Improving outcomes for older adults in Philadelphia.
The Sarah Ralston Foundation strengthens systems supporting older adults in Philadelphia, advancing equity through grantmaking, capacity building, and advocacy.
As the needs of older adults and the systems that support them continue to evolve, so must we. Our strategic plan reflects a new direction for SRF — strengthening our role as a funder, partner, convener, connector, and advocate.
Our Strategic Priorities
A thoughtful process shaped by the people closest to the work.
Developing this plan required us to look closely at what we do, how we do it, and how our resources can best support Philadelphia’s aging community.
We drew on the perspectives of grantee partners, community stakeholders, Foundation leadership and staff, alongside research into emerging philanthropic practices and the changing landscape of aging in Philadelphia.
The process challenged us to think beyond individual grants and consider the broader role SRF can play in strengthening the organizations, relationships and systems that support older adults.
Strengthen and Align Grantmaking
Trust. Equity. Impact.
We are evolving our grantmaking to provide community-based organizations with flexible, sustained and trust-based support while reducing unnecessary administrative burden.
Accessible processes
Simpler, right-sized applications and reporting.
Stronger partnerships
Relationships grounded in transparency, responsiveness and mutual accountability.
Sustained support
Multi-year grant support is designed to strengthen organizations and improve outcomes for older Philadelphians.
Strengthen Collaboration and Capacity
Strong organizations. Stronger connections.
SRF will invest beyond the grant itself — helping organizations build capacity, learn from one another, and strengthen connections across Philadelphia’s aging community.
Capacity Building
Access to learning, expertise, and organizational support.
Convening
Opportunities for organizations to connect, exchange ideas, and address shared challenges.
Collaboration
Helping build a more connected network of organizations serving older adults.
Advance Advocacy and Public Leadership
Elevating voices. Advancing change.
SRF is expanding its role in advocacy and public leadership, working alongside community partners to elevate the voices and experiences of older adults and the organizations that serve them.
Listen
Center the experience and expertise of older adults and community partners.
Amplify
Bring greater attention to the issues affecting older Philadelphians.
Engage
Use relationships, partnerships and philanthropy to support meaningful systems-level change.
Building the internal strength to support greater impact.
Delivering on these commitments also requires us to strengthen the Foundation itself. Our strategic plan calls for continued investment in governance, financial stewardship, communications, organizational learning, evaluation and accountability.
We will measure our progress, seek feedback from our partners, and continue adapting as we learn.
A thoughtful transition toward what comes next.
Some changes are already underway. Others will take time.
Throughout this transition, SRF is committed to communicating openly with our grantee partners and community. In 2027, current General Operating Support grants will continue for an additional year, contingent upon adequate annual progress, while the Foundation prepares to launch its new grantmaking approach in 2028.
Our goal is not simply to create a new grant process. It is to build a stronger, more responsive way of working with the organizations and people who support older Philadelphians every day.
A new chapter for the Sarah Ralston Foundation.
Our history gives us a strong foundation. Our strategic plan gives us a clear direction for what comes next.
We look forward to continuing to learn alongside our partners, building stronger connections across Philadelphia, and working together toward a city where older adults can live with dignity, connection, opportunity and support.