Unleashing the Experience Dividend
Consider...
- Between 2004 and 2014, the number of workers age 55 and older will grow at nearly four times the rate of the overall workforce.
- These "leading edge" baby boomers are healthier, more educated, and better off financially than any previous generation.
- They are inclined to work in the so-called "retirement years."
- Large numbers of them want to transition into work that is personally satisfying to them and helps them improve the quality of life in their communities.
Getting Ready
In recent years, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation has been spearheading local efforts to prepare our community for both the challenges and the opportunities presented by the aging of the biggest generation of Americans ever.
Unleashing the Experience Dividend focuses on the Grand Rapids Community Foundation's leadership role in advancing the social and civic engagement recommendations within the Creating Communities for a Lifetime roadmap. Our multi-faceted approach includes strategic grantmaking and support as well as local and national partnerships in data-gathering, research and learning. Our goal: to help the community unleash the experience dividend offered by people in their 50s and beyond who want to make a difference-who are ready to use their passion and experience to build a better world.
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation selected five area organizations to receive funds totaling $303,792 to work on 18-month projects aimed at addressing the social and civic engagement needs of Kent County's older adults. Engaged Older Adults Strengthening Community highlights these demonstration projects.
Boomers and Beyond: Is our Community Ready to Tap their Talents?
Is Grand Rapids ready to take advantage of the experience dividend that boomers present? With the support of a Community Experience Partnership grant from The Atlantic Philanthropies, Grand Rapids Community Foundation recently conducted a community assessment seeking answers to this question. The assessment drew on national research, local data analysis, and interviews with nonprofits focusing on lifelong learning, employment assistance and civic engagement opportunities for experienced adults.
Visit the full report to learn what we found: Boomers and Beyond: Is our Community Ready to Tap Their Talents?
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