Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC) Grant Program

The Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC), situated within the South Carolina Department on Aging, administers the ARCC Grant Program to address the growing needs of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) in the state. Established by legislation in 1994, the ARCC functions as a statewide coordinating body to support the development and delivery of dementia-focused services, educational initiatives, and community support mechanisms. The program is guided by an advisory council appointed by the Governor, composed of representatives from state agencies, organizations, and caregivers. This council ensures that ARCC meets its core objectives, including developing integrated care systems, facilitating education and research, identifying service delivery gaps, and advising on dementia-related public policy. The ARCC Grant Program awards competitive grants to support dementia-specific respite care, educational interventions, and innovative services across South Carolina. Grants are awarded biennially, with a maximum individual award of $50,000 and a minimum of $20,000. Applicants must demonstrate a 50/50 cost-sharing commitment, which may include both cash and substantive in-kind contributions. Appropriate uses of funding include staff training, program development, outreach, and caregiver support, while prohibited expenses include capital improvements, equipment, and costs unrelated to service delivery. Eligible applicants include public, non-profit, and for-profit entities such as social service agencies, educational institutions, Alzheimer’s organizations, aging service providers, and faith-based groups. All grant-funded programs must focus specifically on serving individuals with ADRD and their caregivers. Programs must be led by professionals with expertise in dementia care, and all involved staff must complete an ARCC-approved dementia training course. For respite services operating four or more hours daily, a state-issued license as an Adult Day Service Center is required. To ensure program accountability and sustainability, grantees are required to submit quarterly reports detailing statistical and narrative progress, a final report, and expenditure documentation. Grant funds must be used within the period beginning July 1, 2026. Continued funding into the second year (through June 30, 2028) is contingent on meeting program milestones and reporting requirements by June 30, 2027. Failure to meet these standards may result in early termination and forfeiture of unused funds. Additionally, all applicants must outline a sustainability strategy beyond the grant period. Applications are evaluated based on the capacity of the applicant to meet program goals, quality and cost-effectiveness of proposed services, level of community need, support for caregivers, program sustainability, and organizational and community financial commitment. Bonus scoring is given to first-time applicants, projects in underserved counties, and programs serving geographically dispersed or socioeconomically diverse communities. Applications must be submitted using the official ARCC Grant Application format and received by April 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Dana Daniel, Dementia Coordinator at the Department on Aging, is the designated contact for inquiries and pre-award discussions.

Highlight unmet need in high-priority counties; emphasize staff dementia training and sustainability planning.