Resilient Environments for Aging and Dementia in Your Communities (READY) Grant Program

The READY Communities RFP, formally titled Resilient Environments for Aging and Dementia in Your Communities (READY), is a new public-philanthropic pilot grantmaking initiative designed to help Pennsylvania communities become more accessible, inclusive, and supportive for older adults, caregivers, people living with dementia, and residents of all ages. The initiative is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA), coordinated by Grantmakers In Aging (GIA), and supported through participation from philanthropic organizations across Pennsylvania. The program advances the goals of Aging Our Way, PA, the Commonwealth's 10-year Multisector Plan on Aging, which seeks to ensure Pennsylvanians can age with dignity, independence, and appropriate community supports. The program encourages both neighborhood-scale and regionally focused projects that align with one or more priority areas identified in the statewide aging plan. Eligible projects must align with at least one of the following priority areas: Unlocking Access, Aging in Community, Gateways to Independence, Caregiver Supports, or Education and Navigation. The funding collaborative intends to support new and innovative approaches, expansion of existing programs to serve new populations, or enhancements to current service delivery methods. The program explicitly states that it will not fund the routine continuation of existing programs in their current form. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their proposed efforts could scale, produce shared learning, and create benefits that extend across communities. Example projects include memory cafes, intergenerational arts initiatives, culturally appropriate end-of-life support programs, dementia awareness efforts, navigation and village models, and coalition-building activities connected to age-friendly community designations. Organizations may request funding at one of three levels: $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000. Applications requesting more than $25,000 may require additional financial documentation and statements. The funding model combines public and philanthropic investment. Selected projects are guaranteed at least 50 percent of requested funding through PDA support, while GIA coordinates additional matching investments from participating philanthropic organizations. Projects may ultimately receive full or partial funding, and applicants whose projects are not fully funded may be required to submit revised budgets based on the final award amount. Award agreements will be executed through GIA, and the project period lasts one year beginning in January 2027. Payments will be distributed through ACH in two installments during January and July 2027. Eligible primary applicants include Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, county governments, municipal governments, and coalitions operating with a fiscal sponsor. Primary applicants are responsible for submitting the application, executing the grant agreement, managing project implementation, handling financial administration, and completing reporting obligations. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply. The solicitation also identifies several categories of ineligible expenses and activities, including fundraising, lobbying, partisan political activity, land acquisition, vehicle purchases, pre-award expenses, clinical research, product development, and activities unrelated to the goals of the program. Projects incurring expenses more than twelve months after award without approval for a no-cost extension are also ineligible. Applications will be reviewed jointly by PDA and GIA using a scored evaluation framework. Strategic Alignment accounts for 35 percent of the total score and measures how well the proposal supports Aging Our Way, PA priorities and addresses a targeted geographic area. Equity and Impact account for 30 percent and evaluate proposed outcomes, success metrics, and the demographic populations served, including socio-economic status, race and ethnicity, language, immigrant status, sexual and gender identity, rural or urban context, caregivers, older adults, and people living with dementia. Budget and Feasibility represent 20 percent of the score and focus on the relationship between proposed activities and costs, including the applicant's ability to move the project forward even without full funding. Collaboration and Community Partnerships account for the remaining 15 percent and assess the strength of partnerships, coalition participation, and plans for community engagement. Applications must be submitted through the GIA Application Portal no later than June 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The statewide request for proposals opened on May 4, 2026. An applicant information session will be held on May 19, 2026, with questions submitted in advance to READYCommunities@giaging.org. A recording of the session will be posted afterward. The earliest estimated award announcements are expected on December 1, 2026, and funded projects are expected to begin in January 2027. Awardees must comply with separate public and philanthropic fund tracking requirements and may be audited by Pennsylvania oversight agencies. Grantees will also be required to acknowledge the READY Communities Funding Collaborative, PDA, and GIA in all materials and may be invited to participate in a virtual outcomes showcase.

Demonstrate strong alignment with Aging Our Way PA priorities. Include measurable outcomes and clear demographic impact information. Show realistic budgeting and explain how the project could proceed even if partially funded. Highlight partnerships and community engagement strategies.