Featured Organizations
What does it mean for an organization to be “featured” here? Below is a list of organizations of various types and sizes, all of which have been involved with the field of creative aging. This list is not exhaustive, nor will it ever be complete. If you would like to share information with us, please use the site’s Feedback form. Thank you.
AARP Foundation
“AARP Foundation serves vulnerable people 50 and older by creating and advancing effective solutions that help them secure the essentials. As AARP’s charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike.” Creative Aging Focus: In …
Age & Opportunity (Ireland)
‘Founded in 1988, Age & Opportunity is the leading national development organization in Ireland dedicated to improving the quality of life for older adults ages 50-100+. Since COVID-19, Age & Opportunity has provided resources and …
Allegheny County Library Association
“The Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) is a federated library system of 46 public libraries delivering service in more than 70 locations. Through its coordination, ACLA expands the resources of local libraries beyond what they …
American Alliance of Museums (AAM)
“The American Alliance of Museums’ (AAM) mission is to champion museums and nurture excellence in partnership with our members and allies. Since 1906 the Alliance has been a leader in developing best practices and advocating …
American Library Association (ALA)
“The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world. Founded on October 6, 1876 during the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the mission of ALA is ‘to provide leadership for …
American Society on Aging
“Founded in 1954, the American Society on Aging is an association of diverse individuals bound by a common goal: to support the commitment and enhance the knowledge and skills of those who seek to improve …
Artful Aging Associates
From their website: “Our mission is to encourage more meaningful and healthy lives for older adults and their communities. We offer consultant services that train professionals and develop organizational capacity to engage older people in …
Arts & Minds (England)
‘Arts and Minds is dedicated to helping people living with mental challenges through the arts. They offer arts courses throughout Cambridgeshire. Arts and Minds have continued to offer creative workshops during COVID-19, including “Virtual Creative …
Boston Public Library
“Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library is a pioneer of public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, …
British Society of Gerontology Creative Ageing SIG (England)
‘Established in 1971, The British Society of Gerontology (BSG) provides a multidisciplinary forum for researchers and other individuals interested in the situations of older people, and in how knowledge about aging and later life can be enhanced …
Brooklyn Public Library
From the website: Brooklyn Public Library is among the borough’s most democratic civic institutions, serving patrons in every neighborhood and from every walk of life. Established in 1896, BPL is one of the nation’s largest …
Cambridge Public Library
“The Cambridge Public Library is designed to work as a unified system with a strong main library and six active branch libraries each tailored to the unique constituencies and needs of its immediate neighborhood.” Creative …
Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education
“Casita Maria, headquartered in the South Bronx, was established in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan as the first charitable organization to serve Latinos in New York City. Today, Casita Maria remains dedicated to its …
Chandler Public Library
“In August of 1954, the five-year dream of the Chandler Junior Woman’s Club became a reality when the doors of the Chandler Public Library were opened. Today, the Chandler Public Library continues its commitment of …
Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA)
“COSLA is an independent organization of the chief officers of state and territorial agencies designated as the state library administrative agency and responsible for statewide library development. Its purpose is to provide leadership on issues …
Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System
“Our official mission: ‘The objective of the System shall be to foster and improve public library service to the residents of the System area.’ The System accomplishes its mission by support of local libraries and …
Creative Ageing Development Agency (CADA UK)
Organizational description provided by CADA: We’re CADA, England’s Creative Ageing Development Agency, we believe that we all have a right to create and take an active part in creativity and cultural life at any age. …
Creative Aging International
From the Creative Aging International website: “We work creatively with companies, organizations and individuals worldwide developing innovative programs tailored to place and bringing together best practice for thought leadership. Our work transforms for the better …
Creative Aging Network – North Carolina
From Creative Aging Network – NC’s Facebook page: Located in Greensboro, the Creative Aging Network – NC (CAN-NC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to creative programming for older adults throughout the state. …
Cuyahoga County Public Library
“At Cuyahoga County Public Library we are committed to our mission of being at the center of community life by creating an environment where reading, lifelong learning and civic engagement thrive.” Creative Aging Focus: Originally …
Dallas Public Library
