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
View our Funding and Application Guide for additional information.
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 used for senior services. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funding budgeted for the fiscal year (July – June) is spent. Review the funding guidelines for this funding opportunity prior to applying.
Emergency Grant Funding Guidelines (.pdf)
Emergency Grant Application Files
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 will be determined in February and April; organizations supported will be posted in News after April funding decisions.
Past Funding Opportunities
Fund Defined Grants
Funding awarded to address needs of older St. Louis City residents in specific focus areas determined by the 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. Senior Fund recently approved proposals for Homemaker Chore services and programs or services that address Social Isolation or Loneliness. Grant awards were approved by the Senior Fund’s board in May and June 2022.
Applicant Defined Grants
Funding awarded to address an applicants’ determination of organization or community need that is consistent with the Senior Fund’s vision. This funding is allocated to support innovations in programs, emerging needs, and organizational capacity. Organizations can apply for one-year grants up to $75,000; past grant requests have ranged from $15,000 to the maximum award.
Applications for FY2021 Applicant Defined grants were accepted through October 13, 2020. Grant awards were approved by the Senior Fund’s board in November 2020. At this time, we do not have any plans to release a RFP for FY2023 Applicant Defined grants.