sudden and urgent need (SUN)

Providing small, Colorado-based organizations serving marginalized older adults with one-time funding to address sudden and urgent needs.

SUN Grants

Up to $30K, are available to Colorado-based nonprofits organized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code that are in good standing in Colorado and serving marginalized older adults. Organizational budget must be $1 million or less.

Government entities and universities are not eligible for SUN grants.

SUN funding is available for efforts such as:

An organization providing mobile technology training for low-income older adults in a rural area has an unexpected issue that has arisen with their mobile training vehicle and needs a replacement part to be able to continue providing services.

A small organization providing a financial boot-straps course for low-income older adults has a water leak in their building and must shut down classes until the leak is fixed.

A small organization serving older adults in rural Colorado receives unexpected notice that its lease will not be renewed, requiring sudden legal and moving expenses to secure new space and maintain operations without disruption.

SUN funding is NOT available for:

General operating or ongoing program costs

Support for annual, anticipated expenses such as an audit

Personnel costs or consultant fees unless directly related to the implementation of a one-time, time-sensitive need that fits within the SUN Grant guidelines

Expansion of service area and/or population

Membership Dues

Indirect costs

Organization endowments and fundraising ventures

Routine convening/event, travel (e.g. quarterly or annual meetings, regular staff travel)

Requests that involve payment or reimbursement of individual medical bills, rent assistance, mortgage assistance, and household utility bills.

Lobbying, political campaigns, and projects to support a specific political position

Fundraising and general event sponsorships, student or fellow tuition costs

Supporting foundations that support a single non-profit with an operating budget exceeding $1MM.

SUN applications must:

Describe the organization’s connection to and work with one or more of Next50’s mission-aligned populations.

Describe alignment of the organization’s work with one or more of Next50’s priority areas.

Address an urgent issue threatening the organization or program’s ability to operate.

APPLICATION EVALUATION

Grant requests will be evaluated using multiple criteria, including but not limited to:

01 – Sudden & Urgent need

The organization must demonstrate that their need is unbudgeted, unforeseen, time-sensitive, and significantly interferes with their ability to serve older adults and/or their caregivers or provides an immediate opportunity to enhance services. The request must be for an expense that is a one-time need and is not a part of the organization’s general operating or ongoing expenses.

02 – Improving economic well-being for older adults

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

03 – alignment with priority areas

Applicants should be able 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 – Population served

Requesting organizations must demonstrate a current focus on serving marginalized populations aged 50+ and/or their caregivers. 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.

05 – Impact

Applicants must explain the potential to have an immediate impact on the organization’s ability to serve older adults.

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.

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 must provide a financial expenditure report at the end of the grant, which includes receipts or paid invoices for all grant expenses, and a short narrative impact report within 90 days of the end of the grant.

2026 Grant Calendar

Applications are by invitation only and accepted on a rolling basis while funds are available.

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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