Thome Aging Well Program

A four-year, $19 million program funded by the Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation (Bank of America trustee) to help older adults living in affordable communities age safely and securely at home.

Geographic Scope: Maryland and Michigan

Focus Areas:

• Aging-in-place initiatives with proven track records
• Wellness programs and in-home services
• Programs supporting lower-income older adults (aged 55+)
• Physical, mental, and financial health improvements
• Reducing isolation and allowing residents to age with dignity at home
• Priority on organizations serving communities experiencing persistent health inequities

Eligible Applicants:

• Housing operators
• Public housing authorities
• Nonprofit housing organizations
• CDCs and CHDOs (in later phases)

What They Fund:

• Scaling aging-in-place initiatives with track records of success
• Wellness and fitness programs
• Case management services
• Health programming (medical visits, nutrition support, therapy services)
• Home-based assistance with daily living activities
• Technology solutions for health tracking
• Substance misuse and mental health programs
• Food security initiatives
• Community building activities
• Transportation programs

Grant Awards: 2022 round awarded $4 million to 16 recipients ($190,000-$300,000 each); 2023 round awarded $6 million

Additional Support:

• Multi-year learning collaborative with other grantees
• Up to 15 hours of in-kind technical assistance from third-party evaluation firm
• Networking opportunities with funders
• Best practices shared across affordable and public housing field

Timeline: A second round of innovation grants expected in early 2023; multiple grant phases conducted over four years