AARP Foundation awards $3.7 Million in Grant Funding to organizations that help vulnerable Older Americans

February 4, 2012-- AARP Foundation announced it has awarded grants totaling $3.7 million to multiple non-profit organizations through a competitive grant process.  The Foundation's grants program focuses on four impact areas: Hunger, Housing, Income and Isolation. This year, AARP Foundation awarded multiple grants in two areas: Hunger and Income.

AARP Foundation originally launched the Hunger and Income grant making initiative with a budget of $2 million but because of the strong interest and quality of the responses from the Request for Proposals (RFPs), the Foundation raised the level of granting to $3.7 million.

As a result, the programs receiving support will impact 18 different states and the District of Columbia – thus making an even greater impact on the many older adults served across the country.  

"In these tough economic times, helping older Americans meet their basic needs is critical," said AARP Foundation President, Jo Ann Jenkins.

"This grants program will help build our knowledge base, conquer these solvable issues and ultimately help older people who are struggling to achieve their best life."

Overall, the $3.7 million awarded by AARP Foundation is combined with additional funds contributed by the grantees, thus creating an opportunity for even greater impact for those served by the programs.  

"The current economic uncertainty has left many older Americans concerned about making ends meet," said Phyllis L. Kim, AARP Foundation senior vice president, Office of Grants Administration.

"AARP Foundation is already in communities across the country helping vulnerable Americans with direct services, but we believe strongly that we must also invest in long-term solutions. We look forward to working with our innovative grantees who share our goals so that together, we can seed hope for older Americans who are struggling."

Hunger Innovation Grants Program 
Nearly nine million older Americans face the threat of hunger every day. AARP Foundation believes this is a solvable problem. The organizations across the country that were selected to receive hunger grants are focused on sustainable solutions that made a significant impact on community food security and sustainable food systems for those 50 and older.

AARP Foundation Hunger grants, funded at nearly $2 million by the Foundation, will include an additional amount provided by grantees resulting in nearly $2.8 million in total funding. Also, United Healthcare provided a generous donation to AARP Foundation in support of the Hunger grants.

Recession Recovery Income Grants Initiative 
Every day, approximately 20 million low-income older individuals struggle to secure their most basic needs in life—such as food or shelter—with limited or no financial resources. Over 3 million older adults are searching for work and many are dealing with the impact of long-term unemployment. AARP Foundation is working to reverse the downward spiral that many older Americans and their families face.

AARP Foundation Income grants funding at $1.7 million will be complemented by additional cash and in-kind contributions from grantees, resulting in nearly $4.8 million in total funding to benefit those served by the programs.   

The selected organizations will implement unique models for providing a continuum of services to help older adults upgrade skills and obtain employment and have access to benefits, work supports and services that help protect themselves and their families from severe financial instability.

AARP Foundation will be issuing a Request for Information (RFI) in early February 2012 in connection with its work on Isolation and low-income adults age 50 and older.

The goal of the RFI is to help AARP Foundation learn what other organizations across the country are doing to help older Americans have the level of contact with others and involvement in community that supports healthy, engaged living. The results from this program will be used to shape the Foundation's grant making efforts around Isolation.

For more information about the AARP Foundation's grants program, visit www.aarp.org/foundationgrants.

AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity.  The Foundation is dedicated to serving vulnerable people 50 and older by creating solutions that help them secure the essentials and achieve their best life. AARP Foundation focuses on: hunger, housing, income and isolation as key mission areas. The Foundation envisions: 'a country free of poverty where no older person feels vulnerable.'  Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP.  For more information about AARP Foundation, please log on to www.aarpfoundation .org .