No Senior Alone Initiative

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

• 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

Application Process

No specific standardized application process described in materials. Foundation appears to:

1. Identify and select grantees based on:
- Diversity of older people served
- Commitment to addressing needs of underserved populations
- Unique and tailored program approaches
- Geographic coverage across San Diego County

2. Proposal submission: Organizations submit proposals to the foundation
- Foundation reviews applications
- Foundation selects award recipients

3. Contact for inquiries:
- Email: info@sdscf.org
- Phone: (619) 684-9114

Grant Award Process

Grants announced through:
• Press releases and media announcements
• Foundation website updates
• Direct communication with selected organizations

Note: Detailed application requirements, deadlines, and formal submission procedures not provided in available materials. Contact foundation directly for specific application guidelines and current funding opportunities.