Each year, Black Hills residents vote online to choose a meaningful cause to receive a significant investment through the Black Hills Area Community Foundation’s (BHACF) Thriving Communities Initiative. In 2026, nearly 500 people cast their votes across four important issue areas, and “Quality Care for Elders” won with 39% of the total vote.
Voters also shared why the cause mattered to them. In 122 written responses, community members described a need for more caregiver resources and services that help seniors age independently. They also told us that seniors need more companionship, purpose and opportunities to feel valued in their communities.
In response, BHACF awarded $110,000 to six nonprofits providing quality services that keep seniors healthy, fed and safe across the Black Hills.
What we heard from the community
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“Every senior deserves to feel safe, connected, and cared for in their own homes – through companion visits, home-sharing matches, and personal support. We have seen what quality care can mean for a senior who might otherwise be alone.”
– Rapid City resident
“As a physician, making home visits, I see the overwhelming challenges that elders face, aging, chronic disease, transportation, caregiver exhaustion, and limited rural resources that threaten their independence and the joy in their lives. Funding elder services strengthens the entire community.”
– Physician
“I’m concerned about my parents’ ability, and eventually my own ability, to age in place in our community. Home health care options are very limited in this area, and there are few supports available for seniors who want to remain in their homes safely as they age.”
– A middle-aged daughter
“Transportation, companionship, advocacy, care – all the things we unquestionably provide to children also are needed by the elderly and frail.”
– Oldest daughter of aging parents
2026 grant recipients
Catholic Social Services ($25,000)
Catholic Social Services will use its grant to support St. Anne’s Aging Services, a program that helps Rapid City seniors age in place with dignity. Through the Companion Program, volunteers provide regular visits, light household help, transportation and social outings to reduce isolation. The Home-Sharing Program matches seniors age 62 and older with renters who pay low rent in exchange for light help around the house, building intergenerational friendships and an affordable housing option.
Black Hills Center for the Aging ($25,000)
Black Hills Center for the Aging will use its grant to support its programming for seniors and caregivers in Custer, Fall River, Meade and Pennington counties. The center’s Adult Day Center provides daytime care, live music, outings and friendship for guests of every ability level, giving family caregivers a much-needed break. Its caregiver programs, including Powerful Tools for Caregivers, the Savvy Caregiver Program and a Memory Café with the Alzheimer’s Association, help families build confidence and connect with others on a similar path.
Meals on Wheels Western South Dakota ($20,000)
Meals on Wheels will use its grant to purchase equipment for its new kitchen in Rapid City. The Meals on Wheels program delivers daily hot meals and safety checks to older adults who choose to age in place. Meals on Wheels served 2,378 seniors and delivered more than 340,000 meals in 2025. The new equipment will help the organization keep operations strong and expand services to reach more seniors in need.
Black Hills Senior Center Collaboration ($15,000)
The Black Hills Senior Center Collaboration will use its grant to fund leadership gatherings and mini-grants for senior centers across the Black Hills region. Senior centers give older adults a place to gather, stay active and connect with others, especially those without family nearby. This support will help local centers collaborate to offer social, physical and educational supports that keep seniors healthy and engaged.
Prairie Hills Transit ($15,000)
Prairie Hills Transit will use its grant to support transportation for seniors across its 16,500-square-mile service area, which includes 16 communities in eight counties. Its lift- and ramp-equipped vehicles and trained drivers help riders travel independently to shopping, banking, medical appointments and other essential errands. Daily trips from the Northern Hills into Rapid City also give seniors reliable access to specialty medical care.
Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity ($10,000)
Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity will use its grant to support home repairs for seniors through its Habitat Handyman program. The program provides minor home repair and maintenance, such as door and screen replacement, gutter repair, painting and accessibility improvements. These repairs help seniors keep their homes safe and comfortable so they can continue living independently.
Looking ahead: building belonging in 2027
Community members made it clear that quality care is about more than services. Seniors also need connection, purpose and the chance to share their knowledge with others.
“‘Elders’ are the only growing demographic, easily ignored or dismissed. We have invaluable wisdom to share.”
– A 75-year-old
