Founded in 1961, the LeadingAge California Foundation advances the future of aging services by strengthening the workforce, supporting leadership development, and advancing innovative programs that improve the lives of older adults across California.
Working alongside LeadingAge California and its network of more than 800 mission-driven providers of housing, care, and services for older adults and related business partners, the Foundation develops programs and partnerships that help organizations meet the evolving needs of California’s rapidly growing aging population.
Through workforce initiatives, leadership development, and grant-funded innovation projects, the Foundation helps ensure older adults have access to high-quality care, meaningful engagement, and communities where they can age with dignity.
The Foundation plays a critical role in addressing workforce shortages across the aging services field.
One of its most ambitious initiatives, The Gateway-In Project (2022–2025), was a historic $35 million workforce initiative that attracted more than 15,500 applicants and graduated 6,185 Certified Nursing Assistants, Home Health Aides, resident service coordinators, and activities professionals across 42 counties in California.
Building on this success, the Foundation launched the Gateway-In Academy to sustain and expand workforce training in 2026 and beyond. The Academy continues to create pathways into meaningful careers in settings serving older adults while helping providers meet critical workforce needs.
These initiatives support the Foundation’s long-term goal of growing California’s aging services workforce by 16,000 individuals by 2031.
In addition to workforce training, the Foundation invests in the professional development of leaders across the housing, care and services serving older adults.
The Leadership Development Certificate Series, which includes EMERGE, EXCEL, and ELEVATE, offers a three-level leadership pathway designed to support emerging, mid-level, and executive leaders across housing, care and services organizations serving older adults. These programs combine education, mentorship, and peer collaboration to help participants develop the skills needed to guide their organizations and the broader aging services field into the future.
The Foundation also supports innovative grant-funded initiatives that enhance the quality of life for older adults living in skilled
nursing communities.
Through Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) grant programs, implemented by LeadingAge California, these initiatives improve resident engagement, emotional well-being, and social connection. Three major initiatives concluded in 2025:
JAVA Project: Provided 100 skilled nursing facilities with standardized peer support group programming designed to address depression and loneliness among older adults. More than 7,000 residents participated in sessions that helped build new relationships and strengthen community connections.
Enlightenment Project: Provided 50 skilled nursing facilities with a library of interactive programs, games, and activities designed to reduce social isolation, stimulate cognitive engagement, and improve quality of life. Nearly half of residents were observed actively engaging with the programs.
GARDEN Project: Provided 75 skilled nursing facilities with therapeutic garden installations and horticulture programming designed to reduce loneliness while promoting cognitive activity and motor engagement. More than 93% of participating residents met or exceeded program goals.
The Foundation continues to expand its CMP portfolio through new initiatives, including JAVA II in California and the Sandscape Project in Idaho, focused on strengthening staff capacity and improving quality of care and life.
LeadingAge is a national association of 6,000 nonprofit organizations dedicated to expanding the world of possibilities for aging.
Together, LeadingAge and its state partners advance policies, promote practices and conduct research that supports, enables and empowers people to live fully as they age.