Best Grants for Seniors in Wisconsin

Wisconsin senior service and youth-focused nonprofits can access funding through First American Bank’s administration of the Andrew and Alice Fischer Charitable Trust to support education and programs for vulnerable populations. Organizations in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, including parts of Wisconsin, serving seniors, children, veterans, or individuals with special needs may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing senior services, health care, social services, education, or arts access in Wisconsin can seek flexible community funding. Patrick and Anna M Cudahy Fund supports programs such as elderly care, subsidized health and dental services, housing, food assistance, and enrichment opportunities that benefit low-income and aging populations.

Wisconsin Department of Justice

​​​​​The Wisconsin Department of Justice (Wisconsin DOJ) is led by the attorney general, a constitutional officer who is elected by partisan ballot to a four-year term. Public safety is the core of Wisconsin DOJ's mission. The main duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Providing legal advice and representation for the State of Wisconsin
• Investigating crimes that are statewide in nature, importance, or influence
• Providing technical assistance and training to law enforcement officers and prosecutors
• Assisting victims of crime in exercising their rights and accessing services
• Providing forensic analysis of evidence in criminal cases
• Promoting safe school environment​s​

JAG Elder Justice Continuation Project

Funding Announcement Description

Through this grant announcement, DOJ is seeking an application from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to continue ongoing support for the Wisconsin Elder Justice Coalition, Financial Abuse Specialist Teams, Elder Death Review Teams, and support training efforts for professionals that enhance their ability to address elder abuse.

Opportunity Category: Non-Competitive

Eligibility is limited to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Focused on improving life for older adults and people with disabilities, the Trillium Foundation invites Wisconsin 501(c)(3) and other IRS-recognized nonprofits to apply for program support. Organizations serving seniors, veterans, and underserved communities may receive funding for services that enhance quality of life beyond what public programs typically cover.

Wisconsin Department of Justice

​​​​​The Wisconsin Department of Justice (Wisconsin DOJ) is led by the attorney general, a constitutional officer who is elected by partisan ballot to a four-year term. Public safety is the core of Wisconsin DOJ's mission. The main duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Providing legal advice and representation for the State of Wisconsin
• Investigating crimes that are statewide in nature, importance, or influence
• Providing technical assistance and training to law enforcement officers and prosecutors
• Assisting victims of crime in exercising their rights and accessing services
• Providing forensic analysis of evidence in criminal cases
• Promoting safe school environment​s​

JAG Elder Justice Continuation Project

Description

The Wisconsin Department of Justice will continue supporting the Wisconsin Elder Justice Coalition. This statewide initiative enhances coordination of services, increases public awareness, and supports the formation of Financial Abuse Specialist Teams (FAST) and Elder Death Review Teams. The proposed funding will sustain key positions, technical assistance, and training infrastructure.

Opportunity Category: Non-Competitive

The Wisconsin Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Programs, is the only eligible applicant.

Nonprofit organizations advancing advocacy projects for adults 60 and older in Wisconsin or nationwide can apply for Retirement Research Foundation’s Responsive Advocacy Grants, with awards from US $10,000 - US $160,000 to support policy-change efforts. Eligible projects must focus on systemic issues affecting older Americans and keep RRF-funded advocacy activities clearly separate from any lobbying.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations providing senior services in Wisconsin can apply for grants supporting housing access, aging in place, health and mental health care, food security, legal assistance, and community engagement. Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation’s Kott Memorial Charitable Trust also backs educational internships, caregiver and nursing training, research, and capacity building for agencies serving older adults.

With a mission to advance aging science, the National Institutes of Health provides Wisconsin senior-services and gerontology research programs with support to establish Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers. Academic or research institutions conducting geriatrics research that promotes independence for older adults may be eligible to apply when the upcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity is released.

Nonprofit research organizations conducting applied studies on adults 60+ can seek support for projects with national impact or specific relevance to Wisconsin and Illinois. With a mission to improve the lives of older adults, Retirement Research Foundation provides funding for interventional trials, translational studies, and health services or policy research that includes strong dissemination plans.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing the needs of older adults in Wisconsin can access program funding through Friends Foundation for the Aging, which prioritizes innovative, collaborative senior services. Grants mainly support aging-related programs, especially for underserved populations, and may benefit organizations focused on healthy aging, caregiver support, and intergenerational initiatives.

Nonprofits, government entities, and universities supporting marginalized older adults with systems-level innovations can seek Changing Aging grants to improve economic well-being and make aging more affordable in Wisconsin and nationwide. With a mission to promote independence and dignity for aging populations, Next50 Foundation prioritizes efforts ending ageism, advancing digital equity, and supporting aging in place through collaborative, innovative 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

Wisconsin hospital and health system leaders focused on senior care and aging services can access scholarship support to join the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship, implementing the Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms Framework. The John A Hartford Foundation covers US $13,995 in program fees for selected Age-Friendly Fellows working to improve care for older adults.

Wisconsin senior services and aging-focused nonprofits can apply for Leonard Litz Foundation’s SilverConnect funding to strengthen programs for LGBTQ+ older adults. The program supports initiatives like social connection, healthcare navigation, housing support, case management, and community gatherings that improve dignity, safety, inclusion, and long-term organizational capacity for LGBTQ+ elders across the Eastern U.S.

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

Nonprofit organizations providing senior services, aging support, or related health and residential care can seek funding for programs benefiting older adults, including those in Wisconsin. The Albert G and Olive H Schlink Foundation supports disability care, mental health, addiction treatment, hospital and home health care, hospice, vision services, and nursing or residential care, with special consideration for Ohio-based work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving seniors and older adults in Wisconsin can seek project funding from the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. With a mission to strengthen local communities, the foundation provides support for senior services, health and wellness, and related community programs within its Wisconsin and Menominee County, Michigan service areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin communities served by Wisconsin Public Service that provide senior services, health and human services, or aging-related programs can seek project or capital support. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation funds initiatives in community development, health, education, environment, and arts that may benefit older adults.

Wisconsin nonprofits serving seniors, youth, or Japanese American and broader Asian American communities can access funding through JA Community Foundation for time-limited programs and projects, not ongoing operations. 501(c)(3) organizations, including those using a fiscal sponsor, may be eligible for awards of US $2,500 - US $50,000, with current grantees waiting until existing grants close.

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 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.

Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations providing senior services, vision care, children’s services, environmental conservation, historic preservation, or drunk driving prevention programs, including those serving Wisconsin, can apply for the David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation’s grants; awards US $5,000 - US $100,000 for impactful projects. Priority is given to organizations conducting activities in Utah.

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 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 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.

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 Harry Kramer Memorial Fund Grant supports U.S. charitable organizations that assist individuals and institutions in Israel, focusing on welfare, healthcare for the sick and aged, and education in South Florida. Founded by Harry A. Kramer, a successful entrepreneur and veteran, the fund reflects his deep commitment to charitable causes. Organizations must qualify under Section 501(c)(3) and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply for funding, ensuring that aid reaches those in need.