Quality of Life for Older Adults in Tennessee

The West End Home Foundation offers annual competitive grants to nonprofit organizations serving older adults in Middle Tennessee. The foundation's mission centers on sustaining a comprehensive care system for adults aged 60 and older. Grant funding supports a broad range of programmatic and capital needs that enhance the quality of life for seniors. These grants are categorized under key impact areas such as advocacy, enrichment and socialization, food and nutrition, healthcare, housing, transportation, wellness and supportive care, and special projects that align with the foundation's mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide services within the Middle Tennessee counties of Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, or Wilson. Preference is given to programs that directly address the unique needs of older adults. Applicants must demonstrate capacity for effective program delivery and measurable outcomes. Faith-based programs are eligible if they serve broader community needs beyond their congregations, but grants are not awarded for national research initiatives, fundraising events, political lobbying, or debt retirement. The 2026 Project Funding application process opens on April 1, 2025, and closes on June 26, 2025. For organizations not receiving funding in 2025, a Letter of Intent (LOI) is required by May 1, 2025. Prior to submitting the LOI, applicants must contact Chandra Allen, Program Director, to discuss the proposed project and funding request. The LOI should be emailed directly to Cindy Dickinson and must include a brief project overview, funding amount requested, and a copy of the organization’s IRS determination letter. Funding types include program grants for new or existing projects and capital grants for infrastructure-related needs such as equipment, facility upgrades, or technology investments. All grants are awarded for a one-year period, aligning with the foundation’s fiscal year of January 1 through December 31. Applicants are notified of grant decisions in early November, with funds disbursed in January. The foundation encourages year-round communication with grantees and requires a year-end report summarizing accomplishments and expenditures. In some cases, more frequent reporting may be requested. First-time applicants must schedule an introductory meeting with the Program Director before submitting a Letter of Intent. For questions or assistance, applicants can contact Chandra Allen (Program Director), Dianne Oliver (Executive Director), or Cindy Dickinson (Administration and Technology Manager). Contact information and tutorials are available on the foundation’s website to assist applicants throughout the process.