More than 17% of Iowans are now 65 or older, and that number keeps growing. If you run a nonprofit or local government program in Johnson County, you can access dedicated funding to directly support seniors with limited income. A specific local grant program offers real dollars for projects that boost health, safety, and connection among older adults—here’s how to position your organization to get it.
Key Takeaways
- The Coldren Fund for Seniors offers up to $5,000 for projects helping low‑income adults 65+ in Johnson County, Iowa.
- Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, and the Iowa City Community School District serving Johnson County.
- Grants must fund specific projects or activities that improve seniors’ health, safety, social connection, and daily living support.
- Applications open March 2, 2026, and must be submitted online by March 20, 2026; late or paper applications are not accepted.
- Funded organizations must submit an impact report by June 30, 2027, showing how grant funds benefited seniors in the community.
Who Can Apply for the Coldren Fund for Seniors Grants
You can apply for the Coldren Fund for Seniors Grants if your organization is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, a municipality, or the Iowa City Community School District and you’re based in or significantly serve Johnson County, Iowa.
Grant eligibility requires that your projects serve the aging population in Johnson County and strictly prohibit funding for deficits or debt retirement.
Your application must comply with nondiscrimination and diversity policies.
Following the application guidelines, proposals should clearly focus on programs or projects impacting seniors, ensuring alignment with these requirements to qualify for funding consideration.
What the Coldren Fund for Seniors Grants Support
The Coldren Fund for Seniors Grants supports specific projects and activities that directly benefit adults 65 and older with limited income in Johnson County, Iowa.
You can use this grant to fund programs that improve seniors’ well-being, from health and safety to social connection and daily living support.
Focus on clear, measurable grant impact that strengthens services for older adults. The funding also boosts your organization’s funding sustainability by supporting effective, community-driven initiatives.
Make sure your project is program-focused and clearly shows how it helps Johnson County’s aging population thrive.
Maximum Grant Amount and Funding Limits
While most grants for seniors in Iowa are modest, the Coldren Fund for Seniors stands out by offering a maximum award of $5,000 for a single project or activity benefiting those 65 and older in Johnson County.
This significant grant allocation supports charitable projects but excludes deficit funding or debt retirement, reflecting clear funding priorities.
In contrast, the Aging Services Coalition of North Iowa offers a smaller one-time grant capped at $150, intended for unexpected expenses.
Both programs require funds to be paid directly to vendors, ensuring grants are used as intended and align strictly with their funding priorities.
Eligible Organizations and Geographic Requirements
Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, municipalities, and the Iowa City Community School District are eligible to apply for grants targeting seniors in Johnson County, Iowa, provided they’re located in or substantially serve this geographic area.
These eligible organizations must focus on projects that directly benefit adults 65+ of limited income. Meeting the geographic requirements is essential—your work must significantly impact Johnson County’s aging population.
Grants aren’t for deficit funding, debt retirement, or direct aid to individuals. Stick to program-focused proposals that align with seniors’ needs and the fund’s charitable purpose.
Types of Projects and Activities That Qualify
Because you want to secure grants for seniors in Johnson County, it’s essential to propose projects that focus specifically on improving the health, social engagement, and overall well-being of adults aged 65 and older with limited income.
Think social services, health screenings, transportation help, educational workshops, and recreational activities tailored to seniors. These project examples must directly serve Johnson County’s aging population.
Strong proposals clearly show community benefits, like increased independence, reduced isolation, and better access to care.
Make sure your project is new or ongoing, not already completed, and aligns with the fund’s charitable purpose.
What Is Not Funded by the Coldren Fund
The Coldren Fund for Seniors won’t cover everything, so it’s important to know what’s off the table. You can’t use this funding for deficit funding or to retire debt, as those are clear ineligible expenses.
Individual financial support is also prohibited; grants must go to organizations, not individuals. Political or lobbying activities don’t qualify either due to strict funding restrictions.
Additionally, expenses unrelated to approved projects impacting Johnson County’s aging population are excluded. Your project must align with charitable purposes and follow the fund’s nondiscrimination and diversity policies to avoid disqualification.
