Creating Connections and Reducing Social Isolation Grant Announced

Are you creating or thinking of ways for older adults to stay connected? Are you reaching or convening residents who face barriers to socializing with family, friends, or neighbors? Boston’s Age Strong Commission wants to hear from you. Age Strong announces its Creating Connections and Reducing Isolation grant program.

During the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic – with lockdowns, social distancing, and fear of the disproportionate impacts from the virus – older adults in Boston have experienced significant separation and loss of community. Many factors can exacerbate loneliness and social isolation including illness, disability, loss of a loved one, migration, depression, and homelessness.

A Solution

Strong social connections and networks can boost a person’s lifespan by 50 percent. Socially-connected communities are more likely to thrive because a virtuous cycle is created when social connections are strengthened: civic engagement and a sense of belonging increases, which further deepens social networks.

The Creating Connections and Reducing Isolation Grant

Boston’s Age Strong Commission seeks grant applications from organizations and individuals who are working to build social connections and community for Boston’s older adults. Causes of and factors influencing social isolation vary widely; thus we encourage applications from a variety of disciplines and perspectives. In addition to human and social service programs, we seek applications from faith communities, arts and culture communities, and any organizations working to ensure that older residents of Boston feel connected to their communities.

Grants will range from $5,000 to $25,000*. We welcome applications from groups engaged in intergenerational and multigenerational programs and practices; groups working with diverse communities; and groups that employ creative and innovative approaches. Age Strong is interested in supporting grassroots nonprofits and organizations/groups whose work contributes to a more connected and healthy Boston by building community and reducing loneliness.

*Age Strong will provide additional funding to support data collection and evaluation.

Grant Eligibility

Grant applicants must:

be a nonprofit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization or have an official fiscal sponsor
work with, or on behalf of older adults or multiple generations in Boston
be in good financial standing
have a plan to assess the impact of the distributed funds
have a clearly-defined leadership structure
have capacity to successfully implement programming that supports community connections (i.e., number of staff, staff experience, staff time, resources)

Grant Application Information Session

The Age Strong Commission hosted a virtual information session on Tuesday, March 22nd. You can learn more and watch a recording of the event.

Grant Application

All grant applications and required documents are due April 7, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. (EST).
No extensions will be granted.
Applicants will be notified by April 25, 2022 via email.
Upon notification of grant award, grantees will be required to complete and return a grant agreement and invoice prior to the distribution of funds.
Grant project period is May 1, 2022 - April 30, 2023.

Published Questions and Responses

Apply for the grant

For more information, please email melissa.berlin@boston.gov.