Grant awards are a way for the government, and charitable and research organizations to target a specific segment of the population in need of special assistance. Many grants are available to organizations that provide assistance and encouragement to senior citizens.
Affordable Housing
The Mortgage Insurance-Rental Housing for the Elderly program awards grants to mortgage holders who develop adequate and accessible rental properties for senior citizens.
Disabilities
The Capital Assistance Program for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities provides grants to states to encourage programs designed to provide seniors and people with disabilities with access to transportation where public transportation is inadequate to meet their needs.
Volunteer Work
The government's Foster Grandparent Program provides grants for programs that encourage low-income seniors to participate in support staff efforts for special-needs children. Grants go toward stipends and transportation services for the seniors.
Private Grants
There are dozens of foundations that award grants for projects involving seniors or research being conducted for the improvement of seniors' lives. The John A. Hartford Foundation disbursed more than $28 million in grants to organizations specializing in geriatric care and research in 2008. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awarded millions more for similar research and care.
Where to Apply
For information on government-sponsored grants aimed toward seniors, visit http://www.grants.gov and search by category. Information and application guidelines for grants from private foundations usually can be found on each foundation's Web site.
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