The Sarah Ralston Foundation

Meeting the Moment: Emergency Funding in Action

Over the past several months, we’ve seen a clear and concerning trend across our nonprofit partner network—rising demand, more complex needs, and growing pressure on already stretched systems.

In response, the Sarah Ralston Foundation has provided targeted emergency funding to help partners sustain critical services—from daily meals to housing support to continuity of care for highly vulnerable populations.

This article highlights what we’re hearing from the front lines—and how timely support can help stabilize services in moments of disruption.

We invite you to read more: https://sarahralstonfoundation.org/2026/03/30/meeting-the-moment-emergency-funding-in-action/

Last week, the Sarah Ralston Foundation and Philadelphia Corporation for Aging were proud to host Engaging in Aging: A Volunteer & Donor Expo, bringing together Philadelphians and nonprofits committed to supporting older adults across our city.

Nearly 40 organizations participated, creating an opportunity for community members to learn about the many ways they can make a difference — through volunteering, donations, and community engagement.

We are grateful to all of the nonprofit partners, sponsors, and attendees who helped make the event such a meaningful gathering focused on strengthening services for older adults in Philadelphia.

Read more about the event here:

Engaging in Aging Expo Brings Philadelphians Together to Support Older Adults - Philadelphia Corporation For Aging The free community-wide event connected Philadelphians with nonprofits dedicated to supporting older adults.

Over the past year, The Sarah Ralston Foundation had the privilege of partnering with nonprofit organizations across Philadelphia through our Innovative Project Support (IPS) grant program. These grants are designed to help organizations pilot new approaches, test creative solutions, and respond to emerging needs affecting vulnerable older adults.

While each IPS project addressed a different challenge—from food security and housing stability to social connection, technology access, and culturally responsive care—together they tell a powerful story about what innovation looks like in real communities.

Learn more:

sarahralstonfoundation.org

Due to inclement weather, the Engaging in Aging: Volunteer and Donor Expo has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 4th.

The Sarah Ralston Foundation, in partnership with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), is proud to host Engaging in Aging: A Volunteer & Donor Expo — a free, community-wide event highlighting nonprofit organizations that support Philadelphia’s vulnerable older adults.

While many seniors face increasing challenges, Philadelphia is also home to a strong network of organizations working every day to provide care, connection, and critical services. This event brings those organizations together in one place, creating opportunities for learning, engagement, and meaningful support.

Attendees are invited to meet dozens of nonprofits, learn about their missions and services, and explore volunteer and giving opportunities.

Register to attend: :https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E11606&id=59

The Sarah Ralston Foundation, in partnership with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), is proud to host Engaging in Aging: A Volunteer & Donor Expo — a free, community-wide event highlighting nonprofit organizations that support Philadelphia’s vulnerable older adults.

While many seniors face increasing challenges, Philadelphia is also home to a strong network of organizations working every day to provide care, connection, and critical services. This event brings those organizations together in one place, creating opportunities for learning, engagement, and meaningful support.

Attendees are invited to meet dozens of nonprofits, learn about their missions and services, and explore volunteer and giving opportunities.

Exhibitors will connect with potential volunteers and donors who are eager to support aging services.

Sponsors help make this accessible, community-centered event possible while gaining visibility and engagement across a broad audience.

Learn more and register: https://sarahralstonfoundation.org/2026/01/07/engaging-in-aging/

The Sarah Ralston Foundation 2025 Impact Report reflects a year of deepening partnerships, thoughtful grantmaking, and meaningful progress in support of Philadelphia’s vulnerable older adults. From expanding nonprofit collaborations to investing in innovative programs that strengthen health, stability, and connection, this year’s report highlights the collective impact of our grantee partners, board, and community. We invite you to explore the stories, data, and insights that bring this work to life—and to see how, together, we are building a more responsive and compassionate network of care for older Philadelphians.

Read the report:

The Sarah Ralston Foundation 2025 Impact Report The 2025 Sarah Ralston Foundation Impact Report reflects a year of deepening partnerships, thoughtful grantmaking, and meaningful progress in support of Philadelphia’s vulnerable older adults. From expanding nonprofit collaborations to investing in innovative programs that strengthen health, stabi...

