AARP Foundation

OVERVIEW: The AARP Foundation works to support health, mental health, food systems and economic opportunity for Americans aged 50 and up.

IP TAKE: The AARP Foundation makes millions in grants each year to organizations working to improve the lives of people over the age of 50 in the U.S. A major funder of aging grants, typical grantees are often local chapters of AARP and large national nonprofits working with the elderly. However, small, local organizations serving seniors have also received support in this competitive space. AARP posts RFPs for specific funding projects, so grantseekers that are not local AARP chapters will need to stay vigilant for funding opportunities. Sign up for the distribution list here to keep up with the latest. Note that despite have multiple focus areas, all funding invests in the elderly.

PROFILE: The AARP Foundation is the philanthropic arm of AARP (the American Association of Retired Persons), the well-known paid-membership group for those aged 50 and up. The foundation’s mission is to advance “effective solutions to reduce poverty for and with older adults.” The foundation’s current grantmaking focuses on Generating Income, Gaining Access to Benefits and Securing Tax Refunds for older adults in the U.S. Grantmaking currently prioritizes 22 states and territories with “high rates of senior poverty.” See a map of targeted areas here.

Grants for Housing and Economic Development

AARP’s grantmaking focuses on programs and initiatives that help older adults maintain financial stability through income, benefits and tax credits

Grants for Generating Income prioritize programs that help older people acquire relevant skills for employment.
In the area of Benefits, AARP targets initiatives that help low-income elders access and offset the financial burdens of health care, housing and food.
Grants for Tax Refunds and Credits support efforts for tax preparation and applications for relief that is tailored to the needs and benefits of older adults.
Grantees include the Center for Women and Enterprise’s Work for Yourself@50+ program, Florida’s Areawide Council on Aging of Broward County, the Accounting Aid Society and the United Way of Orange County’s Free Tax Prep Program.

Grants for Public Health, Mental Health, and Food Security

Past AARP giving has focused on the health and mental health of older people in the U.S. In Massachusetts, the foundation supported Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, which used funding for its nutrition and health education outreach programs. Other grantees include the New York State Department of Health, the California Association of Foodbanks and the Texas Health Resources Foundation..

Important Grant Details:

The AARP Foundation’s grants range from about $120,000 to $200,000. Grants tend to support large national organizations and affiliates of AARP, but smaller organizations have received funding on occasion.

This funder’s areas of focus change often to respond to timely needs of older adults in the U.S.
The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, but issues calls for proposals for areas of interest. Stay informed about new opportunities by signing up for the Grant Opportunities Distribution List.
For additional information about past giving, see the AARP Foundation’s grants database.

General inquiries may be submitted to the foundation via email at giving@aarp.org. The foundation’s telephone number is (202) 434-2289.

PEOPLE:

Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).

LINKS: