2026 Call for Proposals: Services to Older Persons (South Africa)

The Western Cape Department of Social Development is accepting applications from eligible non-profit organisations to deliver community-based care, specialist social work, and advocacy services for older persons across the Western Cape. The programme aims to improve the well-being, protection, and rights of older persons through early intervention, community support, and professional social welfare services.

About the Programme

The 2026 Call for Proposals for Services to Older Persons supports non-profit organisations that provide social welfare and community development services for older persons throughout the Western Cape, South Africa.

The programme is designed to strengthen community-based care systems, protect vulnerable older persons, promote healthy ageing, and improve access to specialist support services. Funding supports organisations that deliver services aligned with the Older Persons Act (No. 13 of 2006) and contribute to improving the quality of life, dignity, and independence of older people.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

Identify and assist older persons who are at risk before intensive interventions become necessary.
Strengthen community-based care and support services.
Promote healthy ageing and independent living.
Protect the rights and dignity of older persons.
Prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people.
Deliver specialist social work interventions.
Strengthen advocacy for the rights of older persons.
Improve access to quality social welfare services throughout the Western Cape.

Priority Focus Areas

Funding supports projects that focus on:

Early identification of vulnerable older persons.
Community-based care and support.
Social welfare services.
Protection of older persons’ rights.
Elder abuse prevention and response.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s support services.
Advocacy and awareness programmes.
Community development initiatives for older persons.

Types of Services Supported

Community-Based Care and Support Services

Funding supports organisations operating Community-Based Care and Support Centres (Service Centres) that provide:

Social support services.
Recreational activities.
Community engagement.
Wellness programmes.
Information and referral services.
Healthy ageing initiatives.
Daily support services for older persons.

Services must comply with the Minimum Norms and Standards of the Older Persons Act.

Specialist Social Work Services

Funding also supports specialist interventions delivered by qualified social workers, including:

Individual case work.
Group work.
Community work.
Psychosocial support.
Elder abuse interventions.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s support.
Rights awareness.
Family support.
Care planning.
Protection services.

Advocacy Services

The programme also supports:

Provincial advocacy initiatives.
Protection of older persons’ rights.
Awareness campaigns.
Provincial forums affiliated with the South African Older Persons Forum.
Community education programmes.

Funding Information

The announcement confirms funding for eligible service delivery activities.

Funding supports:

Community-based care services.
Specialist social work services.
Advocacy programmes.
Social welfare interventions.
Community development activities.

The funding amount has not been specified in the call for proposals.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include organisations that:

Are registered under the Nonprofit Organisations Act 71 of 1997, or
Are registered under Schedule 1 of the Companies Act 71 of 2008, or
Are registered under the Trust Property Control Act 57 of 1988.
Have valid organisational registration.
Operate within South Africa.
Have a proven track record in social welfare or community development.
Meet statutory registration requirements where specialised services require them.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

Submit proof of current organisational registration.
Demonstrate experience delivering social welfare or community development services.
Employ qualified personnel where required.
Deliver services that comply with relevant legislation.
Maintain appropriate governance and financial management systems.
Include measurable project targets and outcomes.
Demonstrate monitoring and evaluation capacity.

Required Supporting Documents

Applications should include:

Proof of organisational registration.
Audited or certified financial statements for the previous financial year.
Evidence of statutory registration where applicable.
Project proposal.
Outputs and performance targets.
Expected outcomes.
Monitoring and evaluation framework.
Organisational compliance documentation.

Eligible Activities

Projects may include:

Community support programmes.
Social work interventions.
Case management.
Group counselling.
Community education.
Rights advocacy.
Elder abuse prevention.
Dementia support.
Alzheimer’s services.
Home and community support initiatives.
Referral services.
Community mobilisation.

How Applications are Assessed

Applications are evaluated based on:

Organisational eligibility.
Legal compliance.
Experience in social welfare services.
Capacity to deliver services.
Quality of the proposed programme.
Realistic outputs and outcomes.
Monitoring and evaluation systems.
Financial accountability.
Overall contribution to improving services for older persons.

How to Apply

Follow these steps when preparing your application:

Confirm your organisation meets all eligibility requirements.
Ensure organisational registrations are current and valid.
Develop a project aligned with the programme objectives.
Define measurable outputs, targets, and expected outcomes.
Prepare audited or certified financial statements.
Describe your monitoring and evaluation system.
Gather all required supporting documents.
Submit the completed application before the official deadline.
Be prepared to comply with reporting and funding conditions if selected.

Why This Programme Matters

South Africa’s ageing population requires accessible, high-quality community support and protection services. This programme strengthens organisations that provide essential care, specialist interventions, and advocacy for older persons while promoting dignity, independence, and healthy ageing.

By investing in experienced community organisations, the initiative helps reduce risks such as elder abuse, neglect, social isolation, and inadequate access to support services across the Western Cape.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting expired registration documents.
Omitting audited or certified financial statements.
Failing to provide measurable outputs and outcomes.
Providing incomplete monitoring and evaluation plans.
Applying without demonstrating relevant organisational experience.
Missing statutory compliance requirements.
Submitting incomplete supporting documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this funding?

Registered non-profit organisations, qualifying non-profit companies, and trusts with valid registrations and relevant experience in social welfare or community development services.

Which services are eligible for funding?

Community-based care, specialist social work interventions, advocacy activities, and programmes supporting older persons in accordance with the Older Persons Act.

Is there a specified funding amount?

No. The funding amount has not been specified in the call for proposals.

Are qualified social workers required?

Yes. Specialist social work services must be delivered by appropriately qualified professionals where required.

What financial documents must applicants provide?

Applicants must submit audited or certified financial statements for the previous financial year.

What monitoring requirements apply?

Applicants must explain their internal monitoring and evaluation systems and comply with the Department’s reporting requirements if funded.

Can newly established organisations apply?

The call requires applicants to demonstrate a proven track record of delivering social welfare or community development services within South Africa.

Conclusion

The Western Cape Department of Social Development 2026 Call for Proposals for Services to Older Persons offers an important opportunity for qualified non-profit organisations to expand community-based care, specialist social work, and advocacy services for older persons across the Western Cape. By strengthening prevention, protection, and community support systems, the programme contributes to healthier ageing, improved quality of life, and stronger protection of the rights and dignity of older persons.