Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC)

The ARCC is pleased to announce the availability of the grant applications for the grant period beginning July 1, 2024. ARCC grants are designed to benefit those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) through the promotion of respite care, education, and innovation. We are keen to support projects that demonstrate a clear commitment to these areas. Whether you have a new program or wish to expand an initiative, you are encouraged to apply for ARCC funding to make a positive impact on the ADRD community in South Carolina.

This is a two-year grant cycle, beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2026. Applicants may request no less than $20,000 and no more than $50,000. This is a 50/50 matching grant, thus the applicant must be able to show cash or in-kind support equivalent to the requested amount.

This digital Application will replace all previous applications and must be submitted no later than April 5, 2024, at 11:59 pm.

A virtual grant webinar providing valuable information about the grants and application process was hosted on February 26, 2024 at 11:00 am. A recording of this webinar is available upon request.

Should you have any questions, please contact the ARCC Dementia Coordinator, Dana Daniel, at ddaniel@aging.sc.gov.

Additional Grant information

About the Issue

The Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC), located within the South Carolina Department on Aging, was established by state legislation in 1994. The Center’s goal is to serve as a statewide focal point for coordination, service development, information, and education to assist persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their families. 

The U.S. Census Bureau projects that in 2030, South Carolina will be home to 1.1 million people over the age of 65, potentially propelling South Carolina to a ranking of 15th in the nation for the highest percentage of elderly residents. Increasing age is a leading risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, and South Carolina’s rapidly growing older population presents a challenge to families, communities and those who plan and deliver services for the state.

Source: 2021 Annual Report: South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Registry, USC, Office for the Study of Aging.

Overview

95,000 South Carolinians are living with Alzheimer’s disease. ADRD affects 11% of the population of South Carolina aged 65 years and older and 51% of those over age 85.  By 2025, the number of South Carolinians living with Alzheimer's disease is projected to grow to 120,000.

Source: 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report

Source: 2021 Annual Report: South Carolina Alzheimer's Disease Registry

In South Carolina, more than half of all adults providing unpaid care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s or another dementia have been doing so for at least two years. More than one-third of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers provide 20 or more hours of care per week.

Source: 2015 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System – SC Caregiver Module

Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC) Grants

Each February, the Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC) announces grant funding availability for the upcoming State Fiscal Year (July – June). Applications are accepted for (1) respite care programs or (2) educational programs and/or (3) innovative programs directed at the ADRD population.

The ARCC receives $150,000 of state appropriations each year to award Dementia specific grants for respite, education, or innovative programs for persons with ADRD, their families, and caregivers. Grants are awarded on a 2-year cycle. This is a competitive award of up to $20,000. This year a total of 18 grantees and their communities will benefit from the ARCC grants

Successes

The SC Legislature has designated $150,000 for seed grants to be distributed by the ARCC each year. Grants awarded through the center assist local communities in developing programs to serve persons with dementia and their caregivers.

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) State Plan

South Carolina’s Department on Aging’s Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center’s (ARCC) Advisory Council served as the representative coalition for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s (DHEC) Division of Injury and Substance Abuse Prevention’s 2018 BOLD (Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s) Grant. The purpose of the BOLD Grant is to increase early detection and diagnosis, reduce risks, prevent avoidable hospitalizations and support dementia caregiving.  

The Statewide Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias will provide a blueprint for care for persons living with ADRD in South Carolina from 2023-2028.  The goal of the ARCC is to update this plan every five years to ensure the plan is up-to-date with changing treatments, resources, statistics and goals.  

"A statewide response is critical to addressing the growing dementia crisis in South Carolina, and nearly every state agency has a vital role to play,” said Taylor Wilson, chair of the ARCC Advisory Council and Director of Government Affairs for the Alzheimer's Association, South Carolina Chapter. “The ripple effect of this disease is immense, touching upon public health and risk reduction, aging and caregiver support, access to health care, protection of vulnerable adults and workforce demands.

"The Alzheimer's Resource Coordination Center is honored to help bridge existing gaps, identify growing needs and better serve families facing Alzheimer's disease or any type of dementia."

Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC) Advisory Council

The ARCC Advisory Council is composed of Governor appointed members and is comprised of persons from agencies and organizations that have a special interest in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

What does the Advisory Council do?

  • Initiate the development of systems which coordinate the delivery of programs and services
  • Facilitate the coordination and integration of research, program development, planning and quality assurance
  • Identify potential users of services and gaps in the service delivery system and expand methods and resources to enhance statewide services
  • Serve as a resource for education, research and training and provide information and referral services
  • Provide technical assistance for the development of support groups and other local initiatives to serve individuals, families and caregivers
  • Recommend public policy concerning Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to state policymakers
  • Submit an annual report to the Joint Legislative Committee on Aging and to the General Assembly