Changing Aging

Supporting economic well-being for older adults and the organizations that serve them through systems-level and programmatic innovations.

General Guidance

Changing Aging grants are designed to support economic opportunities for older adults and the organizations that serve them through systems-level and programmatic innovations in Next50’s three priority areas: ending ageism, advancing digital equity, and supporting aging in place.

Next50 seeks to support a wide range of initiatives including research, start-ups, pilot projects, direct services, policy, and more.

Applicants will be required to incorporate an aspect of advancing equity for marginalized and/or geographically underserved communities and applications will be strengthened by collaborative efforts across nonprofits or sectors.

In addition, applicants will be required to demonstrate innovation by showing 1) how novel the project is and 2) if it is more effective, efficient, sustainable, or just than existing solutions. 

The Changing Aging application will be open July 1 – 31, 2024. Please carefully read updated guidelines below.

WHo Can Apply?

We will accept applications from nonprofit entities serving marginalized older adults organized under sections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) of the IRS code that are in good standing. Government entities and Universities are also eligible for funding.

What Will Next50 consider funding?

Next50 will support a wide range of initiatives including research, start-ups, pilot projects, direct services, and more.

Applicants are required demonstrate the advancement of equity for marginalized and/or geographically underserved communities. Learn more about our commitment to equity and priority populations.

Requesting organizations will be asked to demonstrate how they support older adults through their work in one or more of our priority areas:

  1. Ending Ageism
  2. Advancing Digital Equity
  3. Supporting Aging in Place

Applications will be strengthened by collaborative efforts across nonprofits or sectors. 

In addition, applicants will be required to demonstrate innovation by showing:

  1. How novel the project is
  2. If it is more effective, efficient, sustainable, or just than existing solutions  

What will not be funded?

  • LLCs or for-profit organizations (We do not accept applications from for-profit organizations under a non-profit fiscal sponsor)
  • Requests that duplicate state or federal funding including Medicare and Medicaid.
  • Requests for matching state or federal funding.
  • Lobbying, political campaigns, and requests to support a specific political position.
  • Fundraising and general event sponsorships
  • Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations (as classified by IRS form 990, Schedule A, Part 1)
  • Laboratory research*

*Next50 does not support basic science (wet lab) research. Wet-lab research includes projects where drugs, chemicals, and other types of biological matter are analyzed and/or tested. Next50 can and will support pilot projects, feasibility studies, and needs assessments that are research-based. These types of research activities are often necessary precursors to establish viability for the implementation of various innovations.

    How much can an organization request?

      While there is no maximum request amount for this grant opportunity, we ask that organizations request only what they need, and require a phone call with Next50 staff for any request over $150,000 per year. We will accept grant requests for 1-3 years, however, please note that limited funds are available for multi-year requests. Grantmaking is competitive and partial funding may be awarded. Email info@next50foundation.org to schedule before July 19, 2024.

      Important note: Next50 prohibits the assessment of a Gift Tax or Investment Fee assigned by grantees.

      Can I request multi-year funding?

      Yes. Organizations may apply for up to three years of Changing Aging funding. Requests for multi-year funding must clearly explain how each year of funding requested will build upon the last. Limited funds are available for multi-year requests.

      Does applying for this funding opportunity exclude an organization from applying for other funding opportunities?

      Organizations may apply for multiple funding opportunities but cannot be funded in more than one opportunity with the exception of Sudden & Urgent Need Grants. If your organization received a Colorado Organizational Resiliency grant in 2024 you are not eligible to receive a Changing Aging grant.

      Organizations may submit only one application for Changing Aging.

      Do I need to talk with Next50 before applying?

      Organizations requesting more than $150,000 per year are required to speak with a Next50 staff member, however any applicant is welcome to schedule a 15-minute discovery call. Email info@next50foundation.org to schedule before July 19, 2024.

      Are Fiscal Sponsors allowed?

      Yes. Next50 will allow organizations to apply through a fiscal sponsor. A fiscal sponsor is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides fiduciary oversight, financial management, and other grant administrative services. A fiscal sponsor is held legally responsible for the management of grant funds and the obligations of the grant.

      The fiscal sponsor must have a formal relationship with the entity carrying out grant activities and be able to exercise control over grant activities. Next50 requires that the fiscal sponsor have a contractual relationship with the grant project partner and must possess a mission that clearly aligns with the activities of the grant.

      Financial Audit Requirement

      Nonprofits that have not yet completed an external audit or those with an audit older than 12/31/2021 will be limited to funding requests of $30,000 or less.

      Nonprofits with an annual operating budget of $500,000 or less are eligible to request more than $30,000 but must submit an external Financial Review or Compilation in place of an audit.

      Application information

      In 2024, we have introduced a two-stage application process, aiming to enhance the efficiency and benefit for both applicants and Next50.

      Stage One:

      In the first stage, grant seekers will fill out a concise application within our online grants management system. Applicants will be asked to provide a brief overview of how the requested funds will be used to change aging through innovative solutions aligning with one or more of Next50’s priority areas, showcase the organization’s dedication to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and emphasize its focus on supporting marginalized older adults, as well as highlight any partnerships that may be a part of the project or request. After reviewing the applications, Next50 will notify applicants via email, either declining their request or extending an invitation to advance to the next stage of the review process.

