initiative aims to enhance the research environment at these institutions, fostering student involvement in research activities.

The JTMF Foundation Grant focuses on improving the lives of individuals in need, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. By partnering with organizations addressing immediate needs and long-term challenges, the foundation supports children, older adults, veterans, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Guided by Catholic values, JTMF aims to empower communities while seeking innovative solutions to societal issues. Organizations that align with these focus areas are encouraged to connect, fostering a collaborative effort towards meaningful impact.

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 McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards aim to support innovative research in cognitive aging and memory loss, offering two 3-year grants of $750,000 each. Targeted at early-career investigators, the program encourages high-risk, high-gain proposals that explore clinical translational research and the biological mechanisms of cognitive aging. By fostering emerging scientific leaders, the initiative seeks to advance transformative discoveries in this critical area of aging research, enhancing understanding and treatment of age-related cognitive decline.