Nobody should lose access to safe care over a temporary shortfall
Key To The Door Foundation relieves the financial hardship, housing instability, and care-related needs of financially vulnerable Californians age 65 and older. We provide temporary, need-based charitable grants that help eligible seniors safely transition into — or remain in — licensed assisted living, residential care, or appropriate in-home care, while their long-term funding is finalized.
Many seniors have a clear path to safe care already in motion: a pending home sale, an approved Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver, a VA claim in process. What they lack is the short-term cash to take the next step. That's the exact gap we exist to close.
Up to $25,000
per grant, covering up to 90 days of documented care costs
100%
of funds paid directly to the licensed facility or in-home care vendor — never cash to the recipient
Statewide
eligibility across California, with no geographic limit on who can apply
One grant, built to protect the benefits a senior already relies on
Care, wherever it happens
Grants cover room, board, and care at a licensed assisted living or residential care facility, or documented in-home care costs for a senior remaining at home.
Paid directly to the vendor
Funds go straight to the facility or care provider, never to the recipient — protecting eligibility for SSI, Medi-Cal, and other public benefits along the way.
A bridge, not a loan
Grants are nonrepayable charitable assistance. A recipient who later qualifies for Medi-Cal, VA benefits, or other support owes nothing back.
From referral to funded care
1
1
A senior is referred
Elder law attorneys, RCFE placement services, and care professionals refer seniors who already have a care plan in place but face a short-term funding gap.
2
2
We verify the need
The Foundation confirms eligibility, financial need, and the care arrangement before a single dollar is committed.
3
3
The Board approves the grant
Every award follows written guidelines and a conflict-of-interest review, so decisions are documented and impartial.
4
Funds reach the provider
Payment goes directly to the licensed facility or in-home care vendor — typically within 30 days of the grant being funded.
Built by people who've seen this gap up close
Frananda Allen
PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR
A California real estate broker with more than 27 years of experience, including extensive work with probate properties and seniors in transition. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, Frananda has seen firsthand how a deposit, move-in fee, or temporary room-and-board gap can keep a senior from safe care.
Rebecca Thornton
DIRECTOR
A Certified Nursing Assistant with approximately 50 years of caregiving experience. Rebecca brings a deep, hands-on understanding of what seniors and families need when health changes make a transition to supportive care urgent.