For the first time in its 22-year history, the Helen Bader Foundation has been awarded a grant to advance its efforts surrounding healthy aging services.
The Milwaukee-based foundation distributes grants itself to programs and organizations centered on youth and workforce development for at-risk populations, in addition to funding initiatives promoting healthy aging.
The recent grant comes from Minnesota-based Margaret A. Cargill Foundation and totals $2 million. The grant, to be rolled out over 18 months, will supplement the $1.5 million the Helen Bader Foundation invests in healthy aging each year. Grant dollars will increase the foundation’s grant-making capacity and will specifically help strengthen the quality of healthy aging services for older Wisconsin residents in 71 rural counties, where resources have dwindled in light of the economy.
In distributing more funding toward healthy aging programs and services in rural areas, the Helen Bader Foundation will collaborate with community partners to ensure more seniors are able to live independently in their homes and communities.
Together, the foundation and community partners will focus on delivering quality services and support that reinforce the independence and dignity of seniors. Additionally, they will boost the quality and quantity of care workers serving seniors as well as provide seniors and caregivers with technology that can enhance quality of life.
Since 1992, the Helen Bader Foundation has contributed more than $43 million in grants to Alzheimer’s- and aging-related initiatives.
“We are honored to have been recognized by the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation for our work in healthy aging in Wisconsin,” said Daniel Bader, president and chief executive officer of the Helen Bader Foundation. “As the Baby Boom generation continues to age, it is crucial that our rural communities become more responsive to the needs of older adults. We look forward to continuing to engage new partners across the state to ensure our state in a national leader.”
The foundation plans to fund a wave of grants in July and a second wave in October.
