Lifespan Respite Care Program: State Grants

The Lifespan Respite Care Program: State Grants, offered through the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a federal initiative designed to improve and expand access to respite care for family caregivers across the lifespan. The program supports the development and enhancement of coordinated lifespan respite care systems that help family caregivers of children and adults with special needs, chronic conditions, or disabilities. The program is grounded in federal legislation—the Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006 and its subsequent reauthorization in 2020—which directs funds toward state-level improvements in the delivery and availability of respite services. This funding opportunity provides two distinct pathways for state applicants. Option A targets states that are either new to the program or are seeking to re-establish a previously discontinued core respite infrastructure. Option B is aimed at states that have received previous funding and now seek to build upon or expand their existing lifespan respite care services. For both options, applicants must demonstrate collaboration with public or private nonprofit statewide respite care coalitions or organizations and maintain an operational relationship with an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) or No Wrong Door System. Eligible applicants are limited to state government agencies that administer programs under the Older Americans Act or Medicaid, or those designated by the governor for this purpose. Funding under this forecasted opportunity is expected to total approximately $4.43 million, with awards ranging from a minimum of $300,000 to a maximum of $500,000. Around 10 awards are anticipated. A cost-sharing or matching component is required, although the specific ratio or percentage is not detailed in the forecast. The cooperative agreement mechanism implies substantial federal involvement in project execution. Funds are intended to support activities that enhance access to and availability of respite services, improve coordination of state respite systems, and implement innovative respite models. The ACL expects applicants to use these grants to strengthen the statewide coordination and delivery of respite services. This includes expanding service availability, improving provider capacity, and increasing public awareness and accessibility. States are also encouraged to use these funds to foster sustainable partnerships and infrastructure, including cross-agency coordination and effective data collection systems. Projects funded under this program should align with the broader federal goals of supporting caregivers and enabling individuals of all ages with special needs to remain in their communities. For further details, applicants may consult the program's page at https://acl.gov/grants/open-opportunities or contact the grant officer, Kari Benson, at 202-401-4634. A formal Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be posted at a later date. Applicants are advised to monitor the ACL website for updates and detailed application instructions.