By Melissa Pond
In the pursuit of creating environments that cater to all age groups, age-friendly communities emerge as a beacon of inclusivity and well-being. Age-friendly communities aim to create spaces that accommodate the needs of residents across various life stages, with a particular focus on the elderly population. This holistic approach considers accessible infrastructure, social engagement and health services, fostering an environment where individuals can age actively and gracefully within their communities.
Grant funding is an important vehicle for local governments desiring to create and sustain age-friendly communities. These funds empower local governments to enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages.
Tailoring Solutions to Diverse Needs
Grants dedicated to age-friendly communities provide local governments with the flexibility needed to tailor solutions to the diverse needs of their aging population. From implementing age-friendly infrastructure such as accessible sidewalks and public spaces to supporting social programs that combat isolation, these grants empower communities to create environments that promote inclusivity and well-being. Following are a few key areas where grant funding can help.
- Fostering social connections: One key aspect of age-friendly initiatives is the emphasis on fostering social connections. Grants enable local governments to invest in programs and activities that unite residents, creating a sense of community and support. From senior centers to intergenerational activities, these initiatives contribute to the social fabric of communities, enhancing the overall well-being of their residents.
- Supporting age-friendly housing: Ensuring suitable housing for seniors is a cornerstone of age-friendly communities. Grants play a vital role in supporting the development of housing options that cater to the unique needs of older adults. This may include affordable housing, retrofitting existing homes for accessibility, or creating senior living communities that promote independent and active living.
- Building accessible infrastructure and transportation: Age-friendly community grants also address the importance of accessible infrastructure and transportation. From pedestrian-friendly walkways to public transportation that accommodates mobility challenges, these initiatives enhance the overall accessibility of communities, allowing older residents to navigate their surroundings with ease and independence.
- Community engagement for inclusive design: Age-friendly community initiatives thrive on community engagement. Grants facilitate collaborative efforts between local governments, older residents and community organizations to identify needs and co-create solutions. This inclusive design approach ensures programs meet the unique requirements of the aging population while also strengthening community bonds.
Grant Options for Age-Friendly Communities
As local governments embark on the journey to create age-friendly communities, grants emerge as catalysts for change, empowering leaders to implement innovative solutions that enhance the well-being of residents across generations. From fostering social connections to supporting age-friendly housing and accessible infrastructure, these grants play a pivotal role in shaping environments where everyone can thrive, regardless of age.
Several grant options are available to support initiatives focused on creating age-friendly communities. These grants come from various sources, including government agencies, foundations and nonprofit organizations. They include:
- AARP Community Challenge Grant: AARP offers the Community Challenge Grant to fund quick-action projects that improve communities and make them more livable for people of all ages. These projects often focus on public spaces, transportation, housing and more.
- The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF): RRF funds projects that enhance the quality of life for older Americans. Their grant programs support initiatives related to housing, caregiving and community-based services that benefit older adults.
- The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): CDBG grants can support age-friendly community initiatives. Local governments can allocate CDBG funds to projects that enhance housing, infrastructure and public services to benefit older residents.
- Meals on Wheels America: Meals on Wheels has awarded $1.8 million in grants to 96 local senior nutrition providers, benefiting 150,000 older adults across 37 U.S. states and one Canadian province. The grants aim to address the challenges Meals on Wheels programs face in meeting the growing demand for services among the increasing older adult population. The funding, provided by partners like Caesars Foundation and Food Lion Feeds, supports initiatives such as expanding nutrition options, overcoming operational barriers for social connection programs, and fostering collaboration among Meals on Wheels programs. With nearly $4.3 million awarded in 2023, these grants help sustain and expand vital services for seniors.
Before applying for any grant, it’s crucial to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria, application guidelines and deadlines associated with each funding opportunity. Additionally, tailoring proposals to align with each grant program’s specific goals and priorities increases the likelihood of successful funding for age-friendly community initiatives.
About the author
Melissa Pond is a seasoned advocate for community development, with over 15 years of experience in the public sector and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University. In her roles on nonprofit and government executive and advisory boards, as a community development planner, and as an adjunct faculty member, Melissa has gained valuable experience in creating inclusive environments and programs. Through her venture Melissa J Pond LLC, she empowers individuals and organizations in communication, grant writing and more.