“The Dallas Public Library strengthens communities by connecting people, inspiring curiosity and advancing lives.” Creative Aging Focus: Dallas Public Library was a cohort member of the Metlife Foundation Creative Aging Libraries Project (2012-13). Teaching artists …
Dances for a Variable Population
“Founded in 2005 by dancer/choreographer/master teacher Naomi Goldberg Haas, DVP is a multi-generational dance company and educational organization promoting strong and creative movement among all people with a special focus on older adults. Using the …
Dayton Metro Library
“Since the founding of the Library in 1888, we’ve consistently met the changing needs of our diverse and growing community. Our materials, programs, and initiatives cover countless topics for all ages. We are unwavering in …
DDSchull Associates LLC
Diantha Dow Schull is principal of DDSchull Associates, a consulting service dedicated to enhancing the roles of museums and libraries in their communities. She brings 30 years of management and programming experience to her work …
E.A. Michelson Philanthropy
Within all of us, creativity lies waiting to be awakened and expressed, bringing new chances for confidence, connection, purpose and joy. E.A. Michelson Philanthropy supports the development of artistic and creative opportunities—and the personal discoveries …
Elders Share the Arts
From the Elders Share the Arts site: Elders Share the Arts (ESTA) affirms the creative potential of older adults and upholds their time-honored role as bearers of history and culture by using the power of …
Encore Creativity for Older Adults
From the website: Encore’s mission is to provide an excellent and accessible artistic environment for older adults, regardless of experience or ability, who seek arts education and performance opportunities under a professional artist. The primary …
Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation
“In the over thirty years since Mr. and Mrs. Samuels’ deaths, the overall goals of the Foundation have remained those of its founders. The Foundation has consistently supported the performing arts which remain a major …
Fleisher Art Memorial
“The mission of the Fleisher Art Memorial is to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of economic means, background, or artistic experience. Fleisher is a prominent and thriving community arts center, celebrated as one of …
Free Library of Philadelphia
“The mission of the Free Library of Philadelphia is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity. Its vision is to build an enlightened community devoted to lifelong learning.” Creative Aging Focus: Free Library of …
Friends of Argentine Tango
“At Friends of Argentine Tango we seek to share our experience with the Tango, disseminate scientific papers on Tango’s benefit, and to expand awareness of the Tango.” Creative Aging Focus: Friends of Argentine Tango have …
Generations United
“The mission of Generations United is to improve the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational collaboration, public policies, and programs for the enduring benefit of all.” Creative Aging Focus: Generations United offers …
Grantmakers in Aging
“Believing a society which is better for older adults is better for people of all ages, Grantmakers In Aging – a national membership organization of philanthropies – acts as a relevant and responsive network, resource, …
Grantmakers in Health
“Grantmakers In Health (GIH) is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to helping foundations and corporate giving programs improve the health of all people. Its mission is to foster communication and collaboration among grantmakers and others, …
Grantmakers in the Arts
“Grantmakers in the Arts is a national association of public and private arts funders – providing members with resources and leadership to support artists and arts organizations.” Creative Aging Focus: Creative aging has become an …
Greenwich House
Greenwich House was founded in 1902 in the settlement house tradition with the mission of helping immigrants adjust to life in NYC. Today Greenwich House continues to respond to the needs of community, providing health, …
Hartford Public Library
“Hartford Public Library provides free resources that inspire reading, guide learning, and encourage individual exploration. The Library will be a national leader in redefining the urban public library in the 21st century as an innovative …
Helen Andrus Benedict Foundation
“The Helen Andrus Benedict Foundation (HABF) was established in 1997 to provide financial support to non profit organizations that benefit the elderly, primarily in the Westchester New York area.” Creative Aging Focus: HABF began funding …
Hyde Park Arts Center
“Hyde Park Art Center is a hub for contemporary arts in Chicago, serving as a gathering and production space for artists and the broader community to cultivate ideas, impact social change, and connect with new …
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
IMLS is a federal agency. “The mission of IMLS is to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development.” Creative Aging Focus: IMLS supported several creative aging …
Johnson City Public Library
“Through both traditional materials and emerging technologies, Johnson City Public Library offers a multitude of learning opportunities and entertainment choices in a dynamic center for the community.” Creative Aging Focus: Johnson City Public Library was …
Keshet Dance and Center for the Arts
“Founded in 1996, Keshet is an arts-based non-profit organization which exists to inspire and unite community by fostering unlimited possibilities through dance, mentorship and a creative space for the arts. Uniting the arts, the artist …
LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
