Older Americans Act

Supporting the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) is one of our top priorities for 2024. The Older Americans Act (OAA) provides critical services that address the social drivers of health for older adults such as nutrition, transportation, senior centers, elder rights protections, caregiver support, and health promotion. The need for OAA services has dramatically increased since the act was signed in 1965. The older adult population has grown and become more diverse, the cost of living has increased, and their poverty rate is rising. Yet, OAA funding levels have not kept pace with the growing need.

A popular, bipartisan, and effective law, The OAA is due to be reauthorized in 2024. Reauthorization provides a critical opportunity for funders to address common priority issues affecting all Americans, including mental health and well-being, social connection, and the care workforce.

In response, Grantmakers In Aging and Grantmakers In Health (GIH) have joined forces to activate funders and partners in support of the 2024 reauthorization of the OAA. This 18-month collaboration will include a political landscape analysis, multiple convenings and communications, and an advocacy-focused resource for funders, partner organizations, and grantees. The OAA reauthorization effort is supported by the Champion Fund.