Grantmakers In Health's Advocacy for the 2024 Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act
First signed into law in 1965, 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. If the OAA is not reauthorized, it is set to expire on September 30, 2024. In 2023, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) and Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) announced a partnership to engage funders in advancing the reauthorization of this critical piece of legislation.
OAA News and Updates
In October 2023, Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) and Grantmakers In Health (GIH)Â launched an 18-month initiative to engage funders in the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). This report highlights key activities and takeaways and previews future programming.
Learn More →
Grantmakers In Health’s ongoing partnership with Grantmaking In Aging (GIA) advocating for the renewal of the Older Americans Act (OAA) was featured in a July 19, 2024 Inside Philanthropy interview…
Learn More →First signed into law in 1965, 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. A popular, bipartisan, and effective law, the OAA is set to expire on September 30, 2024, if it is not reauthorized. Foundations play a critical role at every stage of the OAA, from the time Congress begins reauthorizing the law, to the appropriation of funding, to the implementation of OAA programs. Now is the time to act.
Learn More →Driving Change through Public-Private Collaboration at Age + Action 2024
On May 7, 2024, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) and Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) cohosted a funders-only meeting at the National Council on Aging’s Age + Action 2024 conference. The session, “Driving Change through Public-Private Collaboration,” focused on bridging connections between the public and private sectors to improve the health and well-being of older adults in…
Grantmakers In Health and Grantmakers In Aging Release Policy Recommendations for Older Americans Act Renewal
On March 21, 2024, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) and Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) responded to a request for feedback about the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) from the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).
Opportunities to Engage on the 2024 Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act
First signed into law in 1965, 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. If the OAA is not reauthorized, it is set to expire on September 30, 2024. Grantmakers In…
Grantmakers In Aging and Grantmakers In Health Announce Partnership to Support the 2024 Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act
Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) and Grantmakers In Health (GIH) are pleased to announce a new collaboration aimed at mobilizing funders in support of the 2024 reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA).
Upcoming OAA Events
Policy Briefing: Threats to Food and Nutrition Programs in Budget Reconciliation
The House and Senate continue to work on a budget reconciliation. On April 10, the House narrowly passed the Senate’s version of a budget blueprint, calling on Congressional committees to slash billions of dollars from programs within their jurisdictions including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), school meal supports like the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), and Medicaid in exchange for tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy. The House and Senate will determine the final tax and spending levels by agency and program in committee debates in coming months. In this session, experts from the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) will provide an up to the moment analysis of how federal budget reconciliation impacts food and nutrition programs, the tie into Farm Bill negotiations, and ultimately, what these policy decisions mean for the health and well-being of children, families, and communities across the country. Experts will also highlight how advocates are organizing in support of these crucial programs, FRAC’s advocacy resources, and how funders can support this work. Please note this session will not be recorded. Notes and key takeaways will be shared with registrants.
State of the Union for the Disability Community
The current U.S. landscape for people with disabilities is growing more complex as changes to critical policies such as Medicaid and Social Security are being proposed and enacted. Join us for a “state of the union” briefing and discussion on disability priorities that highlights both the current realities and the actions needed to improve access, quality, and outcomes. Speakers include Sandy Ho of Disability & Philanthropy Forum, Dom Kelly of New Disabled South, Sean Jackson of Disability Rights Texas, and Mai Pham of Institute for Exceptional Care. Cosponsored with Disability & Philanthropy Forum and WITH Foundation.
Social Security is for Everyone – And Philanthropy Plays An Important Role
Social Security turns 90 this year with nearly four generations of Americans rightfully counting on social security as a part of their economic plan. It is not just for older adults but also supports children and families in the event of disability and death. However, the program currently faces a long-term financing gap which, if unaddressed, will result in across-the-board benefit cuts of approximately 15 percent. There are workable solutions and this new survey from National Academy of Social Insurance, supported by RRF Foundation on Aging, tested vetted options to understand what components people most value, would like increased and could be decreased.
CEO Working Group Webinar
Grantmakers In Health is pleased to convene the CEO Working Group to discuss challenges in our work and opportunities for collaboration as we move forward to achieve our health missions under the new administration.
CEO Working Group Webinar
Grantmakers In Health is pleased to convene the CEO Working Group to discuss challenges in our work and opportunities for collaboration as we move forward to achieve our health missions under the new administration.
CEO Working Group Webinar
Grantmakers In Health is pleased to convene the CEO Working Group to discuss challenges in our work and opportunities for collaboration as we move forward to achieve our health missions under the new administration.
2025 Rural Health Philanthropy Partnership Meeting
Grantmakers In Health (GIH), the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, the National Rural Health Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office of Rural Health will co-host the 2025 Rural Health Philanthropy Partnership Meeting, welcoming foundations, federal entities, and other partners to discuss how our combined efforts might produce better health outcomes…
Recent OAA Events
NCOA Age + Action 2024
On May 7, 2024, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) and Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) cohosted a funders-only meeting at the National Council on Aging’s Age + Action 2024 conference. The session, “Driving Change through Public-Private Collaboration,” focused on bridging connections between the public and private sectors to improve the health and well-being of older adults in the U.S.
Advocacy for the Older Americans Act Reauthorization: What Can My 501c 3 Foundation Do?
Participants convened for a workshop that provided a clear understanding of what advocacy activities your 501(c)(3) organization can engage in, what communications count as lobbying, and how to maximize your non-lobbying advocacy. 
GIA Member and GIH Funding Partner Meet Up: Older Americans Act Reauthorization
As part of this analysis, leaders from the field convened on January 18 for a meet-up to help shape new partnerships to support the OAA and advance older Americans’ health and social needs.