The MetroWest Health Foundation announced their Spring 2022 grant round with a deadline for concept papers on March 11th.
While “healthy aging” is not specifically called out, there are opportunities for communities working to become age and dementia friendly via the following focus areas identified by the foundation:
- Children and Youth Mental Health
- Behavioral Health Workforce Recruitment and Retention
- Community Engagement
- Organizational Capacity Building
- Health and Housing Stability
- Responsive Grants
More information is available in the Foundation’s Spring 2022 Grant Guidelines here.
- Reminder: MassDOT Shared Streets & Spaces Grant
MassDOT announced a fourth round of the Shared Streets & Spaces Grant Program, which awards bonus points for projects that are inclusive of older adults. The grant program provides funding to municipalities and public transit authorities to quickly implement improvements to plazas, sidewalks, curbs, streets, bus stops, parking areas, and other public spaces in support of public health, safe mobility, and strengthened commerce.
MassDOT has also included Dementia Friendly Design Considerations in their resource library. This resource was developed by a subcommittee of the state’s Alzheimer’s Advisory Council coordinated by MHAC, Mass Councils on Aging and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
- AARP Community Challenge Grant
The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.
This year, applications will be accepted for projects to improve public spaces; housing; transportation; civic engagement; diversity, equity and inclusion; support efforts to build engagement for programs under new federal laws; and other innovative ideas that support people age 50 or older.
Applications are due March 22.