Best Aging Grants in South Carolina

Senior Centers and Permanent Improvement Project Grant

The Older Americans Act identifies the South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) as a leader in the development of multipurpose senior centers. Currently, the state has three nationally certified senior centers. Several additional centers are fully operational but have not yet achieved certification, while others operate solely as group dining sites.

Senior Center Permanent Improvement Project (PIP) Grant Program

 It is the intent of the South Carolina Department on Aging for all multipurpose senior centers to be focal points in their respective communities. The Older Americans Act (OAA) defines a focal point as a facility established to encourage the maximum collocation and coordination of services for older individuals.

A focal point is a facility established to provide local leadership on aging issues, to provide older adults access to services at a central location with customer-oriented staff, and to assist those in the community who have an interest in, or need for, information, resources, or services. All Permanent Improvement Program (PIP) funded Multipurpose Senior Centers shall be focal points of their respective communities.

In 1991, the South Carolina State Legislature established the Senior Center Permanent Improvement Project (PIP) grant program and appropriated $948,000 per year from State Bingo tax ($79,000 monthly) and licensing fee revenues to fund a list of 74 specifically identified capital improvement projects. The total amount of funding required to complete these projects was reached in the year 2000.

The original legislation was amended by the General Assembly in 1997 to continue the program beyond the original list and the State Unit on Aging (hereafter called the SC Department on Aging or SCDOA), was given responsibility for developing an ongoing process to select and fund applications for senior center capital improvement projects. The resulting procedures created a competitive grant process for securing Senior Center PIP funds.

The South Carolina Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) aims to enhance the health of individuals aged 60 and above by providing nutritious USDA food packages. Administered by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, the program helps eligible participants with limited income access essential nutrients. Local agencies distribute food and offer nutrition education while connecting them to additional support services like SNAP and Medicaid. This initiative addresses dietary deficiencies in the senior population of South Carolina.

The Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors (CFJS) enhances the lives of Jewish seniors in the Carolinas by funding organizations that provide essential services and programs. In 2022, it supported 50 initiatives across 19 nonprofits, addressing health, wellness, and community engagement. CFJS prioritizes collaboration, measurable outcomes, and innovative solutions to combat social isolation among Jewish seniors, making it a unique and dedicated resource for improving their quality of life.

The Leon Levine Foundation, established in 1980, focuses on enhancing the human condition through investments in education, healthcare, and human services in North and South Carolina. The foundation seeks nonprofits with proven leadership and sustainable financial plans. They aim to create pathways to self-sufficiency and promote lasting change. LOIs are accepted year-round, and grant recipients must support an inclusive environment free from discrimination.

The Leonard Litz Foundation-Silver Connect Initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for LGBTQ+ older adults by providing grant funding to nonprofit organizations. This program addresses isolation and barriers faced by seniors, particularly those affected by disability, race, or economic hardship. By supporting community-driven models, Silver Connect promotes dignity, safety, and inclusion, ensuring that LGBTQ+ elders have access to necessary resources and affirming services across the Eastern United States.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The Friends Foundation for the Aging Grant supports innovative and impactful programs aimed at addressing the needs of older adults, particularly within underserved populations. This Quaker foundation prioritizes collaboration and sustainability in its funding efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities focused on enhancing the quality of life for aging individuals. Grants are typically awarded for one year and target organizations that align with the foundation's mission and values.

The Changing Aging (CA) Grant supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for older adults and combating ageism. Priorities include advancing digital equity and promoting aging in place for marginalized communities. Funded by Next50, the grant encourages collaboration among nonprofits and requires an equity-focused approach to project design. Organizations may apply for up to three years of funding, with no maximum request limit, although a pre-application call is necessary for larger requests.

The National Institute on Aging is announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAICs) award. This initiative aims to establish centers of excellence in geriatrics research and education to enhance the independence of older adults. Applicants are encouraged to identify a research focus that fosters collaboration and education in aging. Though applications are not currently being accepted, this notice allows potential applicants to prepare meaningful projects. The P30 activity code will be utilized.

The JA Community Foundation focuses on funding solutions that address the needs of the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. They prioritize programs that enhance senior health, promote history, arts, culture, and support youth. Eligible applicants must be registered 501c3 organizations and can apply from all 50 states. However, organizations with open grants cannot submit new applications until their current grants are closed.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, founded in 2006, is the newest community foundation in South Carolina. We have a permanent endowment to meet the changing needs of the Pee Dee.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our area of South Carolina through inspired philanthropy and innovative community programs. We serve Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg Counties.

Community Impact Grants

Grantmaking at Eastern Carolina Community Foundation promotes partnerships with communities – its nonprofits, workers, families, and leaders – to cultivate thriving communities.

An annual community impact grant cycle exists to advance the missions of local nonprofits through a competitive grant process. Relying on a trust-based philanthropy model, ECCF intentionally focuses on receiving applications to support capacity building and operational support to assist nonprofit organizations in strengthening operations and infrastructure, enhancing organizational stability, planning for strategic growth, and/or making critical improvements to their facilities.

Proposals to be considered might include (but are not limited to):

• Staff training and development
• Operational support
• Facilities expansion or improvement
• Equipment
• Technology expenses
• Strategic planning

The RRF Foundation for Aging offers research grants aimed at improving the well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Established in 1950, the foundation has awarded over $239 million to support innovative projects nationwide. Grants are targeted at nonprofit organizations proposing research with immediate implications for adults aged 60 and older, with a focus on practical knowledge and dissemination to impact policy and practice.