As winter settles in, the cold isn’t the only challenge our older neighbors face — social isolation and loneliness can become even more pronounced this time of year.

This thoughtful piece from Billy Penn explores practical ideas and community efforts to help older adults stay connected, engaged, and supported throughout the colder months. It reminds us that keeping people warm isn’t just about heat — it’s about community, belonging, and meaningful connection.

We know many of our partners are doing this work every day — and we’re sharing this as inspiration for how communities across Philadelphia are thinking about senior well-being in winter.

Read more: https://billypenn.com/2025/12/16/philly-seniors-winter-ideas-social-isolation-loneliness/

Grantee partner Face to Face Germantown recently teamed up with Live Better Hearing + Balance to bring the gift of hearing to more than 30 Philadelphia residents. Through free hearing tests, ear cleanings, and hearing aids, neighbors who had been living with hearing loss were able to reconnect with the world around them — conversations, loved ones, and everyday moments many of us take for granted.

Stories like this reflect the power of partnership. When nonprofits and community-minded providers come together, barriers come down, and life-changing support becomes possible.

We’re proud to support Face to Face in their work, and we’re encouraged by the potential for similar partnerships between Live Better Hearing and other SRF grantee organizations who may see a need in their own communities.

https://livebetterhearing.com/blog/gift-of-hearing-event-brings-sound-back-to-more-than-30-philadelphia-residents

Gift of Hearing Event Brings Sound Back to More Than 30 Philadelphia Residents Read our article: Gift of Hearing Event Brings Sound Back to More Than 30 Philadelphia Residents

The Sarah Ralston Foundation is pleased to share that beginning in January 2026, Claire Lynch, formerly our Communications Manager, is stepping into an expanded role as Communications & Engagement Manager—formalizing the engagement work she’s already been leading as SRF’s partner network and convenings grow across Philadelphia. As SRF has increased its convenings, shared-learning sessions, and cross-sector collaborations, Claire’s leadership in bringing people together has become essential.

Please join us in congratulating Claire and welcoming her into this expanded role.

Learn more:

Claire Lynch Steps into Expanded Role to Support SRF’s Growing Partner Network The Sarah Ralston Foundation is pleased to share that beginning in January 2026, Claire Lynch, formerly our Communications Manager, is stepping into an expanded role as Communications & Engagement Manager—formalizing the engagement work she’s already been leading as SRF’s partner network and c...

We’re celebrating our longtime partner, the William Way LGBT Community Center , as they move forward with a major renovation of their historic Center City home. Their commitment to affirming and supporting older adults, LGBTQ neighbors, and the broader community is exactly the kind of work we believe in — and we’re honored to stand alongside them.

Philly’s William Way will continue services while renovating its building The venerable nonprofit had planned to leave its longtime home on Spruce Street.

We are so inspired by Dick Van D**e’s journey to 100—proof that life only gets richer with time when dignity, joy, and purpose remain front and center. At the Sarah Ralston Foundation, we’re deeply grateful to our nonprofit partners who live this truth every day by supporting older adults to thrive—not just age. Thank you for showing that our elders are worth every investment, every moment of care, and every effort to ensure a life well-lived.

How to Live to 100, According to Dick Van D**e The star of “Mary Poppins” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” still hits the gym and touches his toes.

A new class-action lawsuit was filed on November 3, 2025 on behalf of tenants at Upsal Garden Apartments (a 144-unit complex in Mt. Airy built in 1927), alleging that the landlord continued to collect rent even after the building was declared “unsafe” by the City due to foundation issues, fractured masonry, and dangerous structural and interior conditions. 

The plaintiffs are represented by Public Interest Law Center, Face to Face Legal Center, and private counsel. Thanks to Face to Face’s involvement, this lawsuit may set a critical precedent for tenant safety and landlord accountability under local housing codes.

We encourage our nonprofit partners to take note — especially if you serve seniors or low-income renters: this case highlights the growing importance of monitoring housing conditions, code compliance, and tenant rights. It may also indicate rising demand for legal support, housing stabilization services, and referrals — an opportunity for collaboration across service providers large and small.

Read more:

Mt. Airy tenants sue landlord over allegations that he illegally collected rent The lawsuit proposes class-action status and seeks repairs and the return of rent payments.