Age-Friendly Minnesota has announced the award of grant funding to 35 entities across the state, including an award of $28,303 to Advance Thief River.
With this award of funding, Advance Thief River will conduct a comprehensive planning process to create a strategic plan that addresses the housing needs of residents ages 55 and older, incorporating strategies that address health, accessibility, and social needs. The plan will prioritize features that support active lifestyles, accessible design elements that reduce fall risks, and amenities that encourage regular physical activity. The plan process will include focus groups and community forums to ensure that area older adults and their families can voice their preferences and aspirations.
Grantees’ proposed projects are intended to make Minnesota a better place to grow older. The Age-Friendly Minnesota (AFMN) Council, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, launched the AFMN Grants Program in 2022 to help communities initiate or advance age-friendly efforts. The Council is committed to creating spaces and opportunities that are intentionally designed to be welcoming and inclusive to all Minnesotans.
A total of $1.3 million was invested in the grant program to advance age-friendly communities’ efforts through May 31, 2026. The Community Grant awards range between $9,000 and $75,000 and grantees include cities, nonprofit entities, for-profit businesses and others.
Community Grant recipients who need support implementing their grant projects will receive no-cost technical assistance from AFMN Technical Assistance Provider grantees. Together, the goal is the successful implementation of these transformative projects, including organizations with limited experience or capacity in undertaking grant-funded work.
The projects are organized by the four domains highlighted in Minnesota’s Multisector Blueprint for Aging: 1) Connected Communities; 2: Emergency Preparedness, Individual Rights and Safety; 3) Optimized Health and Longevity; and 4) Economic Security and Vitality. Each domain showcases different strategies for making Minnesota inclusive and equitable as we age.
Project Updates
To stay informed on project developments and opportunities to get involved, visit the Thrive in Thief River page. Community forums, focus groups, and other opportunities to get involved will be posted on that page.