How to Apply for the Coldren Fund for Seniors Grants
You’re eligible if your 501(c)(3), municipality, or the Iowa City Community School District runs a program that directly helps low-income adults 65+ in Johnson County.
To apply, create an account in the online grants portal and submit your full application between March 2 and March 20, 2026, by 11:59 pm.
After that, just keep an eye on your inbox for updates and plan to submit your follow-up report by June 30, 2027.
Eligibility and Requirements
Only three types of applicants qualify for the Coldren Fund for Seniors Grants: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the Iowa City Community School District, and municipalities within or significantly serving Johnson County, Iowa.
To meet grant eligibility and funding requirements, your project must support adults aged 65 or older with limited income, focus on programs or activities—not individual financial aid—and comply with nondiscrimination and diversity policies.
Avoid using funds for deficit funding or debt retirement. The maximum grant amount is $5,000, and you must submit a follow-up report by June 30, 2027, through the online system.
Application Process Steps
Although you must submit your application for the Coldren Fund for Seniors Grants online between March 2 and March 20, 2026, you should create your account and organizational profile well in advance.
This preparation helps guarantee smooth application submission and confirms your grant eligibility.
Before applying, you’ll need to:
- Create a username and password in the online grants portal
- Set up your organizational profile with your organization’s name and Tax ID
- Confirm your nonprofit, municipality, or school district status serving Johnson County seniors
- Complete the full application by 11:59 pm on March 20, 2026
- Prepare to submit a follow-up impact report by June 30, 2027 through the same portal.
Application Period and Important Deadlines
Mark your calendar: the Coldren Fund for Seniors grant application window opens March 2, 2026, and closes at 11:59 pm on March 20, 2026.
You’ll typically get a decision by late April, so plan your project timeline around that notification date.
If you’re applying for the first time, create your account on the online grants portal early to avoid last-minute delays.
Grant Application Timeline
When you’re ready to apply for the Coldren Fund for Seniors Grants, mark your calendar for the 2026 cycle: applications open March 2, 2026, and you must submit yours online by 11:59 pm on March 20, 2026, through the fund’s grants portal.
Smart grant timelines and solid application strategies make all the difference.
- Submit your application during the open window: March 2–20, 2026.
- Use the online grants portal; paper or late entries won’t be accepted.
- The Grants Committee reviews all submissions after the deadline.
- Expect notification of your grant decision in late April 2026.
- If awarded, you’ll submit your follow-up report by June 30, 2027, online.
Submission Deadlines
The application window for the Coldren Fund for Seniors Grants opens on March 2, 2026, and closes promptly at 11:59 pm on March 20, 2026.
To maximize your chances, follow submission tips like submitting early since late applications won’t be accepted.
For the Aging Services Coalition of North Iowa, grant reviews happen within six weeks of submission, so heed deadline reminders to avoid missing out due to limited funding distributed until the budget is exhausted.
Award Notification Dates
Since your application for the Coldren Fund for Seniors Grants opens on March 2, 2026, and closes on March 20, 2026, you can expect to receive notification of award decisions by late April 2026.
The award timelines and notification process are designed to keep you informed promptly and efficiently.
For the Aging Services Coalition of North Iowa, decisions typically happen within six weeks post-submission.
- Coldren Fund decisions notified in late April 2026
- Follow-up reports due by June 30, 2027, online
- Aging Services Coalition reviews applications within six weeks
- Notifications for Aging Services grants sent within six weeks
- Award timelines guarantee timely updates on funding status
Grant Review and Decision Timeline
Although application deadlines can vary, you should expect the grant review process for seniors’ grants in Iowa to follow a clear timeline.
For example, the Coldren Fund for Seniors accepts applications from March 2 to March 20, 2026, and a Grants Committee reviews these based on strict decision criteria, notifying applicants in late April.
Likewise, the Aging Services Coalition reviews applications within six weeks and informs applicants soon after.
These structured processes guarantee timely and thorough evaluations so you can plan your applications and follow-ups accordingly.
Awardees must also submit a report by June 30, 2027, for accountability.
