Frequently Asked Questions
In 2025, recognizing the significant challenges our community was facing due to the unprecedented changes to public policy affecting older adults and the organizations that support them, Archstone Foundation reexamined our goals and grantmaking priorities. Our analysis and conversations with staff, Board members, community leaders, and older adults led to redefining our work in the service of our goal: partnering with communities to catalyze equitable change in health and social systems.
We have two strategic aims for achieving this: 1) mobilizing communities and amplifying older adult voices, and 2) building the adaptability of organizations serving older adults.
We believe this approach will help make our communities more resilient in the face of today’s many challenges and more in charge of their own futures.GENERAL GRANTMAKING
Who is the Foundation’s priority population?
The Foundation’s mission is to improve health and social care for all older adults (age 60 and over) in California who face challenges in accessing quality care, especially those facing multiple barriers. We support populations across the state, including those in urban, suburban, rural, unincorporated, and Tribal communities. We believe quality care must be person and family-centered, affordable, effective, honest, accessible, timely, and linguistically and culturally connected for older adults.
Are there any funding opportunities currently available?
Archstone Foundation has an invitation-only application process. Throughout the year, we will engage with communities and organizations across the state to identify opportunities to work together. We will invite applications for grants that align with our grantmaking approach and funding priorities (see What We Fund).
How can I be notified of Foundation news and grants?
For Foundation news, resources, and opportunities, please subscribe to our mailing list.
How do I submit a Letter of Inquiry?
We do not accept Letters of Inquiry. We have an invitation-only application process, focused on collective action and coalition building. To meet with a member of our team to share more about your work and learn more about Archstone Foundation’s strategy, please email archstone@archstone.org and we would be happy to connect with you.
When will the first grants under the new strategy be released?
Early grants began in 2025, and we will continue to make grants as we roll out the strategy in 2026 and beyond.
What size grants are you anticipating and will they be multi-year?
Grant size will be commensurate with the aligned aim and funding priority. A typical grant size will be between $50,000 and $100,000 per year.
Will funding be available for general operating support?
Yes, general operating funds will be available for organizations aligned with our priority aims.
Where can I find information about the capacity building program?
The last RFP for the capacity building grant program closed in 2025. Future opportunities to build adaptability of organizations serving older adults will be announced in summer 2026. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. For immediate capacity building support, explore our partnership with Catchafire.
As our strategy shifts to collective action, we will be focusing our support on coalition-based and coordinated strategies rather than grants to individual service organizations.
What additional resources are available to nonprofits?
Archstone Foundation partners with Catchafire, a social enterprise to help fill nonprofits’ capacity building gaps. Catchafire matches professionals who donate their time with nonprofits who need their specific skills. Since 2021, we have supported more than 100 aging service organizations to have access to the Catchafire platform.
If you are interested in receiving immediate access to the Catchafire platform, please contact Carly Roman-Woo or complete this interest form.
Where can I learn more about current Archstone Foundation supported projects?
We invite you to visit our Recent Grantees page.
Can I meet with someone to learn more about the Foundation’s work?
Yes! Please email archstone@archstone.org and we would be happy to connect you with a member of our team.
ELIGIBILITY
Who is eligible for a grant from Archstone Foundation?
The Foundation partners with communities to catalyze equitable change in health and social care systems and conducts grantmaking in two core areas: 1) mobilizing communities and amplifying older adult voices, and 2) building the adaptability of organizations serving older adults.
We partner with our community to identify needs. Our community includes older adults, families, and community-based organizations, working to support older adults. Whether an organization is providing direct services or advocating to decisionmakers and stakeholders, we work across the spectrum to connect each voice to impact and change how health and care systems are designed for older adults.
We have an invitation-only application process and make grants to the following types of organizations:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are not classified as private foundations in California or national organizations that have a footprint in California
- California state and local government entities
What is excluded from funding?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide funding for:
- Capital campaigns
- Individuals
- Biomedical research
- Political campaigns, voter registration drives or lobbying for specific legislation
- Organizations that discriminate on the basis of age, disability, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, or veteran status
Will you be funding small community-based service organizations that do not provide direct healthcare services, but provide other services so important to older adult health (food, social engagement, exercise, etc.)?
Service organizations of any size offering health and social care will be able to participate in our collective efforts around flexible funding, organizational infrastructure, and coalition building.
Can smaller, volunteer-led organizations apply?
As our strategy shifts to collective action, we will be focusing our support on coalition-based and coordinated strategies rather than grants to individual service organizations. While we will not be providing funds to direct service organizations outside of our flexible funding program, we will share opportunities to engage as partners in grant-funded programs, such as organizational infrastructure support, narrative change, grassroots organizing, digital inclusion, and coalition building.
Additional details related to specific funding opportunities will be provided as plans develop within each priority area.
CURRENT GRANTEES
If I have a current grant from the Foundation, can I request a change to the project budget or timeline?
Yes, please review information here and contact your program officer for additional guidance.
LEARNING JOURNEY
Can older adults directly participate in the Foundation’s learning journey?
Yes, we will be working with organizations and community leaders to create opportunities for older adults to play a key role in conversations.
How will the initial learning journey locations be selected?
We will select 2-3 locations based on those who have indicated interest in hosting, and by keeping in mind a balance of urban, suburban, and rural areas of the state. The learning journey is meant to be an ongoing approach to our work, so these initial locations are just the start.If you are interested in hosting or participating in a learning journey, we invite you to indicate your interest here.
How many participants will be included at each site?
The number of participants will depend on location, capacity, and purpose for gathering.
Will you report back to the community about the learning journey outcomes and conversations?
Yes, part of the learning journey will include sharing what we learn via direct communication, our website, and other methods we’ll develop during the process.