The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) offers Responsive Grants for advocacy projects that significantly impact older Americans. These grants support initiatives focused on critical policy issues like economic security and health care. RRF aims to fund projects that use strategic efforts to address systemic challenges and encourage partnerships for resource optimization. Organizations must ensure that RRF funds are not used for lobbying activities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations targeting individuals aged 60 and older.

About The John A. Hartford Foundation

The John A. Hartford Foundation, based in New York City, is a private, nonpartisan, national philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults. The leader in the field of aging and health, the foundation has three priority areas: creating age-friendly health systems, supporting family caregivers, and improving serious illness and end-of-life care.

Since 1982, The John A. Hartford Foundation has awarded more than $758 million in grants to enhance the health and well-being of older people.

JAHF New Partners Program Call for Proposals:

National Initiatives Advancing Improvements in Care for Older Adults

The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) is entering a new chapter that builds on its work to improve care for older adults and support family caregivers while bringing new organizations, leaders and ideas into its community of grantees and partners.

Through this funding opportunity, JAHF is seeking proposals from organizations that have not previously received a major grant from the foundation.

Proposed initiatives must have a national or multi-site scope and align with at least one of the foundation's three priority areas:

• Age-Friendly Health Systems
• Family Caregiving
• Serious Illness and End-of-Life Care

The National Center for Law and Elder Rights, funded by the US HHS: Administration for Community Living, aims to enhance legal assistance for older individuals as mandated by the Older Americans Act. This initiative will support local providers through training, legal advice, and system design to ensure effective delivery of services. Up to four cooperative agreements will be awarded to organizations that collaborate in this vital legal assistance effort.

The Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Life Improvement is dedicated to enhancing the lives of elderly individuals through targeted support for non-profit organizations. Grants focus on critical areas such as dementia care, wellness programs, and community engagement initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that meet the unique needs of seniors, promoting health and active lifestyles. By funding specific projects rather than general support, the foundation aims to make a meaningful impact on the quality of life for senior citizens.

The John A. Hartford Foundation offers scholarships for the Age-Friendly Health Systems Cohort as part of the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship. This initiative targets healthcare leaders aiming to implement the 4Ms Framework, enhancing care for older adults. Selected fellows will receive a program fee scholarship of $13,995, enabling them to focus on transformation efforts in health systems. This fellowship seeks diverse leaders to address critical healthcare challenges and improve quality, safety, and affordability.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is funding a three-year cooperative agreement to enhance the Direct Care Workforce Strategies Center. This initiative focuses on addressing the critical shortage and high turnover rates among direct care workers. By bolstering this workforce, ACL aims to ensure older adults, individuals with disabilities, and family caregivers can live, work, and engage fully in their communities, thereby improving overall quality of life.

The Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging is designed for early-stage physicians and health professionals committed to aging research. This initiative, supported by the NIH, aims to cultivate leadership skills and advance research in geriatrics. Eligible candidates must demonstrate prior research support and leadership in their field. While applications are not currently being accepted, this NOFO encourages potential applicants to develop collaborative and impactful projects in aging research.

The Piñon Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions focused on enhancing the education, health, and well-being of children and the elderly. Although it primarily funds initiatives in West Texas, the Dallas Fort Worth area, and Oklahoma City, it is open to proposals from other regions that can positively impact community growth. The foundation believes in the transformative power of education and health to foster community success and development.

The AARP Community Challenge Grant supports innovative projects that enhance community livability for people aged 50 and older. Funded by the AARP Foundation, these demonstration grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 and aim to improve pedestrian safety, expand broadband access, and reconnect divided communities. Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $20 million in grants, fostering immediate improvements and long-term progress across the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty supports early career investigators in aging research, focusing on -omics studies related to biological aging and age-related diseases. Research areas include genomics, proteomics, and interventions targeting aging. Eligible applicants are independent researchers at U.S. not-for-profit institutions, with 10 years or fewer since their postdoctoral training. The award may cover overhead costs, promoting innovative research in the vital field of gerontology.

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards aim to support innovative research in cognitive aging and memory loss, offering two 3-year grants of $750,000 each. Targeted at early-career investigators, the program encourages high-risk, high-gain proposals that explore clinical translational research and the biological mechanisms of cognitive aging. By fostering emerging scientific leaders, the initiative seeks to advance transformative discoveries in this critical area of aging research, enhancing understanding and treatment of age-related cognitive decline.

The JTMF Foundation Grant focuses on improving the lives of individuals in need, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. By partnering with organizations addressing immediate needs and long-term challenges, the foundation supports children, older adults, veterans, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Guided by Catholic values, JTMF aims to empower communities while seeking innovative solutions to societal issues. Organizations that align with these focus areas are encouraged to connect, fostering a collaborative effort towards meaningful impact.

The McKnight Clinical Translational Research Scholarship supports young investigators focusing on cognitive aging and age-related memory loss. Funded by the McKnight Brain Research Foundation, this scholarship offers $65,000 annually for two years, plus an education stipend. Eligible applicants should have completed their PhD or residency within the last five years and conduct their research in accredited U.S. institutions. The award emphasizes rigorous training and aims to foster careers in human cognitive aging research.

The NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program aims to enhance the research workforce by providing intensive research experiences for recent graduates. This initiative supports early-stage investigators in Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, addressing a critical shortage of researchers in the field. Participants engage in independent research, mentorship, and professional development, equipping them with skills necessary for advanced degrees and research careers in aging and dementia. The program fosters innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for advancing AD/ADRD research.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the participation of older adults in the Senior Nutrition Program by focusing on preventative health initiatives. The project seeks to build capacity through statewide efforts, develop shared resources for program sustainability, and foster collaboration among senior nutrition programs and key organizations. By achieving these goals, the initiative will improve health outcomes and strengthen community ties for older adults.