Silver Connect

The Leonard Litz SilverConnect Initiative is a grant opportunity established by the Leonard-Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting the well-being and advancement of LGBTQ+ communities. With a particular focus on those often overlooked or underserved, the Foundation has launched this initiative to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ adults aged 55 and older. These individuals, many of whom have lived through the HIV/AIDS epidemic and systemic social marginalization, are now entering their senior years in growing numbers. Despite this demographic shift, aging LGBTQ+ individuals often remain on the periphery of community planning, support programs, and public discourse. The SilverConnect Initiative seeks to redress this imbalance by funding efforts that celebrate, support, and empower this vital part of the LGBTQ+ population. The SilverConnect Initiative was conceived to foster programs that affirm the dignity, independence, and connectivity of LGBTQ+ seniors. It acknowledges that many existing services for older adults are grounded in heteronormative assumptions and often administered through institutions—such as religiously affiliated organizations—that may not be welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals. These barriers, combined with ongoing experiences of homophobia and transphobia, contribute to increased rates of isolation, mental health struggles, and economic instability among LGBTQ+ elders. Recognizing these realities, the initiative targets its support toward projects that actively combat loneliness, promote mental well-being, encourage intergenerational engagement, and build inclusive community spaces. The Foundation welcomes applications from organizations and initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to serving LGBTQ+ adults aged 55 and older, especially those that also uplift BIPOC and transgender individuals within this demographic. Funded programs may focus on community-building events, advocacy services, mental health support, educational efforts to enhance independence, and activities that simply bring joy and celebration to the lives of older LGBTQ+ adults. There is also a clear emphasis on innovation and intersectionality, with a preference for projects that reduce barriers to intergenerational connectivity and bridge the gaps between different segments of the LGBTQ+ community. Applications for funding through the SilverConnect Initiative are accepted on a triannual basis. The Foundation offers three regular grant cycles: Winter (January 15 to March 15), Spring (April 15 to June 15), and Fall (October 15 to December 15). Interested applicants are invited to submit their proposals during these open periods. While the specific components required for the grant application are not detailed in the source, submissions are accepted through the Foundation's official grant portal, accessible via the SilverConnect Initiative page. The evaluation process for grant submissions is not explicitly outlined, but the Foundation's expressed priorities suggest that proposals demonstrating strong alignment with their values—community inclusion, respect for aging LGBTQ+ identities, mental health awareness, and intersectionality—are more likely to be successful. While no contact email or phone number for inquiries is provided, Andrew Mitchell-Namdar is listed as the Trustee associated with the initiative. The Foundation's address is 140 Sherman Street, Fairfield, CT 06824. In terms of timeline and recurrence, this is a recurring opportunity with well-defined seasonal cycles. Given today's date (January 21, 2026), the current open application period is the Winter Cycle (January 15 to March 15, 2026). The program does not include pre-application requirements such as a letter of intent or concept note. Prospective applicants can expect similar application windows to occur annually, with the next anticipated cycle beginning in April 2026 for the Spring submission window. The SilverConnect Initiative represents a valuable funding source for organizations committed to enriching the lives of older LGBTQ+ individuals through targeted, inclusive, and affirming programming.

Projects should intentionally include BIPOC and Trans elders and promote intergenerational connection.