December 2024

Reflections on the Grantmakers in Aging Conference

On December 4, 2024 by Gina DiMaggio

About six weeks ago, I attended the Grantmakers in Aging (GIA) Conference in Detroit. It was an unforgettable experience packed with learning, networking, and inspiration.

The four-day event brought together individuals from across the country who are passionate about aging, caregiving, and innovative approaches to support older adults. My head is still buzzing with the incredible ideas I was exposed to.

Unique Insights

One of the standout features of the conference was the wealth of knowledge shared by aging services professionals from across the country. I had the chance to learn from people deeply immersed in their fields, representing various approaches and solutions for the challenges facing our aging population. It was humbling to be part of these conversations, and I’m already finding opportunities to apply some of these lessons in our state.

Minnesota Representation

I was especially proud of the strong representation from Minnesota, as many of my colleagues from the Finish Strong Funder Collaborative were present. It was encouraging to see the collaborative spirit that’s thriving in Minnesota’s aging space showcased on a national platform. Our state is doing some remarkable work, and this conference further fueled my pride in being part of it.

(Pictured - Left to Right: Mary Madill, Morgan Family Foundation; Gina DiMaggio, LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation; Jaime Renner, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies; Heidi Grandstrand, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies; Sara Whitehead, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies; Alice Hill, Stevens Square Foundation)

Initiatives from Around the Globe

Throughout the week, I encountered several groundbreaking initiatives happening across the globe. One that stood out was the Mirar en Grande project by the Fundación Navarro Viola in Argentina. This project captured authentic, beautiful images of aging, challenging stereotypes and embracing the dignity of growing older. It was truly inspiring to see how other countries are approaching the subject of aging and elevating the conversation through creative expression.

Closer to home, I learned about the Village Movement California, which is creating sustainable communities for older adults to age in place, including efforts to better support caregivers, a critical but often overlooked aspect of the aging journey.

Perhaps the highlight of the week was a site visit to the Thome Rivertown Neighborhood in Detroit, a neighborhood revitalization project that blends affordable housing with healthcare for older adults. Seeing firsthand how this development is improving lives while bringing revitalization to a neighborhood in Detroit was both heartwarming and thought-provoking. It demonstrated the power of cross-sector collaboration in creating environments where older adults can thrive.

There’s no doubt the Grantmakers in Aging conference will leave a lasting impact on my work in Minnesota and the broader aging community throughout the nation.