AARP Foundation California Quality Employment Grant 2026: Up to $750,000 for Projects Supporting Older Workers

Overview

The AARP Foundation has issued a Request for Applications titled Quality Employment for Older Workers in California. It plans to invest about $2 million in grants and expects to fund between four and eight organizations, with individual awards ranging from $250,000 to $750,000 depending on the size, duration, activities and expected outcomes of the project. The aim is to improve access to quality employment for people aged 50 and over with low incomes in California. The call emphasises systems change, age-inclusive workforce practices and better coordination among services rather than direct service delivery.

Who can apply

The call is relevant to organizations, coalitions, workforce leaders, community organizations and other eligible entities working to improve how workforce systems serve older workers. Proposals should explain how they will change, coordinate or strengthen the systems through which services are delivered, rather than just offering employment help to a group of individuals.

Requirements

The Foundation defines quality employment as work that offers stable earnings, fair treatment, chances to build skills and advance, flexibility that helps people stay employed, support during transitions and conditions that make work sustainable. Projects may address two areas. The first is age-inclusive training, education and employment services, such as redesigning job-connected training, creating recruitment strategies for older workers, linking them to suitable employers and helping workforce organisations spot barriers. The second is age-inclusive workforce systems and service alignment, such as connecting unemployment services with workforce development, improving referral pathways between public agencies and community groups, testing coordinated service models and helping older adults navigate multiple benefits. Approaches that could be replicated more widely are of interest.