Keiro Grant Program

For over six decades, Keiro has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers in the Japanese American and Japanese-speaking community of Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties. Since 2016, the Keiro Grants Program has been one of the organization’s key strategies to address the evolving needs of this population, supporting programs and services that are culturally sensitive, accessible, and impactful. Keiro partners with local organizations whose missions align with its goals, with an emphasis on sustaining and improving senior life within its defined service area. The 2026 Keiro Grants Program offers two tiers of funding: Tier 1 grants of up to $10,000, primarily intended for new applicants or new programs, and Tier 2 grants ranging from $10,001 to $20,000, which are geared toward sustaining ongoing programs, capacity building, and core operations. The program will distribute up to $350,000 in total for the 2026 cycle. Applications must address at least one program area—services to older adults or support of caregivers—and align with one or more of Keiro’s five quality of life elements: health/wellness, purpose, connectedness, security, and autonomy. The grant period will run from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. Multi-year requests are not accepted. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, community groups with a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) organization, and faith-based nonprofit organizations that welcome and serve all community members. Eligible proposals must serve older adults and/or caregivers within the Japanese American and Japanese-speaking community in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties. Organizations with annual operating budgets over $5 million, government agencies, individuals, medical research projects, and programs outside the three-county area are ineligible. Priority will be given to grassroots organizations with operating budgets under $1 million, recurring or periodic programs, and proposals that clearly address quality of life outcomes, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity. Grant funds may be used for program development, capacity building, and core operations. Examples include social or educational activities, outreach, transportation services, translation, and case management. Funds cannot be used for capital projects such as building renovations, vehicle purchases or maintenance, or large equipment acquisition. Recipients are required to submit mid-year and final reports; the reporting format depends on whether the recipient is a new or returning grantee and whether the funded program is new or ongoing. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. PDT on Friday, August 1, 2025. Early submission is encouraged, and no exceptions to the deadline will be made. Awards will be announced in November 2025. Application materials must be submitted electronically to grants@keiro.org, but mailed or faxed applications are accepted if prior notice is given. For assistance, Keiro offers virtual informational workshops on the application process, program changes, and tools for needs assessment and impact measurement. Applicants can also contact Keiro staff during the application process for questions. Grant terms require that awarded funds be used solely for the approved program or project, with adherence to any restrictions imposed by the Grants Review Committee. Grantees must communicate promptly about any significant changes to the program or budget, participate in follow-up activities, and recognize Keiro in publicity materials. The grantor contact is Heather Harada, Director of Strategy, who can be reached at 213.873.5711 or grants@keiro.org. The program’s official website provides updates on workshop schedules, guidelines, and resources for applicants.

Attend virtual workshops; contact Keiro staff during application process