Older adults — who have spent lifetimes building communities, fueling economies and shaping civic life — are navigating an increasingly fragile landscape. American systems that once promised stability and care in later life are being radically scaled down just as the need for support grows. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) slashes over $1 trillion in federal Medicaid funding and will cut roughly $287 billion from food assistance programs over the next decade, threatening services on which millions of older adults depend.
At the same time, philanthropic funders are retreating from their commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Amidst rising anti-DEI sentiments and policy shifts, a growing number of funders have quietly stepped back from equity-focused giving under political pressure.
What funders can do now
- Fund with an equity lens — without apology. This includes long-term, unrestricted support for organizations led by and serving older adults of color.
- Strengthen advocacy infrastructure. Fund organizing, policy advocacy and leadership development among older adults and caregivers. Support groups like Justice in Aging, the Diverse Elders Coalition and Caring Across Generations, who are mobilizing to protect rights, access and dignity for all elders.
- Invest in narrative change. Research from the FrameWorks Institute shows that how we talk about aging shapes public understanding and policy decisions.
- Increase annual giving in response to compounding need. With philanthropic giving declining overall and critical federal programs like Medicaid experiencing budget cuts, philanthropy must respond with urgency.
- Stay accountable. If your institution is shifting DEI strategies, be transparent about how you’re continuing to serve communities most impacted by systemic inequity — including older adults.
