Best Aging Grants in Utah

Utah Division of Arts & Museums

As the first and oldest state arts agency in the nation, the Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2025.  

UA&M Mission: Our agency enhances Utah’s quality of life. We champion opportunities to experience culture by investing in arts and museums, offering professional development, facilitating connections, and providing direct services.

Our agency acts as a state coordinator and advisor on topics of importance to arts and museums communities. We manage the State of Utah Alice Merrill Horne Art Collection, the Utah Percent-for-Art Act public art program, and traveling exhibitions, reaching every county in the state. UA&M is the primary agency in Utah that distributes state and federal funds to stimulate and encourage growth in the creative industries. These funds are appropriated directly for arts and museums by both the Utah State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. We are a division of the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement within Utah state government.

Creative Aging Grant

Our Creative Aging program fosters a network of cultural organizations, senior service organizations, libraries, and artists who are trained in creative aging best practices.

This grant is available to organizations or artists who participated in the Lifetime Arts 'Foundations' or 'Essentials' training.

Program Impact

Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M) has been training Utahns in the best practices of creative aging and funding grants for creative aging projects for four years. Our Creative Aging Grant projects pay a professional artist to teach an art class to adults 55 years and older. These classes teach older adults an art form and celebrate their accomplishments at the end of the class. Older adults in Utah have learned a variety of artforms, including dance, theatre, fused glass, ceramics, watercolor, music appreciation, printmaking, and many more. These classes reduce isolation by providing older adults an opportunity to foster meaningful connections.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations expanding, diversifying, or training the behavioral health care workforce in Utah can seek US $30,000 - US $60,000 to strengthen whole-person care. Cambia Health Foundation supports efforts that reduce provider shortages, improve behavioral health access, and enhance care for older adults experiencing isolation and related aging challenges.

Utah 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units can apply for Eccles Foundation grants up to Up to US $2,000,000 to support arts, education, health, conservation, and community services. Senior services and aging-related programs, including healthcare, social services, and enrichment for older adults in Utah, may be especially competitive when aligned with the foundation’s focus areas.

Nonprofits serving older adult kinship and grand-family caregivers with senior services or wellness programs in Utah can seek funding to improve whole person health and mental wellbeing. With a mission to advance whole person health, Cambia Health Foundation provides up to US $50,000 for initiatives that strengthen social connections, expand behavioral health access, and reduce barriers to aging well.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government equivalents in Utah providing aging-related services can access funding through Daniels Fund; awards approximately US $75,000 for programs or capital needs. Eligible projects support seniors’ independence, in‑home services, community engagement, or hospice and palliative care, and must fit within the fund’s broader human services priorities.

Nonprofit organizations serving LGBTQ+ older adults with senior services and aging programs in Utah can access funding through Leonard Litz Foundation to strengthen support systems and reduce isolation. Grants back community-centered, collaborative, and sustainable efforts like social connection, healthcare navigation, housing support, and case management within the foundation’s broader Eastern U.S. footprint.

Nonprofit organizations providing senior services, gerontology, or related patient care may be eligible for funding that can support aging-related programs in Utah and nationwide. The Albert G and Olive H Schlink Foundation prioritizes organizations in Ohio, especially Erie and Huron Counties, but considers all U.S. applicants working in areas like senior services, hospital care, home health, hospice, and residential care.

Nonprofit research organizations conducting applied studies on adults 60+ can seek support for aging and caregiver-focused projects with national or Illinois relevance, including work benefiting Utah. With a mission to improve older adults’ well-being, Retirement Research Foundation provides funding for interventional, translational, and health services or policy research that produces practical guidance for advocates, providers, and policymakers.

U.S.-based nonprofits, government entities, and universities working on systems-level innovations to make aging more affordable for marginalized older adults can seek support for senior services and aging programs, including in Utah. With a mission to promote independence and dignity, Next50 Foundation provides multi-year Changing Aging grants emphasizing equity, innovation, and strong partnerships.

Nonprofit organizations advancing advocacy for adults 60+ through policy change in Utah or nationally can apply for Retirement Research Foundation’s Responsive Grants, with awards of US $10,000 - US $160,000 for non-lobbying activities. Projects should address systemic issues like economic security, health care, or housing and may benefit Utah aging-focused programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing the needs of older adults, including those in Utah, can seek program funding for innovative, collaborative aging services. Friends Foundation for the Aging prioritizes Quaker-aligned groups, underserved populations, grassroots organizations, caregiver support, leadership development, and intergenerational initiatives, with most one-year grants focused on sustainable, replicable programs rather than capital expenses.

With a mission to advance aging and gerontology research, the National Institutes of Health provides Utah research institutions and medical centers with support to establish Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers. Funding strengthens geriatrics research and research education programs that develop knowledge to help maintain or restore independence for older adults, including those served in Utah.

Utah senior services and aging-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through Wallerstein Foundation for projects that help older adults stay healthy, active, and engaged. Grants support specific programs such as adult day care, dementia and stroke-related services, home health and wellness, nutrition, mobility, and limited research on geriatric life improvement across the U.S.

Utah 501(c)(3) organizations serving seniors, youth, or Asian American communities can access funding through JA Community Foundation for projects in senior health and services, history, arts and culture, and youth programs. Grants of US $2,500 - US $50,000 are available nationwide for project-based work, including through fiscal sponsors, but not for ongoing operating costs or individuals.

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

Focused on aging and senior health, the John A Hartford Foundation invites Utah health care leaders to seek scholarships for the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship. Eligible fellows must implement the Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms Framework in their organizations; awards cover US $13,995 in program fees but not travel or other expenses.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations providing senior care, health services, or aging-related human services can apply for the Harry Kramer Memorial Fund’s US $10,000 - US $25,000 grants, including those serving Utah. Funding also supports South Florida education, Israel-focused welfare work, and organizations substantially supported by religious institutions.

Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in Utah providing elder advocacy and care may apply for David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation grants, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $100,000. Programs serving seniors, alongside related efforts in children’s services, environmental conservation, historic preservation, drunk driving prevention, and vision and eye care, may be considered.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing senior services and basic human needs can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $20,000, primarily for programs serving Christians in need. Grants from Keown Robert J TUW support charitable, benevolent, and religious organizations across the U.S., which may benefit Utah groups assisting elderly Christian women and infirm seniors lacking support.

The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research offers the Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarships for doctoral candidates, providing up to $15,000 annually. This scholarship supports students who have completed their coursework and exams, aiming to foster impactful research careers in physical therapy. Applicants may receive a total of $30,000 during their candidacy phase, with a maximum of $45,000 throughout their doctoral program. This initiative prioritizes academic excellence and alignment with APTA research priorities.

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.

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 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.

The Kennecott Charitable Foundation supports vulnerable populations in the Salt Lake Region through grants to local charities and non-profits. By raising funds via visitor fees and contributions from local organizations, the foundation aims to assist those in need, including the poor, homeless, veterans, and seniors. With a focus on underserved communities in Salt Lake and Tooele counties, it emphasizes aid to areas adjacent to Kennecott's operations.

The Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty supports early career investigators in aging research, focusing on -omics studies related to biological aging and age-related diseases. Research areas include genomics, proteomics, and interventions targeting aging. Eligible applicants are independent researchers at U.S. not-for-profit institutions, with 10 years or fewer since their postdoctoral training. The award may cover overhead costs, promoting innovative research in the vital field of gerontology.

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.