Between 2007 and 2009, MetLife Foundation earmarked a pool of funds to be used to underwrite “JumpStart the Conversation” Grants. Up to ten small grants of $1,000 to $2,500 each were available to organizations in the twelve communities that hosted an Aging in Place workshop. Please view the grants by the individual workshop locations.
Why Jumpstart The Conversation Grants?
The grants served three specific purposes: a generous thank you to the host communities for assistance in workshop implementation, an incentive to draw a wide range of participants, and a catalyst to spark conversations. At the outset of the Aging in Place Initiative, awareness of the coming change in demographics was uncommon. It was important to dangle a small carrot to start people talking, light a fire in creative minds and begin forming the partnerships that are needed to meet the coming change. Awards were made for good ideas and creative partnerships— like most longterm goals; some of these have come to fruition, and some have not.
Regardless, the discussions took place and hopefully other ideas were born. They helped continue the discussion once the workshop was over, and they contributed to helping make a more livable communtiy for all ages.
Partners had awarded 10 partnerships, each of which had been tied to their workshop communities, a small grant each to create an action plan to solve a problem relating to Aging in Place or an opportunity for the initiative to prosper in the community.
These grants applications had been writtenin order to fund events, such as a town meeting to gather input on local assets and challenges, community mapping of the many assets available, sidewalk benches at appropriate locations, or the exploration of para-transit options functioning in other localities.
Overall Goals Of “JumpStart the Conversation” Grants
- Educate the community on the importance of an Aging in Place Initiative
- Investigate a specific issue through a moderated discussion between local and national experts and with input from the community
- Understand the obstacles and benefits to taking action on the issue
- Generate discussion on short, mid and long term actions to resolve or promote the issue
- Mobilize and empower local residents and organizations to work together to take action.
Grants Awarded by Workshop Location:
- Arizona Grantees (2007)
- Tampa Bay, Florida Grantees (2007)
- Chicago, Illinois Grantees (2008)
- Kansas City, Missouri Grantees (2008)
- GreaterCentralina Region/Charlotte, North Carolina Grantees (2008)
- San Diego, California Grantees (2008)
- Chattanooga, Tennessee Grantees (2009)
- Miami-Dade, Florida Grantees (2009)
- Richmond, Virginia Grantees (2009)
- San Antonio, Texas Grantees (2009)
- St. Louis, Missouri Grantees (2009)
- Wichita, Kansas Grantees (2009)
