Sudden & Urgent Need (SUN) Grants

The Sudden and Urgent Need (SUN) Grant program is an initiative of Next50, a Colorado-based philanthropic organization focused on improving the lives of older adults, especially those who are marginalized or underserved. Next50 prioritizes innovative and inclusive approaches that promote economic well-being, end ageism, support aging in place, and advance digital equity. Through the SUN Grants, Next50 offers responsive funding to small nonprofit organizations in Colorado that are faced with unforeseen, critical challenges affecting their service delivery to older adults aged 50 and above. The goal of the SUN Grant is to provide timely support that allows these organizations to continue their operations and maintain essential services. Eligible applicants for the SUN Grant must be Colorado-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, in good standing with the state, and with operating budgets of $1 million or less. The grant program specifically excludes government entities, higher education institutions, and organizations that serve as foundations for larger nonprofits with operating budgets exceeding the threshold. The grants are meant to address one-time, unbudgeted, and time-sensitive issues that disrupt an organization’s ability to serve older adults. Examples include equipment breakdowns, unexpected building damage, or urgent relocation needs due to lease changes. Funding cannot be used for routine expenses, personnel costs unrelated to the urgent issue, general operating support, or program expansion. Applications for the SUN Grant must clearly articulate the organization's connection to and service of one or more of Next50’s priority populations and alignment with its strategic focus areas. A key requirement is a demonstration that the identified need is both sudden and urgent, significantly impeding service delivery. Additionally, applicants must outline how their services promote economic well-being for older adults and how their work intersects with issues such as digital access, age discrimination, or the ability for seniors to live independently. Organizations must show both a current focus on marginalized populations and a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers to access. Evaluation of applications is based on six criteria: the sudden and urgent nature of the request, the impact on economic well-being of older adults, alignment with Next50’s priorities, population served, expected impact of the grant, and the organization’s financial need. Applications are reviewed for how clearly they articulate the nature of the emergency, its impact on service delivery, and the organization’s sustainability. Organizations with strong reserves may still be eligible but must explain the necessity of grant funds and how they will contribute to ongoing sustainability. Grantees must agree to the full terms of Next50’s standard grant agreement without modification. This includes post-grant reporting obligations, such as submitting a financial expenditure report with receipts or invoices and a short narrative report on the grant’s impact within 90 days of grant completion. Applicants must also affirm their legal authority to enter into such an agreement with Next50. Applications are accepted by invitation only and reviewed on a rolling basis while funds are available. Interested organizations must schedule a call with a Next50 Community Impact Manager to assess eligibility and alignment. There is no fixed deadline, but the rolling nature of the funding means that funds may be depleted at any point during the calendar year. The program contact address is Next50, 2000 S Colorado Blvd Suite 5500, Denver, CO 80222. There is no direct email or phone number listed for application inquiries, but all initial contact must be initiated through a meeting request form on the Next50 website.

Highlight urgency and equity focus for older adults.