Creative Aging Grant Applications Due August 31

By Kim Johnson, Director of Arts Access –

The Tennessee Department of Health, the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability and the Tennessee Arts Commission have partnered in an initiative called Creative Aging Tennessee. As a part of this initiative, the partners are offering a one-time grant opportunity to provide seed funding for innovative projects through the arts that will promote healthy aging of seniors and encourages community partnerships that have the potential for sustainability.

Successful projects will encourage senior creativity, physical activity, and/or community engagement through the arts. Outcomes can include using the arts for improved health and wellness; lifelong learning; reduced isolation and increased social and community connections; and/or increased positive attitudes/perceptions about aging.

Although arts organizations that receive operating support or have aging projects currently being funded by the Commission are not eligible to apply, we strongly encourage partnerships with eligible organizations that include local and regional government entities and nonprofit organizations legally chartered in Tennessee. See the grant guidelines for more details. Applicants may request up to $5,000 for projects. At least two awards will be made to qualified applicants who can demonstrate rural impact and at least two awards will be made to applicants who address health-related impact. This grant does not require a match. However, evidence of community support, which may include a match will make an application more competitive.

Applications for this grant are due by August 31, 2017, at 11:59 pm, CST. Prior to applying, organizations who have not previously done so must register in the online grants system before filling out an application. Only one application is allowed per organization and/or project. To complete an application, log in to the Online Grants System.

Grant awards will be announced by October 1, 2017. Projects may begin no earlier than October 15, 2017 and must be completed no later than June 15, 2018.