Age Strong 2026 Expanding Engagement Grant Opportunity
Would you like to expand social engagement opportunities for Boston's older adults to reduce social isolation?
Through the Expanding Engagement Grant, Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission seek to fund projects that are expanding social engagement programming and outreach to older adults residing in Boston. The goal of this grant program is to leverage existing community trust and foster a sense of community within each neighborhood. Grants will be made to ensure high-quality social engagement programs are accessible to older adults in every corner of Boston.
Below, you will find information about the grant’s intent, application process, and more.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Age Strong Commission
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1 City Hall Square
Room 271Boston, MA 02201
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For more information about this grant opportunity please contact Melissa Carlson:
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Applications must be submitted by Monday, January 12 2026, at 5 p.m.
About the Grant
Expanding Engagement Grant Priorities
- Expanding social engagement programming for older adults in underserved communities in Boston
- Serving new consumers who are not already being served by an existing social engagement program offered by the applicant’s organization
- Supporting recently started or new social engagement programs
About the Expanding Engagement Grant
Funding Source: FY26 City Operating Budget
Total Amount Available: $500,000
(If additional funding becomes available, Age Strong may increase the total grant pool to expand the number or size of awards.)
Grant Period: March 1, 2026 through October 31, 2026
Application Deadline: January 12, 2026 at 5:00pm EST
Grant Range: See below for details:
Expanding Engagement Grant Eligibility
Grant applicants must:
- be a Boston-based nonprofit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization or have an official fiscal sponsor
- work with, or on behalf of older adults in Boston
- be in good financial standing
- have capacity to successfully implement programming that supports social engagement (i.e., number of staff, staff experience, staff time, resources)
- be in good standing with current or previous Age Strong grant reporting requirements.
- Please note, for-profit organizations are not eligible for this grant opportunity.
Age Strong is interested in supporting grassroots nonprofits and organizations/groups whose work contributes to a more engaged and healthy Boston by building community.
Level 1 Grants: up to $9,999
With Level 1 grants, we aim to fund social engagement groups and projects that are small in scale. These might include senior housing buildings, faith-based senior groups, and senior-led clubs, etc. seeking to expand programming through items, such as multi-trip transportation costs, providing a series of entertainment events, and food for gatherings.
Level 3 Grants: $20,000 To $49,999
With Level 3 grants, we aim to fund recently-started or new social engagement programs in need of acceleration and broad expansion.
Level 2 Grants: $10,000-$19,999
With Level 2 grants, we aim to fund existing social engagement programming to further support the stabilization of the work. These grants could also include the expansion of existing programming to new, previously unserved individuals or recently started, small pilot programs.
How to Apply
All grant applications and required documents are due Monday, January 12, 2026, at 5 p.m. (EST). No extensions will be granted.
Info Session
The Age Strong Commission will hold a virtual information session for those interested in applying on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. (EST).
Expanding Engagement Grant applicants will be notified in February 2026.
Timeline
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
|
Grant Application Launch |
Thursday, December 11, 2025 |
|
Information Session |
Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 11 a.m. |
| Application Deadline |
Monday, January 12, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. |
| Review Period | January 2026 - February 2026 |
| Awards Announced | February 2026 |
| Grant Period | March 1, 2026 through October 31, 2026 |
-
Still have questions? Contact:
Age Strong Commission
-
1 City Hall Square
Room 271Boston, MA 02201
-
For more information about this grant opportunity please contact Melissa Carlson:
-
Applications must be submitted by Monday, January 12 2026, at 5 p.m.
