Rural Aging Initiative's next phase to focus on capacity-building and innovation

The Northland Foundation launched the Rural Aging Initiative in 2014 to help ensure that older adults in our rural region may age in place with independence and dignity. This three-year Initiative drew to a close in December 2016, but the work is not done. A second phase will take a building block approach to continue strengthening the capacity of nonprofit and community organizations working to meet the diverse needs of older adults.

“We live in a region that is not only aging faster than the rest of the state but also has a higher rate of poverty than Minnesota as a whole,” stated Tony Sertich, President of the Northland Foundation.

“Through this Initiative, we can help older adults, regardless of their economic circumstances, to live as independently as possible, stay active and engaged, and receive the services they need within their own community,” said Sertich.

The next three years of the Rural Aging Initiative will scaffold on the work of the previous three, with an added focus on innovation and collaborations across organizations, sectors, and communities. The Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging will once again play an important part in the design and implementation of the key strategies.

Capacity-building technical assistance and financial awards for aging services organizations*. Nonprofit community-based organizations that serve a signficant number of older adults will have the opportunity to receive management, board development, and organizational training, participate in peer learning groups to share ideas and support, and funding for capacity building.
Support for innovation and collaboration. Seed funding to spark innovative efforts and partnerships will help support new thinking in a field that typically has limited discretionary dollars to test new approaches.
Intergenerational programming. Tap the talents and wisdom of older adults in the Northland Foundation’s 16 AGE to age sites to help children and youth thrive.

*Request to Participate letters are now being accepted for the Capacity Building technical assistance, training, and funding facet. Click here for the details.

More information on the Rural Aging Initiative Phase II will be available later this spring. If you have questions about the Initiative in the meantime, contact Zane Bail, Director of Development and Special Projects at the Northland Foundation. The Initiative is supported by the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.