The unsung heroes in the care of the elderly could soon see some more support from the communities in which they reside.

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation is set to dole out $9 million nationally over the next three years to help support caregivers of the elderly in select communities.

‘This new program is designed to help both family and informal caregivers by providing resources for assistance with transportation, respite, shopping and training,’ said Michael Marcus, program director for the foundation, in a press release announcing the new focus.

While there is a national hotline for caregivers looking for support within their communities, there was a need to back more of the groups providing the support, said Marcus. The National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP estimated that nearly 30 million adults in 2003 served as caregivers for elderly residents.

The Baltimore-based charitable foundation plans to award 12 to 20 grants ranging from $300,000 to $900,000 to nonprofit community groups. The groups are required provide a local match.

The foundation will accept proposals for the grants through June 12.

To learn more, go to www.hjweinbergfoundation.org/ and select ‘grantmaking.’