No Senior Alone Initiative

No Senior Alone Initiative

Funder: San Diego Seniors Community Foundation

Overview:
The No Senior Alone Initiative is a major fundraising and grantmaking program designed to address social isolation among seniors in San Diego County, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

• Launched in October 2020
• Goal to raise $1 million with support from matching grant of $500,000 from the Sahm Family Foundation
• Aims to double donations received to encourage regional philanthropic support

Focus Areas

• Reducing social isolation and loneliness among older adults
• Supporting vulnerable and underserved older populations
• Providing trusted resources, support, and connections
• Programs addressing immediate COVID-19 impacts on seniors
• Services decreasing social isolation through tailored approaches

Eligibility

• Geographic scope: San Diego County, California
• Target population: Older adults (65+), with priority to vulnerable and underserved seniors
• Focus on diverse populations and neighborhoods (City Heights, Oceanside, rural areas, LGBTQ+ seniors, etc.)

Key Issues Addressed

• One in three adults age 65+ live alone
• One in four at risk of becoming "elder orphans" with no one to care for them
• 23% of seniors in San Diego County do not have enough income to meet basic needs
• Social isolation, loneliness, lack of digital access, limited physical activity

Grant Types Supported

Grants fund programs including:
• Virtual connection and digital literacy programs
• Outdoor health and physical activity programs
• Community health worker outreach
• Technology equipment provision and instruction
• Holiday programming and meal delivery
• Telehealth access
• Music and cultural programming

Contact Information

San Diego Seniors Community Foundation
• Phone: (619) 684-9114
• Email: info@sdscf.org
• Mailing: P.O. Box 60515, San Diego, CA 92106
• Website: sdscf.org

About the Foundation

• Established in 2017
• Founded by Bob Kelly, former president and CEO of The San Diego Foundation
• One of only a few community foundations in the nation solely focused on seniors
• Mission: Improve lives of seniors in San Diego County so they are physically active, socially connected, and receive care and necessities for healthy, dynamic lives