Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) has launched a new grant program, Fostering Social Connection in Later Life with funds from the Paul and Alma Schwan Aging Trust Endowment Fund. This program will provide funding to southwest Minnesota-serving organizations working to reduce and prevent social isolation and loneliness among older adults in the region.
Social isolation and loneliness are serious public health risks that can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. Older adults are particularly at risk, with approximately one-quarter of Americans, age 65 and older, considered socially isolated, according to the National Institutes of Health. Data from Minnesota Compass show that 20 percent of southwest Minnesota’s population is age 65 or older.
“We know that social isolation and loneliness can have a devastating impact on the health and well-being of older adults,” said Nancy Fasching, Vice President of Community Impact at SWIF. “That’s why we’re launching this new grant program to support organizations that are working to create opportunities for older adults to continue to thrive and be valued members of our communities.”
Fostering Social Connection in Later Life grants will invest in coordination of activities and direct interventions to improve people’s connections through social support, enhanced interactions, or adaptive cognition. Examples could include connection to opportunities, meaning making and volunteer programs, online and physical program coordination or caregiver support.
SWIF has allocated a total of $250,000 for individual grant awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 over a one-year term. Grant eligibility and application details are available at swifoundation.org/grants. The grant application deadline is 5 p.m. on Oct. 31.
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $115 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs. Learn more at swifoundation.org.