The Seniors Community Fund, launched by the Community Health Commission of Missouri in partnership with the Deaconess Foundation, is a grant initiative designed to support services for seniors in the Greater St. Louis region and surrounding counties in Illinois. The total funding available for this initiative is $350,000, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. The fund specifically targets organizations and projects that address the needs of residents aged 55 and older, focusing on enhancing public health system infrastructure and promoting transparency and accountability in service delivery.

The primary purpose of the Seniors Community Fund is to improve the quality of life for seniors by addressing three key priority areas: transportation, safety, and health navigation support. The fund is guided by a community-led Senior Advisory Board, which is composed of residents aged 55 and older. This board is responsible for reviewing funding proposals and ensuring that the initiatives funded align with the needs and preferences of the senior community.

Eligible applicants for the Seniors Community Fund include nonprofit organizations that serve seniors in specific geographic areas, including St. Louis City and County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and Franklin County in Missouri, as well as Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. Organizations that do not possess a 501(c)(3) tax status may still apply if they have a fiscal sponsor. This flexibility allows a broader range of organizations to participate in the funding opportunity.

The application process requires prospective applicants to submit proposals that clearly outline how their projects will address the identified priority areas. The evaluation of these proposals will be based on criteria that include the project's relevance to the needs of seniors, the feasibility of the proposed activities, and the potential impact on the community. Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed information that demonstrates their understanding of the senior population's needs and how their initiatives will effectively address those needs.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Seniors Community Fund is October 11, 2024. It is important for applicants to adhere to this timeline to ensure their proposals are considered. The grant does not require matching funds, which simplifies the application process for organizations with limited resources.

For more information about the grant, including submission requirements and application questions, interested parties can contact the Community Health Commission of Missouri directly via email at vhollimon@chcmissouri.org or by phone at 314.446.6454. This grant presents a valuable opportunity for organizations dedicated to improving the lives of seniors in the targeted regions, and it encourages innovative solutions to enhance their well-being.