Vital Aging Network

Empowering Minnesotans to be vital, live fully, and contribute to community throughout life

The Vital Aging Network is a grassroots, volunteer-led organization that promotes self-determination, civic engagement, and personal growth for people as they age. We are about people doing their best, for themselves and for others.

Since 2001, VAN has been fighting ageism and encouraging older adults to have a voice, take action and lead in their communities. Now more than ever, people are looking for meaningful connections and ways to get involved, and VAN provides those opportunities. 

 Older adults are vital to the health of our communities and our society. Your contribution will give VAN the resources we need to engage and activate people in doing good. 

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Every dollar is matched!

We are excited to offer a match during this year’s GiveMN campaign. Up to $1,200 of contributions will be matched dollar for dollar with contributions from loyal supporters. There has never been a better time to contribute to VAN!

This is what VAN has in store for 2026

Wellness 50+
VAN supports two Wellness 50+ initiatives: Wellness 50+ Oakdale and Wellness 50+ Twin Cities. Led by and for older adults, Wellness 50+ fosters engagement and camaraderie through a wide-ranging calendar of events such as weekly walks, a book club, a movie club, kayaking and more. Events are open to everyone.

Aging with Gusto and Confronting Aging
VAN addresses the ill effects of ageism and keys to living well through its Aging with Gusto and Confronting Ageism workshops. If you are interested in bringing these facilitated discussions to your community, contact us.

VAN Forums: Community Discussions
Many people are asking, What can I do? How do I connect? One answer is to build community. Through ongoing community discussions, VAN provides a forum for people to find each other, have meaningful interactions and support community engagement. 

Informational Forums
Being informed is essential to individual and community well-being. Our information forums help us understand complex issues and know how to engage with them. In 2026, we are planning forums on topics such as How AI Will Impact Older Adults; Misinformation, Disinformation and Malinformation; and The Impacts of a Growing Gap Between Haves and Have-Nots.

Elevating the Voice of Older Adults 
The voices of older people need to be heard in the public square. We will bring the views of older adults to decision makers on topics that impact them and our broader community.

Other ways to donate

You can also donate by mail. Send your donation to:

Vital Aging Network
PO Box 51
Lake Elmo, MN 55042

We love receiving Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs

IRA owners and beneficiaries age 70½ and older can use their IRAs to donate money to a qualified charitable organizations (VAN qualifies!) without paying taxes on the distribution.

If you decide to donate using a QCD, send us a quick email so we know it is coming and can thank you (sometimes financial institutions send check without noting who the contribution is from).