Rural Aging Initiative sparking fresh energy and creative ideas to help older adults live well

From January 2017 through December 2019, the Northland Foundation is implementing the second phase of our Rural Aging Initiative. Phase II aims to strengthen capacity among nonprofit and community-based services, as well as promote innovation and collaboration to help ensure older adults in our region can enjoy the highest quality of life as they age.

• Capacity Building is providing financial and training support to 18 nonprofit aging services organizations.

• Civic Engagement and Social Connectedness among older adults is being enhanced through support for the region's 16 AGE to age sites.

• The Aging Innovations Program offers funding opportunities to spur fresh approaches to helping older adults age in place, support caregivers, and more.

AGE to age college interns learn from intergenerational community-building experiences

For 12 weeks in June and July, college students returning to their northeastern Minnesota home communities did not just hang out and relax. A group of 18 traditional and nontraditional students gained paid experience by interning in eight AGE to age Initiative sites and Northland Assisted Living in McGregor. They spent more than 3,000 total hours learning about and working in community engagement and intergenerational programming. Their work, supported by the Northland Foundation's Rural Aging Initiative, made a positive difference not only for the communities but for the interns, as well. Thank you, interns and site coordinators!

Maddy Ross, an elementary education major who interned in Moose Lake, said of her experience, "Providing intergenerational activities at the weekly Farmers Market gave me the opportunity to learn from the older generation and youth. The planning, organizing, and listening skills will help me in my career as a teacher."

Aging Innovations grant opportunities to support creative ideas for older adults and caregivers

The third strategy of Phase II, the Aging Innovations Program, offers two funding opportunities designed to support creative approaches that help older adults age in place. The grants will spur fresh approaches to integrate community-based care; utilize technology; support family caregivers; address direct care workforce challenges; and adapt evidenced-informed or -based program models.

“Our hope is that this funding opportunity will be a catalyst to help northeastern Minnesota organizations put some good ideas into action,” said Tony Sertich, President of the Northland Foundation.

Aging Innovations Jump Start Grants will award approximately $80,000 in 16 one-time grants of up to $5,000 each. The Jump Start Grant RFP and application are available online with a deadline of September 15th. Funding decisions will be made by October 31st.

The Northland Foundation will release an Aging Innovations Major Grants RFP in late September and anticipates awarding six to eight grants of up to $50,000 each in two funding rounds. Information sessions in Duluth, Grand Rapids, and Eveleth on September 27 and 28 will offer a chance to learn more -- see Mark Your Calendar. The Major Grants RFP for the first funding round will be available on Northland's website on September 27, 2017.