Organization Eligibility

  • An organization that is, or is fiscally sponsored by, a 501c3 or City of St. Louis Governmental Entity.
  • Provide services to St. Louis City residents 60 years of age and older.
  • Have demonstrated capacity to carry out program work funded by proposed grant.
  • Have policies and procedures in place to manage finances and can provide documentation of past financials when requested (e.g., financial statements, IRS 990, or other documentation).
  • Fit within the vision and priorities of the Senior Fund as stated in the request for proposals.

Note: Specific funding opportunities may have additional eligibility requirements listed in the RFP.

Award Limitations

There are some things we do not fund—unless otherwise stated in a RFP—including:

  • Grant Awards to Individuals
  • Start-up Organizations
  • Loans
  • Scholarships
  • Travel that is Not Related to Delivery of Services
  • Conferences
  • Research
  • Special Events
  • Film or Video Projects
  • Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
  • Land or Building Purchases
  • Additions, Renovations, or Repairs to Commercial Buildings

Current Funding Opportunities

Emergency Grants for Organizations

Funding to offer support when organizations serving older St. Louis City residents have an unanticipated event that is beyond the control of an organization, threatens the organization’s ability to operate senior programs and services, and requires urgent or timely action. Funding may support emergency repairs for facilities based in the City of St. Louis, repairs to vehicles used for senior services, or repairs or replacement of small equipment or supplies used for senior services. This funding is not intended to make up for the recent loss of a grant or other funding sources, support ongoing services for clients or general operations, or to address long-term financial crises or funding shortfalls. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funding budgeted for the fiscal year (July – June) is spent. Review the guidelines for this grant opportunity prior to applying.

Emergency Grant Funding Guidelines

Question Preview and Application Instructions

Vehicle Matching Grants for Organizations

Funding to offer matching support for vehicle purchases for organizations serving St. Louis City residents, 60 years or older. We recognize organizations need reliable and functional vehicles to deliver transportation, meal delivery, home maintenance, and other services for their clients. We’re offering this grant assistance due to rising costs of—and limited resources for—purchasing new or used vehicles for organizations. Funding can be requested to support a portion of the cost of a vehicle purchase for organizations (typically 20%). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funding budgeted for the fiscal year (July – June) is spent. Review the guidelines for this grant opportunity prior to applying.

Vehicle Matching Grant Guidelines

Question Preview and Application Instructions

Past Funding Opportunities

Fund Defined Grants

Funding awarded to address needs of older St. Louis City residents in specific focus areas determined by Senior Fund Board based on community needs assessments and other sources. Most grant awards under this funding opportunity are awarded for a three-year time period. We are accepting applications for programs and services that addressing Housing and Economic Security. Review the Request for Proposals linked below before applying. All applications will be submitted through our online grant application system. Proposals were submitted March 29, 2024 and were reviewed in May; Grant award notices have been sent and awards will be listed on our News page in late July.

View RFP for Housing and Economic Security Grants

Senior and Community Center Grants

Funding awarded to support existing senior or community centers located within the City of St. Louis, that have defined geographic service areas, and currently provide programs and services for older adults. This funding is allocated to support capital or technology improvements. Organizations can apply for one-year grants up to $25,000.

Applications for FY2023 Senior and Community Center grants were accepted through January 13, 2023. Award decisions were determined in February and May 2023; organizations supported are posted in News.