Next50

Next50 is a private national nonprofit foundation based in Denver, Colorado, dedicated to promoting independence, dignity, and equitable opportunities for the aging population, especially focusing on low- and moderate-income older adults. Established in 2016, Next50 works to foster innovative, affordable, and coordinated services and initiatives that address the needs of older individuals with physical, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities[4].

Mission and Focus

Next50's mission centers on supporting and advancing economic opportunity for older adults through investments in initiatives that build capacity and transform systems. The foundation prioritizes historically marginalized and geographically underserved populations, embracing principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. It mandates that grant applications align with its core values and mission, particularly serving groups such as Black or African American, Middle Eastern or North African, American Indian or Native Alaskan, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, LGBTQ+, low-income, immigrant/refugee, unhoused, people with disabilities, incarcerated/formerly incarcerated, rural, frontier, and veteran communities[2][4].

Priority Areas

Next50 strategically concentrates its efforts on three key areas to advance economic opportunities for older adults:

• Ending ageism
• Advancing digital equity
• Supporting aging in place[4]

Programs

One notable program is the Sudden & Urgent Need (SUN) grants, which provide one-time funding to smaller nonprofit organizations in Colorado with budgets of $1,000,000 or less. These grants address time-sensitive needs that have an immediate impact on an organization's capacity to serve adults aged 50 and older. Priority is given to projects targeting rural areas. Examples of funded projects include sanitation equipment, disaster repairs, transportation services, and infrastructure improvements for organizations serving older adults with disabilities. Award amounts can be up to $30,000 for projects lasting up to one year[3][5].

Values

Next50 upholds values that include accountability, collaboration, innovation, leadership, learning, and respect. The foundation measures outcomes rigorously, embraces partnerships, pursues pioneering ideas, fosters leadership in aging-related fields, reflects on successes and failures to fuel progress, and commits to inclusivity by ensuring marginalized older adults have access to aging programs and services[4].

Indigenous Land Acknowledgment

The foundation acknowledges that its operations are conducted on the traditional territory of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples, honoring their enduring connection and recognizing ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities. Next50 commits to supporting and learning from Indigenous communities as part of its work[4].

Next50 plays a crucial role in transforming systems and strengthening resilience for older adults across Colorado and beyond, channeling resources to innovative efforts that create a world that truly values aging[1][4].