top of page

We fund opportunities that help older adults lead active, dignified lives

Through our grantmaking, Saunders House Foundation supports organizations that improve quality of life for older adults with limited resources. We invest in work that promotes well-being, independence, choice and connection—particularly for older adults who face barriers related to income, mobility, or social isolation.

West philly houses with garden.jpg

Our Focus Areas

 

 

Basic Needs and Essential Services

Food security, accessibility, transportation, and other services that help aging neighbors live dignified, fulfilling lives

 
Housing and Aging in Place

Affordable housing and utility assistance, nursing and at-home care, home repairs and modifications, and other services that allow seniors to remain in the settings of their choice

Mental Health and Wellness

Movement and rehabilitation, counseling, and programs to enhance overall well-being

 
Social Connection

Programs that alleviate isolation by creating spaces for older adults to share experiences together

Advocacy and Navigation

Legal aid, resource referral, sector strengthening, and capacity building for organizations within the aging services landscape

2026 Fall Grant Cycle

Heading 5



Application Due Date
September 30, 2026
 

 

Saunders House Foundation awards one-year grants for general operating support at the end of each calendar year. Applicants should request the amount of funding needed to carry out the work of programs that benefit older adults, with awards typically ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the need and the size of the organization.

 

Who can apply for funding

  • Registered 501c3 public charities, fiscally sponsored organizations and programs, supporting organizations, and other 501(c) organizations.

  • Organizations operating within, or programs primarily serving older adults with limited resources within the Foundation’s geographic range of West Philadelphia, parts of lower Montgomery County, and parts of eastern Delaware County. Learn more about our geographic range here.

 

Who we aim to fund

  • Organizations aligned with the Foundation’s mission, priorities, and values 

  • Programs that relieve financial burdens on older adults with limited resources

  • Programs serving older adults, including communities that are underserved and/or have faced historic disinvestment  

  • Organizations with broad leadership from diverse backgrounds ​

Grant restrictions

The Foundation does not provide funding for the following:

  • Individuals

  • Private foundations

  • Political organizations or campaigns; and organizations that have as a substantial  part of their operation the influencing of legislation or public policy

  • Memberships, subscriptions, tickets for benefits, conferences, sponsorships, annual campaigns, and endowments



Application Open Date
August 1, 2026

 



Notification Date
December 5, 2026



 

Clark park background.png

Our Grantees

Saunders House Foundation is proud to have supported the following organizations, which have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for seniors within our geographic commitment.

2025 Grantees

ARTZ Philadelphia is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and well-being for people living with dementia and their care partners through joyful interactions around arts and culture.

Connectedly strengthens community support networks, reduces social isolation, and improves the well-being of older adults, especially women and their families.

ElderNet provides a safety net for older and disabled adults to help them remain in their homes with dignity and strengthens food and financial security for all community members in need of support.

Since 1989, Habitat for Humanity's mission is to transform lives and our region by building and repairing homes in partnership with families in need, and uniting all residents of Montgomery and Delaware counties around the cause of affordable homeownership.

Habitat for Humanity's mission is to transform lives and the city of Philadelphia by building and repairing homes in partnership with families in need, and uniting all Philadelphians around the cause of affordable homeownership.

Leading Age PA advance the evolving continuum of aging services in Pennsylvania by providing a community of nonprofit aging services providers and other mission-driven organizations serving older adults.

Liberty Lutheran's purpose is to faithfully accompany and empower individuals and families by honoring choices and promoting well-being through communities and life services.

The mission of Meals on Wheels of Delaware County, Inc. is to improve the health and quality of life for homebound seniors and the disabled by engaging caring volunteers to prepare and deliver nutritious meals to their homes for a minimal cost.

Media Food Bank @ First Church is dedicated to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of those served, addressing food insecurity with a holistic approach rooted in Compassion, Community, Dignity, and Sustainability. 

MontCo Anti-Hunger Network strengthens the food safety net system in Montgomery County by leading coordinated action among food pantries and free meal providers

Murphy’s Giving Market is a largely volunteer organization that provides food and mobilized resources to end food security in Delaware County.

New Horizons Senior Center empowers older adults to live independently, engage meaningfully, and pursue lifelong growth through innovative programs, personalized services, and vibrant community connections.

Good Shepherd creates world-class, person-centered rehabilitation and post-acute services by defining evidence-based practice and fully integrating care throughout the continuum.

The mission of Philabundance is to drive hunger from communities in the Philadelphia region today and end hunger for good.

The mission of Philadelphia Foundation is to increase philanthropic investment, steward charitable resources, distribute grants and scholarships, strengthen nonprofit capacity, and act as a civic leader.

Rebuilding Together Philadelphia’s mission is to repair homes, revitalize communities, and rebuild lives by transforming vulnerable, owner-occupied houses into safe, healthy, and energy-efficient homes.

RSVP Volunteers creates and runs unique community programs powered by skilled volunteers to advance education and wellness for all ages and strengthen nonprofits through capacity-building and volunteer services.

The mission of Senior Community Services is to provide independent and meaningful living for older adults through direct services and programs in the home and community.

SeniorLAW Center seeks justice for older people by using the power of the law, educating the community and advocating on local, state, and national levels.

Share Food Program leads the fight against food insecurity in the Philadelphia region, by serving an expansive, quality partner network of community-based organizations and school districts engaged in food distribution, education and advocacy.

Simpson House offers senior independent living, personal care, and assisted living services in Philadelphia for older adults to thrive.

Surrey Services for Seniors inspires and enables all of us, as we age, to live with independence and dignity, and as engaged members of the community

The mission of The Foundation for Delaware County is to ensure an equitable, vibrant future for Delaware County by promoting generosity, inspiring participation and partnership across communities, and improving the quality of life for all.

Partner With Us

If your organization is committed to improving the lives of seniors in the Philadelphia region, we want to hear from you. Saunders House Foundation is proud to partner with nonprofits that are aligned with. our mission, priorities, and values.

bottom of page