Organizational leadership determined that securing an outsourced grants consultant would help to ensure continuity of grant writing efforts over time, rather than continuing dependence on a part-time, in-house resource with limited availability and skill sets. The organization intended to apply for more than $750,000.00 in grants and anticipated attaining $350,000.00 (or more) in awards. With this in mind, SAGE Eldercare began its search for an external grants consultant in early 2023.

The Aubrey Group’s team developed an attainable and realistic plan to secure the much-needed funding from various sources. The Aubrey Group suggested winning 1 “large” ($50,000-$100,000) grant from a new source by writing four applications, winning 1-2 “medium” ($25,000-$50,000 each) grants totaling $100,000-$150,000 by writing 3-5 applications, and winning 5-10 “small” ($2,500-$20,000 each) grants by writing 30-40 “small lift” applications. SAGEage Eldercare determined that they wanted The Aubrey Group to focus on “small” and “medium” applications for a quicker turnaround, averaging at least five monthly submissions. This quickly proved to be impactful, with a significantly advantageous benefit-cost ratio.

Since The Aubrey Group’s engagement with SAGE Eldercare began in the second quarter of 2023, the team has produced extensive grant research to outline new funding sources and programs to align directly with the organization’s community-centric mission. 

Our team led the process to secure $386,828.72 in awards ranging from $500 to $50,000.00 from over 20 new funding sources. Noteworthy wins include:

• A $35,000.00 George Link Jr. Foundation award, which provided financial support for all services, including non-clinical initiatives such as SAGE’s Spend-a-Day senior daycare service, Home Care, Meals on Wheels, and Info Care to provide information to the senior community about SAGE’s available services.

• A $50,000.00 Arch Group Foundation award for general operating support and to cover the care of individuals without health insurance or full coverage.

• A $50,000.00 Bolger Foundation Capital Improvement Challenge Grant was secured for necessary repairs.

We also helped secure funding from:

• Plainfield Foundation

• PNC Foundation

• Summit Luminary Fund

• Jarvie Commonweal Fund

• Union Foundation

• Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation

• Catholic Human Services 

• Community Foundation of NJ - RSI Bank

• Troxel Family Foundation

• Becton Dickson Foundation

• Lillian Pitkin Schenck Foundation

• Ralph Cestone Foundation and a variety of additional sources

The Aubrey Group also maintained SAGE Eldercare’s reporting requirements for previously awarded grants during our engagement.

About the Client: SAGE Eldercare is one of only a few providers in the nation — and the only one in New Jersey — to provide a full range of eldercare services under one roof. For 70 years, SAGE’s mission has been to help older adults remain living in their own homes. SAGE Eldercare is a unique community resource offering programs and services for older adults and caregivers, promoting independence and quality of life. As a private nonprofit, SAGE Eldercare serves thousands of individuals directly and indirectly in Union, Morris, and Essex counties, relying on grant funding and donations to stay operational.

Photo Credit: SAGE Eldercare Facebook Page