“Located on the Pacific Rim, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of more than 142,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe.” Creative …
Luminate Scotland
‘Founded in 2012 with partners Creative Scotland, the Baring Foundation, and Age Scotland, Luminate is Scotland’s creative aging organization. In 2018, Luminate implemented a year-round program to develop creative activities with, by and for older …
May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust
“Created in 1989, the Trust stewards the charitable intentions of May and Stanley Smith beyond their lifetimes. The Trust’s 2019-2023 Strategic Plan aims to focus, deepen, and enhance our efforts to achieve significant, lasting, positive …
MetLife Foundation
“Since its founding in 1976, MetLife Foundation has contributed more than $860 million to build stronger communities.” Creative Aging Focus: In 2011, MetLife Foundation’s arts and older adults departments joined forces and supported the expansion …
Metropolitan Library Service Agency
“MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency) is an alliance of over 100 public libraries in the seven-county Twin Cities metro, working together to bring the best library services and programs to you. MELSA is a regional …
Miami-Dade Public Library System
“The Miami-Dade County Library District (MDLD) provides library service for the entire county except for the cities of Bal Harbour, Hialeah, Miami Shores, North Miami, North Miami Beach, and Surfside.” Creative Aging Focus: MDPL was …
Minnesota Opera
“In 1963, the commission of Minnesota composer Dominick Argento’s The Masque of Angels (pictured above) sparked the creation of a small Twin Cities opera company spotlighting the rare and avant-garde. Over fifty-five years later, Minnesota …
MOCA Tucson
From their website: Established by artists in 1997, MOCA Tucson is Tucson’s only museum devoted exclusively to contemporary art from around the globe. Housed in a repurposed firehouse in Downtown Tucson, MOCA Tucson applies creative …
National Assembly of State Arts Agencies
From the NASAA site: [NASAA] is the professional association of the nation’s 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies. NASAA is a national, not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization that champions public support for the arts in America. Together, …
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
From the n4a site: The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is a 501(c)(3) membership association representing America’s national network of 622 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and providing a voice in the …
National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA)
National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) (2001-2017). NCCA was founded by Susan Perlstein of Elders Share the Arts and established in Washington DC. It was dedicated to fostering an understanding of the vital relationship between …
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
“Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships …
National Guild for Community Arts Education
“The mission of the Guild is to ensure all people have opportunities to maximize their creative potential. We accomplish this by developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and advocating for community arts education. Through these actions, the …
New England Conservatory
From their website: New England Conservatory (NEC) an independent, not-for-profit institution, is recognized internationally as a leader among music schools, educating and training musicians of all ages from around the world. With music students representing …
New Haven Free Public Library
“The New Haven Free Public Library fosters lifelong learning, inspires curiosity, and builds community through shared access to resources, experiences, and opportunities for all.” Creative Aging Focus: The New Haven Free Public Library was a …
New York Public Library
“The mission of The New York Public Library is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities. Today the Library’s 92 locations include four research centers — focusing on the humanities and social …
New York State Council on the Arts
“The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) is dedicated to preserving and expanding the rich and diverse cultural resources that are and will become the heritage of New York’s citizens.” Creative Aging Focus: …
New York State Office for the Aging
“The New York State Office for the Aging’s (NYSOFA’s) home and community-based programs provide older adults with access to a well-planned, coordinated package of in-home and other supportive services designed to support and supplement informal …
Paramount Center for the Arts
“The Paramount Center for the Arts is a multidisciplinary community arts facility located in Historic Downtown St. Cloud, Minnesota. The facility is owned by the City of St. Cloud and operated by the Paramount Center …
Partners for Livable Communities
From the website: Since its founding in 1977, Partners for Livable Communities has helped communities set a common vision for the future, discover and use new resources for community and economic development, and build public/private …
Phoenix Public Library
“Phoenix Public Library (PPL) a system of libraries comprised of central Phoenix’s flagship, Burton Barr Central Library (BBCL) and 16 branch locations, provides greater Phoenix communities and individuals an essential support system with one of …
Pikes Peak Library District
“Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is a nationally recognized system of public libraries serving a population of more than 650,185 in El Paso County, Colorado. With fifteen facilities, online resources, and mobile library service, PPLD …
