Changing Aging

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

all changing aging applications must:

Make aging more affordable through systems-level change.

Next50 views systems change as a process aimed at transforming the structures, policies, practices, power dynamics, and norms within organizations, communities, or larger social structures. The goal is to achieve long-term, sustainable improvements for individuals, families, and communities. This approach focuses on addressing the root causes of systemic issues – such as inequality, oppression, or inefficiency – rather than merely alleviating the symptoms. That is why Changing Aging applications require a demonstration of working towards systems change.

Key Aspects of Systems Change

Holistic Perspective: Individuals are embedded within multiple interconnected systems, such as families, communities, institutions, and broader societal structures. Systems change works to target these interconnected layers in the pursuit of far-reaching impact.
Structural and Policy Transformation: Laws, policies, and institutional practices often perpetuate inequities or create barriers to access and well-being. Systems change involves advocating for changes to and within these larger structures.
Collaboration and Partnership: Collaboration between organizations, policymakers, community leaders, and/or individuals can achieve more than the work of just one of these facets alone. Systems change relies on these diverse partnerships to ensure inclusive and sustainable solutions to the greater issues.

Align with one or more of Next50’s priority areas.

Focus on, prioritize and directly impact one or more of Next50’s mission-aligned populations.

Incorporate innovation via strategies that are new or novel or go beyond existing solutions to increase organizational or systemic effectiveness, equity, efficiency, or sustainability.

Engage in partnership: We believe that partnership is critical in our goal of changing systems. Complex social, economic, and environmental challenges often exceed the capacity of any single organization or sector to address effectively on their own. Partnerships are the foundation of systems change. They combine strengths, build consensus, and tackle the interwoven challenges that individual efforts alone cannot solve. That is why all Changing Aging applications must demonstrate partnership with other organizations.

Organizations can apply for funding for up to 3 years. Multi-year funding will only be awarded when it is clear that subsequent year(s) will build upon the initiatives of the last. Limited funds are available for multi-year requests.

APPLICATION EVALUATION

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 – Improving economic well-being for older adults

Applicants must demonstrate how the work of their proposed grant contributes to the economic well-being of the older adults they serve.

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.

06 – Need For Funds

Applicants must clearly describe their organization’s financial need for requested funds. 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.

Requirements of Grantees

Before applying for funding, all potential grantees are required to affirm that they reviewed Next50’s Grant Agreement, as it addresses Next50’s requirements with respect to reporting, publicity, intellectual property, and other performance-related obligations.

Additionally, all applicants will be required to affirm that they have the authority to enter into a binding agreement with Next50, without any modifications to the agreement.

If selected for funding, the grantee will be expected to agree to Next50’s grant agreement in its entirety. Modifications or adjustments to the grant agreement will not be accepted.

Reporting Requirements: Grantees are required to participate in an interim Check-In Call with their Community Impact Manager every six months for the duration of the grant and complete a final Oral Report after the grant concludes.

2026 Grant Calendar

Applications are accepted by invitation only and are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Application Due Date	January 8, 2026	April 2, 2026	July 2, 2026
Funding Decision	Mid-March	Mid-June	Mid-September

Think your organization might be a candidate for funding?

• 2026 funding is available by invitation only.

• All interested organizations are invited to schedule a call with a Next50 Community Impact Manager to discuss our opportunities.

• Complete the form below to request a meeting with a Community Impact Manager.

Schedule a Meeting

Interested in talking with a Next50 staff member? Complete this form to request a meeting. Once we have processed your request we will send you an email. We typically respond to requests within three business days. Please note: This form is exclusively for legitimate meeting requests. Unsolicited sales pitches, business solicitations, or marketing communications are strictly prohibited. Submissions containing such content will be immediately disregarded.

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