Reporting Requirements for Grant Awardees
Once you receive your grant award, you’ll need to complete a follow-up report by June 30, 2027, showing exactly how you used the funds.
Meeting this reporting timeline is a key accountability measure and a mandatory condition of your grant.
- Submit your report through the online grant system by June 30, 2027.
- Include a short written summary of your project’s outcomes and impact.
- Clearly detail how grant funds were spent to support seniors.
- Follow all instructions provided during the late April decision notification.
- Remember, failure to submit may affect future funding opportunities.
How to Get Help With Your Grant Application
You’ll want to start by setting up your online application portal account, creating a username and password, and completing your organizational profile to streamline future grant requests.
Make sure to carefully prepare your application documents, including any vendor bills or estimates if required, to clearly demonstrate your need.
If you run into any issues or have questions, you can contact Ellie Moore at the Coldren Fund or reach out to the Aging Services Coalition for personalized support.
Online Portal Setup
Before you begin your grant application, create a username, password, and organizational profile on the online grants portal to access the system.
To guarantee smooth portal navigation and efficient user account management, prepare the following information:
- Your organization’s name and Tax ID number
- Complete organization contact details
- CEO or Executive Director’s contact information
- Use available FAQs and tutorials for support
- Contact Ellie Moore via email or phone with any grant questions
These steps will streamline your application process and help you navigate the portal confidently.
Application Document Tips
While gathering your organization’s details for the portal, start drafting your application documents so you can spot any gaps early.
Use the funder’s document checklist to guarantee you don’t miss key pieces like budgets, tax IDs, or program narratives. These application tips help you present a clear, complete picture of your project.
Double-check that your proposal aligns with the funder’s goals and includes measurable outcomes. Review FAQs and tutorials for guidance, and contact Ellie Moore with specific questions.
Make certain your project meets the nondiscrimination and diversity policy to stay eligible.
Contacting Grant Support
If you encounter difficulties or have questions during your grant application, direct support is available to help you navigate the process efficiently.
Use these grant inquiry tips and contact methods for effective assistance:
- For Coldren Fund questions, email Ellie Moore at [email protected] or call (319) 337-0483.
- Aging Services Coalition grants inquiries: call 641-423-4264.
- First-time users must create a username, password, and organizational profile in the online grants portal.
- Access FAQs and tutorials for application guidance.
- Apply early for Aging Services Coalition grants since funds are distributed until exhausted.
State-by-State Grants for Seniors
| Alabama | Offers senior grants for housing repairs, healthcare assistance, utilities, and low-income support programs. |
| Alaska | Provides grants and aid for seniors covering heating costs, healthcare access, and rural assistance programs. |
| Arizona | Includes senior grants for housing, prescription assistance, food programs, and property tax relief. |
| Arkansas | Supports seniors through grants for medical care, utility assistance, home repairs, and nutrition services. |
| California | Provides extensive senior grants for housing assistance, healthcare, caregiving, and cost-of-living relief. |
| Colorado | Offers financial aid for seniors including housing grants, medical assistance, and energy support programs. |
| Connecticut | Includes grants for senior housing repairs, healthcare costs, prescription drugs, and tax relief. |
| Delaware | Provides senior-focused grants for medical care, housing stability, utilities, and daily living expenses. |
| Florida | Offers grants for seniors covering housing, healthcare, hurricane assistance, and home modification needs. |
| Georgia | Supports seniors with grants for medical care, housing assistance, food programs, and utility relief. |
| Hawaii | Provides senior grants for housing stability, healthcare access, and cost-of-living assistance. |
| Idaho | Includes financial aid programs for seniors covering healthcare, utilities, and home repairs. |
| Illinois | Offers senior grants for property tax relief, healthcare assistance, housing, and food security. |
| Indiana | Provides grants supporting senior healthcare, housing stability, and essential living expenses. |
| Kansas | Offers grants to seniors for healthcare, housing improvements, and utility support. |
| Kentucky | Supports seniors with grants for medical needs, housing repairs, and nutrition assistance. |
| Louisiana | Provides financial assistance for seniors including healthcare grants and home repair programs. |