      Applicants will be required to submit the following documents in Stage One:

      • IRS Determination Letter – required for all 501(c)(3) organizations.
      • Certificate of Good Standing
      • Non-discrimination Policy
      • Complete Form 990, including Schedule B
      • Current list of Board of Directors/Trustees and affiliations (required for 501(c)(3) organizations)
      • Fiscal Sponsor Agreement – if applicable

      Next50 will notify applicants by email in late summer either declining their request or extending an invitation to advance to the next stage of the review process.

      Stage Two:

      The second stage of the evaluation process will be exclusively offered to applicants that best align with Changing Aging guidelines. This stage involves a virtual conversation with a staff reviewer providing an opportunity for a more in-depth discussion about the organization’s funding needs. Applicants invited to schedule a virtual conversation will be asked to submit financial documents and other necessary attachments (see more information below). It’s important to note that not all applicants will be invited for a virtual conversation, and participation does not guarantee funding. Some applicants who participate in a virtual conversation will not receive funding.

      Applicants invited to Stage Two and schedule a virtual conversation will also be required to submit financial documents and other necessary attachments listed below:

      • Most recent Financial Audit (for request amounts greater than $30,000)
      • Current Statement of Activities, year-to-date (Profit and Loss Statement) dated within 90 days
      • Current Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) dated within 90 days
      • Prior fiscal year Statement of Activities, full year (Profit and Loss Statement)
      • Prior fiscal year Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet)
      • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Letter of Commitment from any named partners.
      • Fiscal Sponsor Audit/Financial Review or Compilation (if applicable)

      Not all applicants will be invited for a virtual conversation, and participation does not guarantee funding. Some applicants who participate in Stage Two will not receive funding.

      A Microsoft Word version of the application will be available in June

      APPLICATION EVALUATION

      At Next50, language matters. We are intentional with the words we use when talking about aging and efforts to combat age discrimination. As such, we encourage organizations seeking funding to understand and use age-inclusive language in grant applications and reports. We have some suggested resources from Changing the Narrative and the American Society on Aging.

      We anticipate a large volume of applications. Grant requests will be evaluated using multiple criteria, including but not limited to:

      01 – Connection to Marginalized Older Adults

      Requesting organizations must demonstrate a focus on serving marginalized older populations. Marginalized refers to the systematic social, economic, and political exclusion or disadvantage faced by individuals or groups, particularly those with intersectional identities. Please refer to our list of priority populations.  Applicants who demonstrate a strong understanding of the intersectional identities of the older adults they serve, and actively work to dismantle systemic barriers to access, will be prioritized.

      02 – Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 

      Applicants must clearly demonstrate the organization’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, including staff and leadership diversity as well as thoughtful and intentional efforts to understand and promote equitable and inclusive values as an organization.

      03 – Alignment to Priority Areas

      Applicants will be asked to briefly describe how their work with older adults aligns with one or more of Next50’s priority areas: ending ageism, advancing digital equity, and supporting aging in place.

      04 – Innovation

      Applicants must articulate how their request is innovative by explaining 1) how novel the project is and 2) if it is more effective, efficient, sustainable, or just than existing solutions. 

      05 – Partnership

      Applications will be strengthened by meaningful partnerships that will contribute to the grant’s ultimate impact on changing aging. Partners may be other non-profits or may include cross-sector collaborations. Applicants will be asked to provide an MOU or Letter of Commitment from any named partners during Stage Two of the application process. Ideally, named partners will be present during the Stage Two virtual conversation as applicable.

      06 – Need For Funds

      Applicants must clearly describe their organization’s financial need for requested funds. Because we expect to receive more applications than we will be able to fund, we will consider both an organization’s need for funding and its financial sustainability. If you have significant cash reserves or a budget surplus, please explain why the requested funds are needed. Similarly, if you have low cash reserves or a budget deficit, please share how the requested funds will help improve financial sustainability and/or how you plan to improve your financial position.

      07 – Thoroughness and Timeliness of Submission

      Grant seekers must submit all grant materials on time to be considered for funding. All attached documents must be readable in the submitted format. Applicants must not submit password-protected documents as these cannot be opened or considered. If invited to Stage Two of the application process, applicants must submit the required documents and complete the virtual conversation within the allotted timeframe.

      Requirements of Grantees

      If selected for funding, the grantee will be expected to agree to Next50’s grant agreement. Please review this agreement before applying as it addresses Next50’s requirements for reporting, publicity, intellectual property, and other performance-related obligations. Modifications or adjustments to the grant agreement will not be accepted.

        Grant Portal Information

        Next50 transitioned to the Fluxx portal in May 2023.

        Everyone will need to register or create an account in our new system if you have not done so, please click here to complete your registration. Once registered you will have access to the application. *Please note that registration can take up to two business days, register early in advance of the opening of the application on July 1, 2024.

        Visit our Grant Portal Resource page for additional instructions.

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