Senior Centers and Permanent Improvement Project (PIP) Grant is sponsored by South Carolina Department on Aging. Provides funding for capital improvement projects at senior centers to enhance facilities and services for older adults.

Senior Centers and Permanent Improvement Project Grant | South Carolina Department on Aging Senior Centers and Permanent Improvement Project Grant Senior Center Permanent Improvement Project (PIP) Emergency grant applications will be accepted from June 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026 . 2026 PIP Emergency Application Register for the PIP Emergency Information Session scheduled for June 4, 2026 at 10 a. m.

Contact: Nakeyra Harris, SCDOA PIP Coordinator, nharris@aging. sc. gov The Older Americans Act identifies the South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) as a leader in the development of multipurpose senior centers.

Currently, the state has three nationally certified senior centers. Several additional centers are fully operational but have not yet achieved certification, while others operate solely as group dining sites. Multipurpose Senior Centers Multipurpose senior centers are intended to serve as the “village square” or focal point of their communities.

These centers function as resource hubs that provide activities, services, and programs for active older adults, with a particular emphasis on promoting health and wellness, education, and social engagement. Typically, multipurpose senior centers are standalone community facilities used primarily for senior programming while also serving as host sites for broader community activities.

These centers are encouraged to operate in accordance with standards accredited by the National Council on Aging. Multipurpose senior centers should offer a diverse range of programs and services throughout the day. Meal service may or may not be included as part of center operations.

Multipurpose senior centers generally provide a wide array of programs and services, including but not limited to: Meal and nutrition programs Information and assistance Health, fitness, and wellness programs Public benefits counseling Volunteer and civic engagement opportunities Social and recreational activities Educational and arts programs Intergenerational programs Group dining sites are operated by contracted providers of the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to deliver nutritious meals to older adults at the community level through either congregate dining or home-delivered meal services.

Contractors determine designated operating locations within their service areas. The primary purpose of a group dining site is to provide nutritious meals, opportunities for socialization, and nutrition education. All group dining sites must operate in compliance with contractual requirements established by the AAA, as well as the policies outlined in Section 503 of the South Carolina Aging Services Policies and Procedures Manual.

Senior Center Permanent Improvement Project (PIP) Grant Program It is the intent of the South Carolina Department on Aging for all multipurpose senior centers to be focal points in their respective communities. The Older Americans Act (OAA) defines a focal point as a facility established to encourage the maximum collocation and coordination of services for older individuals.

A focal point is a facility established to provide local leadership on aging issues, to provide older adults access to services at a central location with customer-oriented staff, and to assist those in the community who have an interest in, or need for, information, resources, or services. All Permanent Improvement Program (PIP) funded Multipurpose Senior Centers shall be focal points of their respective communities. a.

All applicants shall meet the National Council on Aging’s Multipurpose Senior Center Standards – to be a Village Square or Focal Point for aging services. b. Senior center directors are required to have a membership with the National Council on Aging.

For additional information on how to apply, for free membership visit: https://www. ncoa. org/page/nisc-membership-application In 1991, the South Carolina State Legislature established the Senior Center Permanent Improvement Project (PIP) grant program and appropriated $948,000 per year from State Bingo tax ($79,000 monthly) and licensing fee revenues to fund a list of 74 specifically identified capital improvement projects.

The total amount of funding required to complete these projects was reached in the year 2000. The original legislation was amended by the General Assembly in 1997 to continue the program beyond the original list and the State Unit on Aging (hereafter called the SC Department on Aging or SCDOA), was given responsibility for developing an ongoing process to select and fund applications for senior center capital improvement projects.

The resulting procedures created a competitive grant process for securing Senior Center PIP funds. Protocols for Evaluating PIP Applications and the Awarding of Grants (All requirements of the PIP Application Package and the SCDOA policies and procedures for PIP grants) 1.

PIP grant application proposal, one electronic copy (email) and two hard copies (mailed or hand delivered) must be received by SCDOA by close of business Tuesday, June 30, 2026. 2. Applications must be supported by the local AAA Director before SCDOA will consider the project.

Please Note: No PIP grant will be awarded to an entity not supported by an AAA. 3. The PIP Coordinator and PIP Panelists thoroughly examine the applications submitted to determine their compliance with established application requirements and agency policy and procedures.

4. Applicant meetings are scheduled with SCDOA PIP Coordinator and PIP panelists to meet with each applicant to discuss applications, committed project funds, agency finances, project details, and the long-term sustainability of the senior center. A standardize list of questions is asked of all applicants during each visit.

Each visit follows a uniformed process. 5. After the applicant meetings are concluded, the PIP Coordinator and PIP panelists will conduct a final review of the applications.

6. The PIP Coordinator will brief SCDOA Director who will approve grant recipients. 7.

PIP recipients and local AAAs will be notified in writing of the awards. 8. The grant applicant will have 30 days to complete the necessary forms to qualify for a Notification of Grant Award (NGA) from the SCDOA.

9. Once the SCDOA receive the C-Forms we will prepare NGAs for the applicant(s) to sign and execute. Looking for a senior center near you?

This page has information for volunteers and legislators about our agency’s mission and programs. To find local senior centers, please visit our resource site GetCareSC. com .