The baby boom generation is reaching age 60. It’s the largest, healthiest and best-educated group in history to move through and beyond their sixth decade.

National research shows that tens of millions of people over 60 are looking to make a difference in their community.
With a $25,000 grant, the Maine Community Foundation will study how we can take full advantage of this interest locally—identifying opportunities for engaging residents over 60 in work that benefits Maine communities.

The grant, from The Atlantic Philanthropies, is the first phase of its Community Experience Partnership, in which 30 U.S. community foundations have been selected to receive grants totaling $750,000 to assess and better understand the opportunities for older adults to become engaged in devising creative solutions for problems in their communities.

This initial $750,000 in local investment will be followed by grants for the planning and implementation of new programs that facilitate greater civic engagement among the over 60 population.

 “Tapping the tremendous potential of older adults to improve life for everyone in their communities is at the heart of this initiative,” said Laura Robbins, head of the U.S. Aging Program for The Atlantic Philanthropies. “Imagine how much stronger communities will be when they choose to benefit from the time and talents of their most experienced citizens.”

Maine, however, may lack the support and structures needed to mobilize and place people over 60 in positions that address serious social issues. Attitudes and perceptions may stand in the way too.

“One of Maine’s greatest strengths has always been the experience of our people,” said Henry Schmelzer, MaineCF president. “This grant will allow us to take a closer look at how we might overcome outdated attitudes and capitalize on the skills and passions of baby boomers as they transition from career to retirement.”

With the first of 77 million baby boomers turning 60 this year, the United States is facing a massive demographic shift.

Research from Civic Ventures, a think tank dedicated to helping society achieve the greatest return on experience, indicates that nearly 45 million boomers want to be involved in work—paid or volunteer—that helps others.

Far from frail, most of today’s 60+ boomers are fit, focused and looking forward to new challenges.

Through its part in the Community Experience Partnership, the Maine Community Foundation will help tap this extraordinary pool of experience locally. MaineCF will study ways to increase the involvement of people over 60 in civic improvement through volunteering, employment and lifelong learning opportunities.

Selected from a national pool of applicants, the foundation will help lead the charge in deploying the wealth of boomer experience for the good of their communities.

According to Schmelzer, “MaineCF is an expert in analyzing community problems, assessing solutions and leveraging financial resources. This initiative gives us the opportunity to maximize the value of a growing supply of human resources available to our community.”

Community Planning & Research LLC manages the Community Experience Partnership, with fiduciary support from the Community Initiative Funds at the San Francisco Foundation.