AARP Foundation announced the launch of a new grant program to help fund projects focused on helping vulnerable Americans meet their basic every day needs, including, food, housing, income and personal connections.
The goal of the $2 million in grants is to support a diverse range of projects that seek to provide long-term, sustainable solutions to challenges faced by lower income adults over the age of 50. The projects receiving grant money may range from basic education to interventions led by organizations with the ability to address the social and behavioral aspects of these challenges.
Hunger, housing, income and personal connections are basic needs that, particularly in these tough economic times, are often difficult for vulnerable older Americans to meet,” said AARP Foundation President Jo Ann Jenkins. “This grant program will help build our knowledge base, conquer these solvable issues and ultimately help older people who are struggling live with hope, dignity and security.”
One half of the $2 million in grant funds will be dedicated to projects that focus on sustainable solutions that address community food security and food systems for those 50 and older. The Hunger Innovation Grants Program will award amounts ranging from $50,000 to $300,000, depending on the scope and size of the project.
The other half of the grant funds is dedicated to a Recession Recovery Grants Initiative. These funds will focus on programs that help protect families from severe financial instability. These services might include education and training services to upgrade employment skills or increasing access to benefits that help obtain employment. The grants awarded will range from $50,000 to $200,000 on projects that will be administered over one to two years.
“The current economic uncertainty has left many older Americans concerned about making ends meet,” said Phyllis L. Kim, AARP Foundation senior vice president, Office of Grants Administration. “AARP Foundation is already in communities across the country helping vulnerable Americans with direct services, but we believe strongly that we must also invest in long-term solutions. We look forward to working with innovative grantees who share our goals so that together, we can seed hope for older Americans who are struggling.”
