INNOVATIVE PROJECT SUPPORT

Innovative project support is for projects that develop, test, or extend new approaches that improve service delivery to vulnerable and underserved older adults in Philadelphia County.

The Innovative Project Support Committee considers requests for innovative project support grants typically between $25,000 and $125,000 for projects that serve vulnerable and underserved older adults residing in Philadelphia County. Innovative initiatives should be more effective than, and should ultimately displace, prevailing approaches.   

Examples include but are not limited to: 

  • Projects intended to discover new and better ways of solving pervasive problems that impact older adults. 
  • Seemingly small interventions that that when scaled, can have significant impact to addressing a big problem.  
  • Organizations and projects led by entrepreneurial leadership teams who are skilled at testing new ideas. 

THE WHY

It can be difficult for organizations to receive support for testing innovative models. The Sarah Ralston Foundation believes that older adult serving projects pursuing bold new approaches and opportunities could lead to significant change. 

IMPORTANT DATES

Application Deadline September 1
Decision Notification November 15

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Organizations and programs that align with the Foundation’s mission to support and enhance the quality of life of vulnerable and underserved older adults residing in Philadelphia County. 
  • Organizations that are based outside of Philadelphia County but provide services in Philadelphia County. In this case, grants would be restricted to the organization’s Philadelphia County-based program/s. 
  • Organizations and programs that reflect the guiding principles of the Foundation. 
  • Organizations, including newly established organizations, of the following types: 501(c)3 public charities, fiscally sponsored organizations or programs, supporting organizations, other 501(c) organizations (within legal limits). 
  • Organizations where older adults can receive support through adult day programs, behavioral & mental health services, care coordination services, caregiver support services, digital literacy services, food security services, homelessness support services, home maintenance services, housing services, information & resource services, legal services, senior center programs, transportation services, or other services that allow older adults to thrive in their home & community.
  • There is no operating budget limit for innovative project funding. 
  • If an organization requests innovative project funding, the project focus must be serving older adults residing in Philadelphia County. Innovative project funding can be directed towards materials that are necessary for the project’s success.
  • The Foundation will provide 1 year IPS Awards in 2026.

  • Programs of applicant organizations must serve older adults residing in Philadelphia County. 
  • The Foundation does not give grants to individuals or for-profit entities. 
  • Government entities, colleges/universities, and hospitals/health systems are eligible for consideration as a non-lead applicant partnering with an eligible non-profit organization that is the lead applicant.
  • Projects cannot be solely focused on planning; they must include an implementation phase within the grant cycle.
  • The Foundation does not give grants to programs and organizations that provide services to older adults who live in institutional settings e.g., a nursing facility, assisted-living facility, or personal care home.
  • The Foundation does not fund insurance-paid services.
  • The Foundation will not directly contribute to endowments outside of a capital campaign or expenses related to new construction of a building.

  • Fit with mission of the Sarah Ralston Foundation.
  • Significance or rationale: Why is the project important? What population is targeted?
  • Lead applicant: Does the lead applicant demonstrate past evidence of implementing quality programs for older adults? Does the lead applicant have experience conducting programs for older adults related to the proposed topic of the application?
  • Collaborative partners: If partners are described, is their role delineated and is there evidence of their commitment?
  • Project design: Are the goal and objectives clear? Are the proposed activities clear and meaningful (new idea, expansion of an old idea)? Is the implementation plan feasible as proposed?
  • Project impact: Is the likely impact substantial and sustainable? Is the project impact (results and outcomes) assessed in some manner?

FAQs

  • Yes, as long as the project is intended to benefit older adults residing in Philadelphia County, then you may apply.

  • The Foundation will be providing 1 year of support for 2026 IPS awardees.