Portland Public Library
“Portland Public Library (PPL) is the city’s cultural center, serving 675,000 visitors annually at four locations and a bookmobile. Chartered in 1867, PPL is Maine’s oldest and largest public library system and is the most …
Queens Library
“Founded in 1896 with the consolidation of three libraries into the Long Island City Public library system, Queens Public Library serves an area that has grown from a group of small villages to the most …
Rumriver Art Center
From the website: The goal of Rumriver Art Center is to be a catalyst for artistic literacy and excellence through our collaborations and partnerships in areas void of artistic opportunities. Our aim is to recognize …
Ruth’s Table
Ruth’s Table is an arts nonprofit committed to increasing access to creative opportunities for older adults and adults with disabilities, providing an inclusive and inspiring environment for creative expression and intergenerational connections. With older adults …
Sacramento Public Library
“The Sacramento Free Public Library opened on June 14, 1879, with a collection of around 6,000 volumes to serve a city of 21,000. The city and library flourished and in 1908, the city library system …
San Diego Public Library
“The City of San Diego Public Library serves the informational, educational and recreational interests of San Diego through 35 branches, Central Library, the READ/San Diego literacy program and an online presence.” Creative Aging Focus: San …
School One
“School One was built for one purpose: to offer students a high school, centered on their individuality and creativity, which challenges them to tackle the questions that matter most. We’re passionate. We’re caring. And we’ve …
Seattle Public Library
“At The Seattle Public Library, we see Seattle as a city where imagination and opportunity thrive. Our mission is to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.” Creative Aging Focus: …
SilverKite Community Arts
SilverKite Community Arts uses the arts as a tool to promote creative engagement in all stages of life, bridge generations, and work towards eliminating the effects of loneliness. Through our innovative, award-winning programs and services …
Space One Eleven
“Space One Eleven is a visual arts organization founded in Birmingham, Alabama in 1986. Space One Eleven’s mission is to provide professional opportunities for artists, create a forum for public understanding of contemporary art, and …
Teachers and Writers Collaborative
“Teachers & Writers Collaborative (T&W) educates the imagination by offering innovative creative writing programs for people of all ages and by providing a variety of publications and resources to support learning through the literary arts. …
Tempe Public Library
“Tempe Public Library is located in the center of Tempe and serves both residents of the city and Maricopa County. Our mission is to inspire exploration, discovery, enrichment, and engagement.” Creative Aging Focus: Tempe Public …
The British Society of Gerontology Special Interest Group (SIG)
‘Established in 1971, The British Society of Gerontology (BSG) provides a multidisciplinary forum for researchers and other individuals interested in the situations of older people, and in how knowledge about aging and later life can …
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
“The mission of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, a non-profit organization in Amherst, Massachusetts, is to inspire a love of art and reading through picture books. A leading advocate in its field, …
The Louisiana Museum Foundation
From their website: The mission of the Louisiana State Museum (LSM) is to collect, preserve and present, as an educational resource,objects of art, documents, artifacts and the like that reflect the history, art and culture …
The New York Community Trust
“The New York Community Trust (NYCT) connects past, present, and future generous New Yorkers with vital nonprofits working to make a healthy, equitable, and thriving community for all.” Creative Aging Focus: In 2018, NYCT identified …
Washington Co. Lib. Consortium
“Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) is a partnership of Washington County, nine cities, and three non-profit associations to deliver excellent countywide library services. This means that Washington County residents can use any of the …
Westchester Community Foundation
“The Westchester Community Foundation is a division of The New York Community Trust, which has been helping New Yorkers achieve results through philanthropy since 1924. We work with our donor-advisors to broaden their philanthropic horizons …
Westchester Library System
“Westchester Library System (WLS) collaborates with 38 libraries in Westchester County to provide access to resources and services and to enhance and support library service for the more than 940,000 residents. We are one of …
Wyoming Community Foundation
“For 30 years the Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) has connected people who care with causes that matter to build a better Wyoming. WYCF has granted over $70 million to charitable causes while also providing a …
Yonkers Public Library
“The Yonkers Public Library was established in 1893 to serve the citizens of the City of Yonkers. In 1903 the ‘Carnegie’ library was built with a $50,000 donation from Andrew Carnegie. There are currently three …
Young@Heart Chorus
“Who is Young@Heart? What started out in 1982 at a Western Massachusetts elderly housing project to joyfully pass the time instead of passing before your time has developed into the stereotype-defying, generation-crossing musical extravaganza better …