| Maine | Includes senior grants for heating assistance, healthcare access, and housing stability. |
| Maryland | Offers grants for seniors covering healthcare costs, property taxes, and home modifications. |
| Massachusetts | Provides senior assistance grants for housing, healthcare, utilities, and daily living expenses. |
| Michigan | Supports seniors through grants for medical bills, housing repairs, and energy assistance. |
| Minnesota | Includes senior grant programs for healthcare support, housing stability, and food assistance. |
| Mississippi | Provides grants for seniors covering healthcare access, utilities, and essential living needs. |
| Missouri | Offers financial assistance programs for seniors focused on healthcare and housing support. |
| Montana | Supports seniors with grants for heating assistance, medical care, and housing repairs. |
| Nebraska | Includes senior grants for healthcare, property tax relief, and energy assistance. |
| Nevada | Provides financial support for seniors covering housing stability and healthcare needs. |
| New Hampshire | Offers grants for seniors focused on heating assistance, medical care, and housing support. |
| New Jersey | Includes senior grants for healthcare costs, property taxes, and housing assistance. |
| New Mexico | Provides grants supporting senior healthcare access and essential living expenses. |
| New York | Offers extensive senior grants for housing, healthcare, utilities, and cost-of-living relief. |
| North Carolina | Supports seniors with grants for healthcare, housing stability, and utility assistance. |
| North Dakota | Includes financial aid programs for seniors covering healthcare and heating assistance. |
| Ohio | Provides grants for seniors focused on healthcare access, housing repairs, and utilities. |
| Oklahoma | Offers senior assistance grants for medical care, housing needs, and food programs. |
| Oregon | Includes senior grant programs for healthcare support, housing stability, and energy costs. |
| Pennsylvania | Supports seniors through grants for medical expenses, housing, and property tax relief. |
| Rhode Island | Provides financial assistance for seniors covering healthcare and housing stability. |
| South Carolina | Offers senior grants for medical care, utilities, housing repairs, and nutrition support. |
| South Dakota | Includes grants for seniors focused on healthcare access and heating assistance. |
| Tennessee | Provides financial aid programs for seniors covering healthcare and housing needs. |
| Texas | Offers senior grants for healthcare costs, housing assistance, and utility support. |
| Utah | Supports seniors with grants for medical care, housing stability, and energy assistance. |
| Vermont | Includes senior assistance programs for healthcare access and housing support. |
| Virginia | Provides grants for seniors covering medical care, housing repairs, and utility costs. |
| Washington | Offers financial support for seniors including healthcare, housing, and daily living assistance. |
| West Virginia | Supports seniors with grants for healthcare, utilities, and essential living expenses. |
| Wisconsin | Includes senior grants for medical care, housing stability, and energy assistance. |
| Wyoming | Provides financial assistance for seniors covering healthcare access and heating costs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Assistance Programs Are Available for Seniors in Iowa?
You can access senior resources like the Coldren Fund offering grants up to $5,000 for projects benefiting low-income adults 65+, and the Aging Services Coalition of North Iowa providing $150 one-time financial aid for unexpected expenses based on demonstrated need. Apply early to maximize your chances, and note funds support charitable programs, not individual debt or direct payments.
What Not to Say When Applying for a Grant?
Don’t mention financial distress, personal aid, politics, or vague plans in your grant application. Avoid these common mistakes: be specific, project-focused, and show how you’ll directly impact seniors in Johnson County.
Who Is Eligible for the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program?
You’re eligible for the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program if you’re 55+, meet Elderly Waiver income limits, and have an unexpected need. Grant eligibility requires no direct financial support; payments go straight to vendors. The Application process involves submitting proof of need and income for committee review.
What Grants Are Available in Iowa?
You’ve got Iowa grants and funding opportunities like the Coldren Fund for Seniors, offering up to $5,000 for projects helping low-income adults 65+ in Johnson County.
Conclusion
You can make a real difference in the lives of Johnson County seniors with this grant. Imagine this: just one $5,000 award could help 100 low‑income older adults access critical services like meals, safety upgrades, or social programs. By funding focused, local projects, you’re not just giving money—you’re building a stronger, more connected community where older adults thrive.