Grants for People Over 60

A multitude of grants are aimed at improving the quality of life for elderly citizens over the age of 60. The services provided by these grants range from preventing telemarketing scams to providing multipurpose senior citizen centers. There are also programs that encourage seniors to achieve self-sufficiency through employment.

Seniors over the age of 60 are sometimes targeted in telemarketing scams. The Telemarketing Fraud Against Senior Citizens program was created to reduce the number of such scams perpetrated against elderly people. The program uses training, technical assistance, demonstrations and public awareness initiatives to produce results. Seniors are also encouraged to report fraud. Federal, state and local criminal justice agencies are eligible for funding with the understanding that programs are to benefit senior citizens.

Many seniors feel the need for employment or enjoy contributing to society through volunteerism. The Senior Community Service Employment Program from the Department of Labor, Employment Training Administration encourages economic self-sufficiency for low income earners age 55 and above. The program endeavors to increase the number of senior citizens who are employed in the public and private sectors. Those individuals who have poor employment prospects are given consideration. Eligible seniors may have the opportunity to receive classroom training for positions in local governmental agencies or at non-profits. This program is coordinated with the Workforce Investment Act and One-Stop Career Centers. The Corporation for National and Community Service provides grants that promote volunteerism for seniors in order to meet critical needs with in the community.

The Capital Assistance Program of the U.S. Department of Transportation is administered by the Federal Transit Administration. This program grants funding to assist people with disabilities and the elderly in areas where public transportation is inadequate. A variety of transportation projects are funded through this program in urban areas and in rural locations. Federally funded transportation services are coordinated with the services provided by private operators for the benefit of senior citizens.

Multipurpose senior centers and services for elderly Americans are funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Administration on Aging. The grant is for supportive services and senior centers. Through this program, agencies are encouraged to create senior centers and provide services including transportation, caregiver support and in-home services that allow aging senior citizens to remain at home within the community.