The first of 77 million baby boomers turn 60 in 2006. They are on the front edge of the largest, healthiest, best educated population of Americans ever to move through and beyond their fifties.

They are pioneers in a new stage spanning the decades between middle and late life. Neither young nor old, they represent an extraordinary pool of social and human capital. And, in large numbers, they want to do work that serves a greater good.

Millions are determined to apply their experience to make a difference for others. Some are able to do so as unpaid volunteers. Many are looking to combine income and health benefits of employment with elements of service through second careers tailored to their interests and circumstances.

But too often, their individual enthusiasm is stymied by perceptions, policies and practices that discourage the sharing of experience. As a result, this growing number of Americans represents a largely untapped resource in a nation with many unmet needs.

Well-prepared or taken by surprise, communities nationwide are about to experience a surge in the population of adults over 60. Far from frail, many of these boomers are fit, focused and looking forward to new challenges.

The Atlantic Philanthropies aims to invest in community foundations to unleash the potential of millions of baby boomers as they enter their sixties.

By leveraging the established network of U.S. community foundations and the experience of other grantees, The Atlantic Philanthropies seeks to engage older Americans in the work of community improvement and social change. Presenting a unique leadership opportunity for progressive community foundations, the Community Experience Partnership initiative will help these organizations lead the charge in deploying the resources of boomer experience for the good of their communities.

While demographics vary from place to place, every U.S. community will experience profound changes as boomers grow older. By encouraging civic engagement through volunteerism, employment, lifelong learning, and other ways, The Atlantic Philanthropies seeks to advance the perspective that adults in their sixties and beyond are an integral and valued part of every community.

In the 1960s and '70s, the post-war generation fundamentally altered society's perception of youth. In decades to come, baby boomers will continue to lead the way, challenging old realities and perspectives about age and experience.

A Request for Proposals is available to all community foundations. Please consider the opportunity to be part of this important initiative.

Consider taking the lead…
and capturing the wealth of experience in your community.

An initiative for U.S. Community Foundations from
The Atlantic Philanthropies.

Managed by Community Planning & Research LLC
with fiduciary support from Community Initiative Funds.

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