The ElderCare Trust Fund was created to support programming that helps seniors stay in their homes and lead productive lives, thereby avoiding institutionalization.
- Over 1.28 million seniors live in South Carolina
- 25.0% of South Carolina's population is 60 or above
- 11.9% of seniors aged 65 and above live alone
- 10.3% of our state's seniors live in poverty
The ElderCare Trust Fund helps needy South Carolinians by awarding grants to fund innovative programs that help seniors age in place and avoid the heavy cost of institutionalization.
Since it was established in 1992, the Fund has awarded over $550,000 to more than 40 non-profit organizations statewide.
Programs
Here are some worthy programs funded by the ElderCare Trust Fund:
Anderson Interfaith Ministries
Served Anderson, Oconee, Pickens and Abbeville Counties
This program made homes safer and more accessible for seniors (building ramps; adding grab bars and banisters, etc.)
The ARK of SC
Served Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties
This program provides two (2) types of training:
- Training for first responders on how to deal with people with dementia
- Training for caregivers in rural parts of the State on how to deal with seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss issues
Feonix Mobility Rising
Served Lexington and Richland Counties
This program funded free rides for seniors in the Midlands area. Seniors were given vouchers to provide them transportation to doctor's appointments, grocery stores and other places necessary to helping them live independently.
Sumter United Ministries
Served Sumter County
This program provided free vouchers for seniors to purchase fresh produce at the farmers' market.
Get Involved
The ElderCare Trust Fund is currently accepting applications until July 9, 2025.
A copy of the application and instructions are available. All completed applications should be sent to Sherri Caldwell at slcaldwell@aging.sc.gov.
Help South Carolina seniors age in their homes and avoid institutionalization by donating to the ElderCare Trust Fund.
The ElderCare Trust Fund awards grants to non-profit organizations that create programs to help our state's seniors live in dignity at home. Only non-profit organizations are eligible to receive grants from the Fund. The ElderCare Trust Fund does not make awards directly to individuals. One hundred percent of donations go toward promoting and funding the Eldercare Trust fund and the programs that provide services to seniors.
Contributions may be made to the ElderCare Trust Fund by:
- Checking Line 28 of your South Carolina State Income Tax Form and an I-330 Form or
- Writing a check to the ElderCare Trust Fund and mailing it to:
South Carolina Department on Aging
1301 Gervais Street, Suite 350
Columbia SC 29201
For more information, contact Sherri Caldwell via email at slcaldwell@aging.sc.gov.
Remember, it's not too late to check line 28!
SCDOA Eldercare Trust from AsToldBy on Vimeo.