This week, we introduce the Elouise Frank and Taylor Hamai! If you plan to tweet on your way to or during the conference, tweet at #GensUnited15.

Better known as Puna (short for kupuna, Hawaiian for older adult) to her foster grandchildren, Elouise Frank has volunteered at Lanakila Head Start for the past four years as a foster grandparent. She inspires the children with arts and crafts, gardening, songs, and dances. More importantly, she provides guidance, love and a listening ear. Frank teaches the children how to make things and care for plants and passes on whatever knowledge she has to the children. Read the full profile.

As one of Generations United's 2008 Youth Jumpstart Grantees, Taylor Hamai, then a student at the 'Iolani School, led a collaborative intergenerational effort with her peers in the "One Mile Project" class to improve the lives of kupuna within a one-mile radius of 'Iolani. Hamai's most personally rewarding intergenerational initiative was a fundraiser called "MessAGING with Love," where students interviewed local centenarians and placed their life advice and wise quotes on greeting cards. Read the full profile.

The Gifts of Being Grand

This book by Marianne Richmond not only pays tribute to the special joys and rewards of grandparenthood, but also to older adults who take on and mentor a grand friend.

Filled with wit and warmth, the book's lyrical poetry and vibrant illustrations let "grown up" moms and dads recall their parenting past, celebrate their own kids, and delight in the newfound gifts of being an elder. From a "grand" - new name and lots of hugs and kisses - to a second chance for patience, adventure and fun, The Gifts of Being Grand counts each gift as a reason to cherish this grand season of life! 

Do you know of any films, books, music and TV shows with an intergenerational theme? Share them with us and we'll share in the weeks and months to come. Disclaimer: Inclusion in this section is not an endorsement from Generations United. Rather, it is a way of showing the multiplying impact when the arts and pop culture are age-advantaged.

Grants to Massachusetts and Rhode Island Residents. The Tufts Health Plan Foundation is currently accepting requests in the following two focus areas: Policy and Advocacy. Support is provided for efforts that advance communities toward achieving age-friendly status. Funded programs should be collaborative and involve participants from all community arenas. Deadline: July 20, 2015. Learn more

Family Literacy. Awards ranging from $200 to $10,000 will be awarded to organizations that support family literacy. The program focuses on fostering and promoting the development and expansion of new and existing literacy and educational programs, breaking the intergenerational cycle of illiteracy. Deadline: Rolling. Learn more

Generations United encourages you to submit intergenerational projects. If you have - or know of - any intergenerational funding opportunities, please send them to Alan King at [email protected]