Services for Older Adults Community Grant Program 2027

The Services for Older Adults Community Grant, administered by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF), is part of the Foundation's commitment to supporting the well-being and independence of older adults in the Oklahoma City area. OCCF has a longstanding history of philanthropy in central Oklahoma, providing funding and resources to nonprofit organizations that address local needs. This specific grant initiative is focused on helping individuals aged 65 and older remain in their homes and communities by reducing barriers to independent living. The purpose of the grant is to support nonprofits that provide programs or services that help older adults maintain independence. This includes services that assist them in staying out of institutional settings, promote physical and mental well-being, and foster social connections through recreational opportunities. The grant aligns with OCCF’s broader mission of strengthening community services for vulnerable populations, particularly aging residents who may face isolation, declining health, or financial limitations. The grant targets organizations serving residents in Canadian, Cleveland, and Oklahoma counties. Funded activities must directly benefit adults aged 65 or older, particularly those with limited access to such services, and must be provided at no cost or on a reduced-cost basis. Funding may support operational needs—including salaries, marketing, and overhead—or be directed toward new or existing programs that fulfill one or more of the grant’s three priority areas: independent living support, wellness and physical activity, or social and recreational engagement. The maximum grant award is $30,000, with the funding period spanning twelve months. Grant activities may start as early as November 30, 2025, and must conclude no later than November 30, 2026. The funding may be used flexibly within the stated priorities, and both operational and program-specific uses are allowable. Notably, capital campaigns, research, retroactive expenses, vehicle purchases, and individual applicants are ineligible for funding. Applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in good standing with OCCF and must operate within the designated counties. Additionally, organizations are required to show 100% board participation in support of their mission, and they must provide recent tax documentation upon request. Only one Letter of Interest (LOI) is permitted per organization for this funding cycle. The grant application process consists of four steps. It begins with an optional information meeting scheduled for August 14, 2025, where potential applicants can learn more about the program and ask questions. The LOI must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on September 11, 2025, via the OCCF online grant portal. Upon approval of the LOI, applicants will gain access to the full application, which must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on September 25, 2025. Funding decisions will be announced by the end of November 2025, following a review process conducted by a community committee and final approval by the OCCF Board of Trustees. Post-award, recipients will be required to participate in a mid-term check-in meeting and submit a final report through the grant portal. For program-related questions, applicants can contact Michelle Kusselson, Program Manager, at m.kusselson@occf.org or 405-606-2959. For technical issues related to the portal, contact Keaton Van Sickle, Senior Program Specialist, at k.vansickle@occf.org or 405-606-2920.

Attend the optional information meeting on August 14, 2025, for program insight and Q&A.