
Empowering Communities to Meet the Needs of Aging Populations
The Supportive Communities program is an initiative aimed at creating age-friendly communities where older adults can thrive by supporting local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community members that serve older adults. The role of the Supportive Communities program is to:
- Advocate for policy changes that support older adults
- Allocate resources to help meet the transportation, housing, social activity, and other needs of older adults
- Engage communities on the needs, planning, and impact of age-friendly initiatives
Upcoming Events
Capacity Building Workshops with Maryland Nonprofits
Maryland Department of Aging in partnership with Maryland Nonprofits is providing free virtual workshops to build capacity within your organizations.
- Board’s Role in Fundraising: Board Member Fundraising, Visioning, and Direction (Wednesday, April 30, 4-5:30 pm) - This training covers fundraising from a board member’s perspective and how the board and staff can work together to set and meet fundraising goals. Board members will understand the fundraising process, the roles and responsibilities of board members and staff, as well as the basics of donor cultivation. Registration zoom link
- Meeting the Moment: Impact of Recent Executive Orders on the Nonprofit Sector (Wednesday, June 18, 1:30-3:00 pm) - With shifting federal policies and evolving funding landscapes, nonprofits must stay informed and adaptable to ensure financial stability and program continuity. This session will provide an overview of recent federal executive orders and policy changes impacting nonprofit funding, including shifts in grant structures, regulatory changes, and the interconnected impact on us all. Participants will gain practical insights into how these changes affect the nonprofit sector and explore strategic approaches to strengthen financial resilience and sustain impact in uncertain times. Registration zoom link
- Increasing Services to Marginalized Older Adults: Leadership Mindset for Community Representation and Inclusive Engagement (Wednesday, June 4, 1:30-3:00 pm) - This training uses inquiry, compassion, and curiosity to equip leaders with the tools and strategies needed for greater community representation, equitable access, and inclusive engagement while staying mission-driven and community centered. This session lays the groundwork for holding future conversations within each organization to create places of shared prosperity. Program leaders will gain practical insights into how they can help strengthen their program, mobilize relationships, and increase engagement. Registration zoom link
Key Initiatives
Miriam Kelty Aging and Senior Social Connection Hub and Spoke Pilot Program: This bill establishes the Miriam Kelty Aging and Senior Social Connection Hub and Spoke Pilot Program in MDOA. The goal of the program is to support villages that take advantage of operational proficiencies and existing systems, skills, and resources to expand services to more residents in the geographic region. MDOA must select the Montgomery County Village Consortium to implement the pilot program for a three-year period.
Village support and expansion projects: The Village concept provides a holistic approach to aging in place by addressing the practical, social, and emotional needs of older adults within a supportive community framework. It empowers older adults to maintain their independence, dignity, and sense of belonging as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging.
Aging in Place Grant Opportunity: This opportunity is part of the Department’s strategy to increase the resources and capacity for local Area Agencies on Aging, Senior Villages, and nonprofit organizations serving older Marylanders and their caregivers to provide high-quality services and supports, develop social connection and community engagement, and foster the cultivation of social capital, enabling older Marylanders to thrive in their communities.
Aging in Place Grant Awards FY26
MDOA announces a competitive funding opportunity to support older adults in maintaining their health, financial stability, social connections, and purpose within their homes and communities. Awardees will offer programs that enable older Marylanders to live safely, independently, and comfortably within their chosen communities, regardless of age, income, or ability level. For more information, visit our Grant Availability page.
FY25
The Maryland Department of Aging awarded $100,000 in grants awards to six Villages that serve historically marginalized communities to support aging in place efforts. The grants are offered annually as part of Longevity Ready Maryland’s efforts to increase the capacity of local organizations to provide high-quality services, improve collaboration between agencies and organizations, and foster social connection across generations. Read the full press release
here.