Lifespan Respite Care Program: State Grants

ACL is seeking applications from eligible state agencies to advance the provision of respite services through statewide Lifespan Respite Care systems, as authorized under the Lifespan Respite Care Act. The program aims to develop or expand state systems and capacity to provide respite care and related services to family caregivers of children and adults across the lifespan, regardless of disability or chronic condition. There are two application options contained in this single NOFO. State Applicants for Option A (Grants to New States and States Re-Establishing Their Core Respite Infrastructures): This opportunity is for states who have never had a Grant before, OR who had a grant before, but the program has stopped, and they wish to start it up again. Intended for states that have never received a grant or those whose programs may have lapsed, and the state wishes to re-establish program activities. State Applicants for Option B (State Program Enhancement Grants): This opportunity is intended for states that have had at least one grant in the past and/or wish to continue building and expanding upon their programmatic activities to enhance and expand the availability of lifespan respite services. Grantees will collaborate with state respite organizations and coalitions to enhance and expand the availability of lifespan respite services. All programs must, from the outset, address the respite needs of all populations regardless of age, disability, or chronic condition of the care recipient population. Funded applicants will continue advancing respite goals that build collaborations and partnerships statewide, expand volunteer options, offer respite provider training, find and reduce service gaps and or duplication through outreach and engagement, and further meaningful caregiver-focused respite strategies and authorized services as outlined in the Act. ACL will fund approximately ten (10) cooperative agreements over the course of the 3-year project period. Awardees under this funding opportunity will work with ACL to implement the federal requirements under the Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006, Section 2904 of the Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act of 2020 and Section 2901 of the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025, signed into law in 2026.

In accordance with the Lifespan Respite Care Act, ELIGIBLE STATE AGENCY.–The term 'eligible Stateagency' means a State agency that–(A) administers the State's program under the OlderAmericans Act of 1965, administers the State's programunder title XIX of the Social Security Act, or is designatedby the Governor of such State to administer the State'sprograms under this title;(B) is an aging and disability resource center;(C) works in collaboration with a public or privatenonprofit statewide respite care coalition or organization;and(D) demonstrates–(i) an ability to work with other State and community-based agencies;(ii) an understanding of respite care and familycaregiver issues across all age groups, disabilities, andchronic conditions; and(iii) the capacity to ensure meaningful involvementof family members, family caregivers, and carerecipients. Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.

Competitive. Details for evaluating applications are published as part of the program announcement. Major emphases are: (1) Systems Advancement; (2) Partnership Development/Stakeholder Engagement; (3) Service Provision; (4) level of effort; (5) involvement of community-based organizations in planning and implementation activities; and (6) projects that benefit disadvantaged groups, including low-income, minority and limited English speaking populations.

Eligible State agencies must provide a non-Federal cash or in-kind contribution of not less than 25% of the total award.