DENVER, Colo. – Next50 Initiative today announced $2.9 million in grants to 65 organizations across Colorado that are working to improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers. The organizations are located all over the state, from Montezuma to Routt to Custer counties and from Metro Denver to Grand Junction to Pueblo.
Flexible Support Funding is designed to increase or sustain an organization’s capacity to serve older adults with a trust-based approach, a simple application process, and minimal reporting.
This year, Flexible Support funding was available only to organizations located and operating in Colorado. In all, Next50 Initiative received 238 requests for $18 million—six times the funds available.
“The strong response to our request for proposals demonstrates the great need for additional funding to support older adults and caregivers in Colorado,” said Chandra Matthews, Director of Programs at Next50 Initiative. “We designed Flexible Support grants to allow organizations to request the type of support they most need to meet the evolving needs of older people in their communities, and it’s clear to us that the need for this type of funding is high.”
The organizations that received funds serve older adults in a variety of categories including caregiver support, community life, elder justice, health, housing, multi-generational support, social services, technology, transportation, and workforce/employment.
A sample of the projects supported with Flexible Support Funding include:
Southwest Improvement Council – The $100,000 grant will be used to offer tech and computer programming for older adults, increase food bank offerings, and expand community outreach. The organization, based in Denver, serves a diverse population.
Westside CARES – Based in Colorado Springs, Westside CARES provides housing and other services to those experiencing homelessness. The $30,000 grant will support hiring a director of housing navigation and seasonal contractors to work with older adults who are tenuously housed or unhoused.
Mountain Family Center – This Granby-based organization will use its $15,000 grant to help purchase a vehicle needed to transport older adults to medical appointments, community meals, tax services, and more. A portion of funding will also support programming.
Northwest Colorado Center for Independence – Serving older adults in Routt and Moffat counties, the Northwest Colorado Center for Independence will use its $50,000 grant to expand its work supporting individuals with disabilities to live independent lives.
The Joseph Center– The $30,000 grant from Next50 Initiative will support operations at The Joseph Center, which provides shelter and support services to unhoused women over age 50. The Joseph Center is located in Grand Junction.
La Veta Village, Inc. – Located in La Veta and the only assisted living community in a 60-mile radius, La Veta Village will use its $30,000 grant to support general operating costs.
Boulder Food Rescue – Boulder Food Rescue distributes food via bicycle to older adults with food security issues. The $27,000 grant from Next50 will support the delivery of 250,000 pounds of food to more than 900 older adults.
About Next50 Initiative
Next50 Initiative is a Colorado-based, national foundation supporting efforts to improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers. The foundation works with community leaders, experts in the field of aging, and front-line professionals to support programs and projects that positively impact aging and longevity. They focus on learning, sharing best practices, and supporting innovation that will transform aging for generations to come. In 2022, Next50 Initiative awarded grants totaling $8.2 million. To learn more, visit www.Next50Foundation.org.
English 
Español de México