Although Philadelphia’s total population has seen little growth, the proportion of older adults — especially those 65+ — is increasing. This makes the work of advancing equity for older adults even more essential. Nearly one in five Philadelphians (316,000 people) are over 60, and more than 20% live below the poverty line. Almost one in…
Loneliness has been called an epidemic, and in Philadelphia the numbers make clear why older adults are so vulnerable. Nearly one in five Philadelphians—316,000 people—are over 60. Half of them live alone, and almost a third struggle with independent living. Economic insecurity compounds the problem: more than 20% live below the poverty line, 30% spend…
On Thursday September 25th, nonprofit leaders from across Philadelphia gathered at the NewCourtland Conference Center for the Sarah Ralston Foundation’s Strategic Networking: Shaping Support Beyond the Grant Cycle session, part of our Stronger Together Nonprofit Learning Series. The energy in the room was undeniable — as one attendee shared, “It was so unbelievably heartwarming to be together…
In late June, nonprofits across the country received an unexpected and alarming notice: funding for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) — a federal initiative that supports low-income older adults through paid community service placements — was paused indefinitely. The email came on a Friday. By Monday, participants were furloughed. Paychecks vanished, placements evaporated,…
In response to growing requests from our nonprofit partners, the Sarah Ralston Foundation is proud to host a special Nonprofit Networking Meeting on Thursday, September 25th at NewCourtland Conference Center. The gathering is designed to promote connection, idea-sharing, and collaborative problem-solving across Philadelphia’s aging services sector. “This event is a natural outgrowth of what we’ve…
The Sarah Ralston Foundation (SRF) is proud to announce the 41 nonprofit organizations selected to receive a total of $815,000 in General Operating Support grants for 2025. These grants reflect SRF’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Philadelphia’s nonprofit ecosystem and supporting older adults through a wide range of services. While each grantee offers a distinct mission and…
We’re excited to bring you the latest updates from the Sarah Ralston Foundation as we continue working to support and strengthen nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable, underserved older adults in Philadelphia. Please visit our May 2025 Newsletter here.
Thursday, June 12, 2025 In-person: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Virtual: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM In-person arrival begins at 9:30 AM | Educational Session and Zoom Meeting begins at 10:00 | Optional In-person networking until noon Location: NewCourtland Conference Center | 6970 Germantown Avenue | Philadelphia, PA 19119 Hybrid Event: Zoom link provided upon RSVP Join…
As we celebrate Older Americans Month this May, The Sarah Ralston Foundation invites you to join our annual fundraiser in support of Philadelphia’s older adult population. Our mission is simple yet vital: to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable, underserved older adults living in Philadelphia County. Every day, older adults in our community face…
As the Sarah Ralston Foundation enters its third year of grantmaking, we took a moment to sit down with Executive Director Heather Finnegan for a candid Q&A. In the conversation below, Heather reflects on the powerful work being done by SRF’s nonprofit partners, the lessons learned through ongoing check-ins, and how the Foundation is continuing…