Project Grants

Mini-grants are awarded to agencies that are interested in aging issues and want to gain competency in the field. It is not necessary to have experience in the field of aging to receive a grant. This project encourages agencies in early discussions and planning stages to apply for a grant.

Grants of $3,000 were awarded to 25 agencies during the first year of the project. Future grants of $3,000 will be awarded to 20 agencies in late October 2008, then 21 during the project's third and fourth year, and 22 during the fifth year of the project. Mini-grants can be used to leverage resources from other funders. After the first year of granting, agencies may receive a second year of granting, if they are able to match the funds.

Grants are flexible to encourage agencies to think creatively about how monies could best be used. Project possibilities include but are certainly not limited to supporting staff attendance at conferences or workshops focusing on older adults, hosting focus groups with community older adults to learn about strengths and needs, and sponsoring an event to connect generations. The purpose of the Mini-grant project is to increase membership involvement in providing quality aging services.

The Mentoring Initiative matches expert member organizations in aging services with agencies prepared to improve their services. The purpose of the Mentoring Initiative is to build capacity and leadership in aging services within the Alliance membership through encouraging a culture of peer-to-peer mentoring.

Ten mentor agencies are matched with ten learner or “mentee” agencies. The project runs in two cycles, each consisting of a preparation period for mentors and then a full year of a mentoring relationship.

Mentor grant awards are generous to support the agencies involved. Mentors receive a total of $14,000 in flexible spending.  Mentees receive $5,000 in flexible spending support.

Additionally, all participating agencies receive two scholarships of $1,500 each to support staff development, and stipends to offset travel costs. After both cycles have been completed, six participating agencies will be chosen to receive awards of $5,000 each to continue their work in the field of aging.

Mentors participate in preparatory “train-the-trainer” sessions. Mentors and mentees collaboratively develop a plan for the year, which includes site visits. Through teleconferencing, participants will share insights, outcomes, and creative solutions.