Across many Innovative Project Support (IPS) projects, organizations exceeded participation goals or maintained waitlists—not because programs fell short, but because community need continues to far exceed available resources.
Caring for Friends expanded its hub-and-spoke model yet still maintained a waitlist of more than 400 older adults seeking access to its Homebound Meals Program. Feast of Justice experienced increased demand but was forced to pause services due to federal budget cuts and reduced in-kind donations. SeniorLAW Center surpassed service goals by more than 500%, reflecting the scale of unmet legal needs among older homeowners, even as staffing constraints created temporary capacity challenges.
“What we’re seeing is not a lack of effective programs—it’s a lack of sufficient resources to meet growing need,” says Heather Finnegan, Executive Director of The Sarah Ralston Foundation. “Our partners are doing remarkable work, but they’re operating in systems where demand consistently outpaces capacity.”
These patterns underscore a critical reality: innovation alone cannot close widening gaps without sustained investment. Grantees demonstrated strong outcomes and adaptability, yet many were limited by structural constraints beyond their control—highlighting the urgency of continued support for frontline organizations serving vulnerable older adults.