Changing Aging Grant Program

The Changing Aging grant opportunity is administered by Next50, a private foundation focused on improving the lives of older adults through innovative and systems-level approaches. Next50 prioritizes advancing economic well-being, addressing inequities, and fostering long-term structural change that benefits aging populations, particularly those who are marginalized. The program emphasizes transforming policies, practices, and institutional systems rather than supporting short-term or isolated interventions. By focusing on systemic change, the initiative seeks to address root causes of barriers affecting older adults, including economic insecurity and social inequities. The primary purpose of the Changing Aging grant is to support projects that make aging more affordable through systems-level innovation. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed work contributes to structural transformation, including influencing policies, reshaping organizational practices, or improving coordination across systems. The program prioritizes initiatives that operate within interconnected systems such as healthcare, housing, workforce, and social services. Projects are expected to go beyond incremental improvements and instead offer scalable, sustainable solutions that can influence broader systems over time. Funding can be requested for up to three years, though multi-year awards are limited and contingent upon clear evidence that each year builds upon prior progress. The program encourages the use of funds for activities that drive systemic impact, including partnership development, policy advocacy, program innovation, and capacity building. While specific allowable cost categories are not explicitly detailed, applicants must justify financial need and demonstrate how funds will contribute to both programmatic success and organizational sustainability. Eligibility is centered on organizations that serve older adults, particularly those experiencing marginalization due to intersecting social, economic, or political factors. Applicants must demonstrate a strong understanding of these populations and show how their work addresses systemic barriers to access and well-being. Partnerships are a mandatory component of the application, requiring collaboration with other organizations, sectors, or stakeholders. Applicants must provide documentation such as memoranda of understanding or letters of commitment to substantiate these partnerships. The application process is invitation-only and operates on a rolling review basis within defined cycles. For the 2026 cycle, application deadlines occurred on January 8, April 2, and July 2, with funding decisions expected in mid-March, mid-June, and mid-September respectively. Applicants are evaluated based on criteria including alignment with Next50 priorities, impact on economic well-being, innovation, strength of partnerships, organizational financial need, and completeness and timeliness of submission. There is no mention of a preliminary application such as a letter of intent, but all required materials must be submitted in full and on time. Grantees must agree to Next50’s grant agreement without modification, confirming their authority to enter into a binding contract. Reporting requirements include biannual check-in calls with a Community Impact Manager and a final oral report at the conclusion of the grant period. These requirements ensure accountability and allow Next50 to monitor progress toward systemic change objectives. The program is recurring annually, with future cycles expected though specific details for 2027 were not yet released.

Strongly emphasize systems change impact and partnerships; clearly demonstrate innovation and alignment with priority areas; provide detailed financial justification