Pathways for Older Adults
Since 2009, Pathways for Older Adults has supported projects that create opportunities for older adults to engage in programs, access resources, and gain valuable information to support their needs and age safely and healthily in their communities.
The average grant award is between $5,000 and $15,000.
Our approach focuses on:
Basic needs, including food and home modifications
- Home safety upgrades (e.g., grab bars, ramps, fall prevention improvements).
- Older Adult application assistance to reduce living expenses (energy assistance, cash assistance, farmers market, etc.) and help prevent and/or address homelessness.
- Increasing access to healthy and affordable food and nutrition options for older adults, supporting overall health and wellbeing.
Health and Wellness
- Providing health resources, including preventive health screenings and programs, chronic disease management, and evidence-based programming for older adults.
- Reducing older adult isolation, anxiety, and depression.
- Promoting overall wellness programs including exercise, balance, mobility, and memory/cognitive health.
Social Connection, Creative Expression, and Purpose
- Intergenerational programs and volunteer opportunities for older adults to remain active and socially connected.
- Programs that offer support, education, and creative and artistic expression activities that promote lifelong learning.
Caregiver Support and Benefits Navigation
- Programs that help older adults and caregivers navigate healthcare, benefits, and social services.
Efforts we support include:
- Developing core programs and adopt best practices that connect older adults with benefits, services and opportunities; assist with chores, home maintenance and home safety; enhance health and fitness; and build age-friendly communities that promote civic engagement and full participation for all ages.
- Holding a public town conversation on aging to discuss services, resources, and opportunities for older adults in the town, identify needs and gaps, and prioritize action steps for the next several years. A $2,000 grant is available to each town in the Foundation’s service area for these conversations.
- Connecting more people over age 65+ to their libraries through Lifelong Libraries grants. Program possibilities include health, wellness, education, arts, creative expression, technology, financial security, intergenerational, and more.
- Developing collaborative programs that enhance services in a cost-effective manner are prioritized. Examples include a fitness program that rotates among towns and development of a coordinated transportation system.
Pathways for Older Adults grant proposals are accepted once annually. Review the guidelines then apply by completing the general grant application. See Previous Pathways for Older Adults Grantees
Note: Separate funding is designated to support Waterbury’s BRASS program, a special initiative that ‘Brings Resources to Action to Serve Older Adults living in Waterbury. To learn more about Pathways opportunities or to discuss your ideas for a proposal, please contact Program Officer Francesca Evangelista.
