A practical guide to grants for senior services and aging programs, federal ACL funding, Older Americans Act, foundations, and how to compete for funding.
Organizations serving older adults have a substantial federal funding base through the Administration for Community Living, plus state Aging Networks, foundations, and corporate funders. The aging field is growing fast as demographics shift.
TL;DR: Quick Answers
- Who funds senior services? ACL, state Aging Networks, HRSA, CMS, foundations (Hartford, Rita Allen, Atlantic), corporate giving.
- Who can apply? Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers, nonprofits, FQHCs, tribal organizations, universities, hospitals.
- What gets funded? Nutrition, transportation, caregiver support, evidence-based health programs, falls prevention, social engagement, technology, workforce.
- What’s the biggest opportunity? Older Americans Act programs flowing through state Aging Networks, plus major aging foundations.
Federal Funding
Administration for Community Living (ACL). Older Americans Act Title III programs, ADRC/No Wrong Door funding, SHIP, SMP, lifespan respite, Alzheimer’s programs.
HRSA for community health workforce serving older adults.
CMS for various Medicare- and Medicaid-related programs, often via state agencies.
VA for veteran caregivers and older veteran services.
State and Local Aging Networks
OAA funding flows through state units on aging and Area Agencies on Aging. Subscribe to your state’s notifications and engage your AAA. Many cities and counties also fund local aging programs.
Foundation Funders
- The John A. Hartford Foundation (largest aging-focused funder).
- Atlantic Philanthropies historically.
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (aging and caregiving).
- AARP Foundation.
- Tufts Health Plan Foundation, SCAN Foundation, Archstone Foundation (regional).
- Health conversion foundations.
- Community foundations.
Corporate Funders
- Healthcare and pharmacy chains.
- Insurance (especially Medicare Advantage carriers).
- Local employers in senior-rich communities.
What Gets Funded
- Nutrition (congregate meals, home-delivered meals).
- Transportation.
- Caregiver support.
- Evidence-based health promotion (CDSME, falls prevention, A Matter of Balance).
- Senior centers and social engagement.
- Technology and digital literacy.
- Elder rights and APS.
- Dementia care and memory programs.
- Workforce (direct care, geriatricians).
Tips for a Competitive Application
- Coordinate with your AAA and state unit on aging.
- Use evidence-based programs where applicable.
- Address equity for underserved older adult populations.
- Center consumer voice and choice (a core ACL principle).
- Show data from ACS, AAA service data, state LTSS data.
How Grantboost Helps
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Read next:
- ACL Grants: A Guide to Administration for Community Living Funding
- HRSA Grants: A Guide to Health Resources and Services Administration Funding
- Health Conversion Foundations
Further Reading
- Administration for Community Living
- Older Americans Act programs (ACL)
- AARP Foundation
- Grants.gov (federal funding portal)
- Wikipedia: Older Americans Act
Disclaimer: Grant programs, eligibility rules, deadlines, and policies vary by region and change frequently. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current rules in your area. Always consult a local grant writer or qualified expert in your region for advice specific to your organization, project, and jurisdiction.