The San Diego Seniors Community Foundation (SDSCF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, established in 2017. Our singular focus is to improve the vitality of all seniors in San Diego County, so they are physically active, socially connected, and receive the care and necessities for a healthy, dynamic life.
SDSCF is founded on the vision of Bob Kelly, former president and CEO of The San Diego Foundation. He is a passionate advocate and committed leader who envisions a world where the senior population is an essential element of our community—where they are no longer vulnerable, but vibrant.
SDSCF is one of the only foundations in San Diego County solely focused on seniors. We exist to ensure that no local senior is left without access to the knowledge and resources to thrive.
Goals of SDSCF
- To transition the local senior community from potential vulnerability to vitality, through the power of philanthropy
- Increase the charitable giving focus and activity for San Diego’s senior population
- Build and grow the infrastructure with our partners to support the growing needs of seniors
- Build and grow a permanent endowment for seniors in San Diego County
- Increase and deepen the civic engagement of local seniors with fresh, innovative approaches
We are committed to inspiring, informing and connecting the community and donors to projects and programs that serve the senior population throughout San Diego County. We promise to be the donors’ most trusted advisors for senior support in San Diego, and that our singular focus will always remain on caring for the needs of local seniors and enhancing their quality of life for generations to come.
A Looming Crisis for Seniors
While the senior population is growing exponentially, costs are rising and a significant number of seniors are left with few alternatives for help.
Many seniors struggle to take care of themselves, to accomplish activities of daily living (ADLs) due to mobility issues or worsening dementia. Stairs, rugs, and bathing and cooking hazards can render many homes potential danger zones. As a result, 31 percent of people age 65 and older suffer a fall that permanently affects their mobility—whether it involves adding a cane, walker or wheelchair to their lives.
Private home care is one of the 10 fastest-growing job categories in the United States. Recently, care of the aging population has risen to $20 per hour, and has already begun to migrate from nursing homes to assisted living and increasingly to home-based care.
It’s is clear from age-related trends that there will not be enough caregivers to help seniors age at home if they need substantial assistance. This gap in care results from the convergence of senior population growth, increase in life expectancy, looming health-care issues, and flat growth among younger women—still the primary source for home care, assisted living and nursing home aides.
The focus of SDSCF is to address these impending issues and improve the vitality of all seniors in San Diego County, so this crisis of care has minimal or no impact on them. In order to achieve that, we look to donors who are equally dedicated to serving the needs of seniors to help fulfill our collective mission.
