Small Grants Program: Capital Grants - Aging

Small Grants Program

Through the Small Grants Program (SGP), the Foundation supports nonprofits with a streamlined grant application and review process. Grants awarded under this program — operating, program, or capital — must still align with the Foundation’s strategic priorities in the areas of Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, or Aging. The maximum Small Grant amount is $50,000 over two years.

Aging

All individuals deserve to age with respect and dignity, with the support they need to thrive. Older adults often face unique social, physical, and economic challenges that can undermine their health and quality of life, as well as their ability to remain in their homes and connected with their community.

Priorities

• Safe and Accessible Homes: The Foundation supports projects that enable older adults to live in their home safely and comfortably and maintain their independence. Projects must consider an individual’s goals and living situation and incorporate supportive services tailored to the needs of older adults.
  • Examples of appropriate projects:
  • Home modification and repair programs that also deliver a variety of other services, such as occupational therapy and case management.
  • Programs that focus on health and overall well-being to prevent hospitalization and institutionalization.
• Aging in Community: The Foundation supports efforts to foster the best quality of life possible for older adults. Projects must connect older adults with a range of services that help them age independently and stay active and engaged in their community.
  • Examples of appropriate projects:
  • Affordable housing with services that allow residents to age independently.
  • Housing communities and services that foster a supportive environment for individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer.
  • Coordinated, comprehensive medical and social services that allow individuals eligible for nursing homes to remain in their community.
  • Shelters and comprehensive services for individuals fleeing physical, mental, economic, and sexual abuse.

Capital Grants

Capital grants fund the purchase, construction, and/or renovation of a building; the purchase of major equipment; home modifications for low-income homeowners; and select technology projects.

To qualify for capital grant consideration, the proposed project must meet the following criteria:

• Specific, confirmed plans, including value-engineered drawings and confirmed total project costs.
• At least 50% of project costs have been raised (either pledged or received).
• Direct services provided as a result of the project should align with the Foundation’s funding priorities in its focus areas of Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, and Aging.

The Foundation’s charter also sets a threshold for the total funding that it can provide to any one capital project at a maximum of 30%. However, grants are often approved for lower amounts.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• The geographic focus areas are Baltimore, Hawaiʻi, New York City, Northeastern Pennsylvania, and San Francisco, as well as rural areas near these priority communities.
• Organizations are eligible to apply if they:
  • are a nonprofit with 501(c)(3), tax-exempt status;
  • provide direct services to low-income individuals and communities;
  • have two years of 990;
  • have two years of audited financial statements or external financial reviews; and
  • have at least one year of program outcomes.

Ineligibility

• The Foundation does not fund the following interests/entities:
  • Individuals
  • Arts and culture
  • Postsecondary scholarships
  • Debt reduction
  • Colleges and universities
  • Religious institutions and facilities (including churches, congregations, mosques, synagogues, and temples)
  • Think tanks
  • Endowments
  • Political action groups
  • Annual appeals (in most cases)
  • Publications
  • Academic or health research
  • Fundraising events