AUSTIN, Texas, October 18, 2023 — Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) and Grantmakers In Health (GIH) are pleased to announce a new collaboration aimed at mobilizing funders in support of the 2024 reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA).
The OAA provides critical services that address the social drivers of health such as nutrition, transportation, senior centers, elder rights protections, caregiver support, and health promotion. These services enable older adults to continue contributing to their communities while living safely and comfortably at home. A robust network of nonprofits connects older people to resources throughout the country, including in the most rural and remote communities. However, the need for OAA services has dramatically increased since the act was signed in 1965. The older population has grown and become more diverse, the cost of living has increased, and their poverty rate is rising.
This is a critical opportunity for funders to address common priority issues affecting all of us as we age, including mental health and well-being, social connection, and the care workforce. Through this unique collaboration, GIA and GIH hope to advance equity and eliminate disparities in aging, better align public and private resources, identify bipartisan solutions, and increase funding to meet the growing needs of older people. This 18-month initiative will include a political landscape analysis, multiple convenings and communications, and an advocacy-focused resource for distribution to funders, partner organizations and grantees. GIA and GIH look forward to activating their networks in support of this important legislation to enable people to thrive in later life.
and GIA CEO Lindsay A. Goldman
Cara V. James, President and CEO of Grantmakers In Health, said of the partnership: “The Older Americans Act reauthorization represents a critical opportunity to ensure everyone has the tools and resources needed to thrive as they age, and we are excited to partner with GIA to engage our funder networks and strengthen public-private partnerships to promote better health for all older adults.”
“Funders have the opportunity to envision and create a better later life for all of us, one in which we are connected, engaged, and contributing,” said Lindsay A. Goldman, CEO of Grantmakers In Aging. “But that is only possible when our basic needs are met. A thoughtfully constructed and fully funded Older Americans Act will improve the health and well-being of millions of older people, their families, and communities.”
GIA and GIH are committed to utilizing their collective influence and networks to advance this crucial legislation. Together, they endeavor to shape a future where older Americans thrive in communities that prioritize their well-being.
About Grantmakers In Aging
Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) is a community of funders mobilizing money and ideas to strengthen policies, programs, and resources for all of us as we age. Our vision is a just and inclusive world where all people are fully valued, recognized, and engaged at all ages. For more information, please visit GIAging.org.
About Grantmakers In Health
Grantmakers In Health (GIH) is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to helping foundations and corporate giving programs improve the health of all people. Its mission is to foster communication and collaboration among grantmakers and others, and to help strengthen the grantmaking community’s knowledge, skills, and effectiveness. For more information, please visit GIH.org.
Contact
Jeff Barrus
Communications Director
Grantmakers In Health
202.534.3008
jbarrus@gih.org
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