Engaged Elders
We are living longer and leaving traditional ideas about work and retirement behind. In this time of rapid change, our communities look to elders more than ever before to fill a need for wisdom and experienced leadership. At the same time, elders seek meaningful, extended involvement, both paid and unpaid.
The facts reveal an “aging wave” that will change Minnesota:
- During the coming decade, the number of Minnesotans ages 55 to 69
will account for almost half of Minnesota's population growth. 1 - By 2035 Minnesota's population over age 65 will grow by almost
770,000, or 125 percent. During the same period, population under age 65
will grow by only 10 percent. 2 - 80 percent of baby boomers will continue working after age 65, at least in
part to cover living expenses.3 - By 2030 8 percent of the labor force will be 65 or older, up from 3 percent in 2000. 4
Now is the time for people in their forties and fifties to inform public and private policies regarding work. It is time to engage in a public conversation that redefines fundamental notions of work; and to imagine a world where people in their sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth decades of life are equally regarded as producers of information, services or commodities.
The Foundation looks for leaders who will bring the topics of age and work into public dialogue. We will support these conversations, and the development of policies and systems that engage elders in the economic vitality of the region. We will invest in work that leverages retiring baby boomer’s intellectual, financial, and social assets for the benefit of all.
In the area of workforce development, we all succeed when:
- An increasingly diverse workforce has the skills needed to contribute
- More skilled workers are working
- We achieve sustainable economic growth
The Foundation strives for these results.
Tools for Community Growth
We work with communities and organizations that commit to collaboration. We support asset based, local work with these tools:
TOWN MEETING INITIATIVE
Our Town Meeting Initiative brings community members together to evaluate the assets of the community, set goals, and accomplish a project of choice. We provide facilitation, technical assistance, and up to $15,000 to assist asset based community development (ABCD) efforts that lead to economic growth and prosperity.
Click here to download an application.
INCENTIVE GRANTS
Grants launch programs, inspire collaboration, and move communities toward future investment. We provide up to $20,000 to support asset based collaborative projects or programs that support emerging business and workforce initiatives.
Click here to download an application.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
We provide networking opportunities and expertise to regional partners for programs and activities related to our focus areas.
CONVENINGS
We collaborate with regional partners to create small and large convenings that enhance awareness, increase knowledge, and produce results related to our focus areas. This expands perspectives, connections, and the scope of projects.
How to Apply
Incentive grant applications are reviewed twice annually, with submission deadlines on March 1 and September 1. Town Meeting Initiative communities are selected once yearly, with a letter of intent due in early February and application following on February 29. All opportunities are publicized well in advance of submission dates by e-mail, in community newspapers, and in the What’s New section of this website. For clarification on this area of focus, or for more application details call Elise Davis, 507-455-3215, extension 117, or e-mail elised@smifoundation.org.
Click here to register for e-mail notification of grant opportunities.
Click here to learn how to write a successful grant proposal (prepared by Non-Profit Guides).
1 State of Minnesota Demographic Center
2 Regional Trend Survey
3 AARP
4 State of Minnesota