On September 15, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and the E.A. Michelson Philanthropy announced the "Creative Aging, Creative Futures (CACF)" funding opportunity to help state arts agencies expand the availability of creative aging programs for older adults. Grant funds from the Creative Aging, Creative Futures initiative can be used to launch new initiatives or build on existing creative aging programs led by state arts agencies (SAA), and these initiatives can be delivered in partnership with state units on aging, area agencies on aging and other aging sector service providers. Up to 28 SAAs will be awarded grants of up to $77,500. NASAA will accept only one application per state arts agency. Creative aging is an essential component of healthy aging and age-friendly communities. State arts agencies are connected with communities across their states, are a part of statewide arts infrastructure, and are prepared to deliver creative aging grants and services across their geographic boundaries.

This grant offering is open to all 56 U.S. state and jurisdictional arts councils. Participation in a prior round of NASAA creative aging grants is not a requirement. Eligible SAAs must certify that they are able to complete their proposed project activities by June 30, 2028.

Applications will be reviewed to ensure that the primary focus is on the delivery of arts learning programs for older adults. CACF applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Opportunity for Impact
• Access to Creative Aging in Underserved Communities
• Project Feasibility and Management
• Consideration of Future Creative Aging Work 

Applications are due on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

Click here to learn more about the grant opportunity.