Rapid Response Fund

The Eisner Foundation Rapid Response Fund to Combat Social Isolation for Seniors

Update, May 20: The Rapid Response Fund has been fully allocated and is now closed. If you are still interested in applying for a grant from The Eisner Foundation, you can learn more and apply here.

Social isolation was a growing problem in American society well before the COVID-19 pandemic. A third of older adults over 65 and half over 85 live alone, contributing to higher rates of loneliness—linked to increased cases of depression, cognitive decline and other serious health problems. Researchers have found that loneliness is as lethal as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. As we are all urged to physically distance for our own protection and that of our neighbors, older adults are seeing their social lifelines disappear. This will have profound long- and short-term implications as physical and mental health outcomes worsen. We know that these adults can be real assets to our society, and if we allow social isolation to claim them, we risk losing these assets for good.

In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, The Eisner Foundation has created a new Rapid Response grant program that will provide Los Angeles County-serving organizations with grants to serve older adults and combat social isolation. Ideally, these grants would invest in technological solutions or other logistical needs so that organizations can adapt quickly now, and have better infrastructure in place for their long-term work.

The Eisner Foundation has allocated $500,000 toward this effort, and grants will range from $5,000-50,000 (one-year terms). The application process is streamlined and expedited, and funds will be made available immediately. Intergenerational solutions are preferred. Special consideration will be given to current or recent TEF grantees, and current grant recipients are eligible.