At the end of 2024, we set out an ambitious strategic plan to help change the way our culture approaches aging. Little did we know the challenges that were coming in early 2025.
It was a year of immense uncertainty in the nonprofit sector, and for aging services. We wondered: will it be possible to deliver on this plan we had so carefully crafted in a world where the entire infrastructure for public investment is collapsing?
As an organization, we adapted where we needed and pressed on, certain that we could make strides, and help our partners plan for sustainability despite the times. We’re proud to say we did!
At the core of that plan is a belief that has guided us from the beginning. We bring together bold ideas, practical strategies, and people to make that vision real—working toward a world without ageism or isolation, where creative aging is recognized as a fundamental human right and a driver of health and well-being. Even in uncertain times, that vision gives us clarity and resolve. It’s what keeps us moving forward.
Here’s how we rose to the moment—and how we’re heading into 2026 energized, inspired, and more committed than ever.
Our Strategic Goals (2025-2029)
Make Creative Aging an Essential Part of Healthy Aging Policies and Plans.
Expand Creative Aging Access and Availability Nationwide.
Develop Lifetime Arts’ Capacity to Lead.
Strengthen Financial Resources to Support the Movement.
Progress of Goals
Goal 1: Make Creative Aging an Essential Part of Healthy Aging Policies and Plans
Strategic Aim: We’re on a mission to establish creative aging as a core component of state and federal aging policies. This involves working across sectors to influence multi-sector plans on aging, ensuring the arts are recognized for their significant health and social benefits.
2025 Progress:
– Convened task force, led by policy advisor, Gretchen Alkema, to build a national creative aging policy agenda
– Grew a multi-sector leadership coalition to align partner and funder messaging and education strategies
– Participated in state aging plan working group
– Facilitated cross-sector planning groups
– Developed policy action framework
Goal 2: Expand Creative Aging Access and Availability Nationwide
Strategic Aim: To ensure creative aging is available to all, we will grow the reach and impact of our services and ensure current programs get the support they need to thrive. By training more teaching artists, equipping organizations with practical and adaptable tools, and fostering cross-sector collaborations, we’ll make it easier for communities everywhere to engage in creative aging.
2025 Progress:
– Launched an annual public series of our Creative Aging Foundations Training, expanding access for individuals and small organizations
– Partnered with organizations like The Lincoln Center to advance their creative aging offerings for older adults living with dementia and their caregivers—demonstrating how it strengthens connection and offers a flexible, inclusive model for communities everywhere
– Launched and built an infrastructure for The Creative Aging Collaborative, our national online community of practice with 150+ members
– Increased access to on-demand digital resources through a redesigned website
Goal 3: Develop Lifetime Arts’ Capacity to Lead
Strategic Aim: As the creative aging field evolves and grows, Lifetime Arts must adapt to meet increasing demand for inclusive services and leadership. By strengthening our staff, systems, and commitment to accessibility, we will continue to drive innovation and amplify the impact of creative aging.
2025 Progress:
– Created personal professional development plans for 100% of staff
– Trained majority of staff in accessibility and universal design practices via the Utah Division of Arts and Museum’s Breaking Barriers Program
– Advanced a full brand refresh (new guidelines, website structure, messaging).
– Hired two new staff members; Daniela Dale Velez, our Manager of Institutional Giving, and Ben Prayz, our Finance & Operations Manager, and restructured existing staff roles.
Goal 4: Strengthen Financial Resources to Support the Movement
Strategic Aim: We are committed to securing the financial sustainability of Lifetime Arts and the broader creative aging movement. By diversifying our funding streams, increasing unrestricted revenue, and cultivating new partnerships, we’ll ensure a bright future for creative aging.
2025 Progress:
– On November 18, we gathered at the LGBT Center in NYC for Raise a Glass to Creative Aging. This celebratory, inaugural event honored Kathleen Chalfant and André DeShields alongside our co-founders, Maura O’Malley and Ed Friedman—lifting up lifelong artistic excellence, community, and the growing national movement for creative aging.
– We hired Daniela Dale Velez, CFRE, as our Manager of Institutional Giving, who expanded the funding pipeline, strengthened foundation relationships, increased strategic grant submissions, and established foundational development policies and practices to support long-term, sustainable growth.
– Welcomed four new board members; Amy Fuller, Jamie Markus, Daniel Windham and Ashok Sinha, increasing participation and strategic fundraising efforts
– Added new revenue streams through expanded training and consulting offerings, strengthening sustainability while increasing access to creative aging tools and expertise nationwide.
Our Impact in Numbers
3,000+
Older Adults Impacted
400+
People Trained
35
States Leading
Creative Aging
12+
Conferences and
Speaking Engagements
Stories of Impact
In 2025, remarkable creative aging stories, events, and celebrations unfolded across the country. From New York City to the Great Plains to Alaska, Lifetime Arts—alongside our partners and supporters—placed creative aging at the heart of healthy aging conversations, expanding access for older adults everywhere. Explore these moments of impact in our virtual story map below!
Setting the Stage for 2026
Shaping Future Policy
Creative aging is already taking hold in healthy aging policy. Our policy brief, Creative Aging in the Healthy Aging Ecosystem: Advancing Brain Health, Social Connectedness, and Livable Communities—developed with national leaders—builds on this momentum, offering an evidence-based framework that elevates the arts as essential to brain health, social connection, and community well-being.
Elevating Training Rooted in Action
Creative Aging Foundations: The Essentials, our revamped virtual training returns in March, jam packed with a full schedule of expert advice, professionally-led class demonstrations, and refreshed tools and resources. View our new menu of services + register today!
Opening More Doors to Learning
Starting in March, we’re rolling out a new annual webinar series for anyone eager to put creative aging into action. We’ll dig into timely topics, from policy to funding, alongside creative aging leaders. View our upcoming events + register!
Building Community Where It Matters
Our virtual Creative Aging Collaborative gatherings keep getting better. This year, we’re opening the stage even wider—inviting 150+ members to co-host events and share their creative aging work. Join today!