Community Supports for Rural Aging in Place and Independent Living – Funding & Opportunities

Administration for Community Living Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I
Funding for research and/or development that improves the abilities of individuals with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the community, with an emphasis on community living and participation, health and function, and employment. The program places particular emphasis on helping women, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, and applicants from underrepresented or rural areas compete in the Small Business Innovation Research program.

National Community Care Corps Local Models Program Inactive
Funding for innovative local models in which volunteers assist family caregivers, older adults, and adults with disabilities to help individuals maintain their independence and age in place. The program intends to fund local models that represent a diverse cross section of the United States in terms of geography; urban, rural, frontier, and tribal communities; and underserved and limited English-speaking populations.

Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants Inactive
Grants to nonprofit organizations that provide services to improve the daily lives of people with paralysis and their caregivers. Projects and initiatives should foster inclusion, community engagement, and health and wellness.

Senior Corps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Inactive
Funding to develop and support Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) projects for volunteers 55 years and older in serving specific local and community needs. Applications from rural communities are encouraged.

Changing Aging Grants Inactive
Grants for systems-level and programmatic innovations in the areas of ending ageism, advancing digital equity, and supporting aging in place. Rural and other underserved populations/communities are considered a program priority.

The John A. Hartford Foundation Business Innovation Award Inactive
Monetary award for community-based organizations (CBOs) to recognize partnerships with healthcare entities that improve health outcomes and quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, and/or caregivers.

AARP Community Challenge Inactive
Grants for projects that work to improve livability for all residents of a community. The 2023 application cycle will focus on public spaces; housing; transportation; civic engagement; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital connections; community health; and economic empowerment, among others. Applications from rural communities are encouraged.

Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program Inactive
Grants to educate and train the primary care and geriatrics workforces to provide age-friendly and dementia-friendly care in integrated geriatrics and primary care sites/delivery systems and maximize patient and family engagement to address care gaps and improve health outcomes for older adults. Proposals that benefit older adults in rural, tribal, or other underserved communities/populations are a priority.

AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program Replacement and Expansion Opportunity Inactive
Program that engages adults age 55 and over to provide companionship and support to other adults in need of extra assistance to remain at home or in the community for as long as possible. Volunteers provide companionship to ease loneliness and social isolation, assisting with transportation and light chores, helping to serve as eyes and ears to professionals who can intervene in the case of medical or other deterioration on the part of the clients, and giving support to informal caregivers. Priority states and territories are listed in Appendix A of the application instructions.

Innovations in Alzheimer's Caregiving Awards Program Inactive
A monetary award for programs or projects that focus on supporting family and informal caregivers of adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, including projects that focus on rural and low-income communities.