Lifespan Respite Care Program: State Grants

The Lifespan Respite Care Program: State Grants is administered by the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Administration on Aging and its Office of Supportive and Caregiver Services. This federal initiative is authorized under the Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006 and is designed to strengthen statewide systems that support family caregivers. The program aligns with federal priorities related to caregiving, community living, and whole person health by improving access to coordinated respite care services for individuals caring for people of all ages with disabilities, chronic conditions, or special needs. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to develop, expand, or enhance statewide respite care systems that provide temporary relief for family caregivers. The program emphasizes building coordinated, community based infrastructure that improves service availability, strengthens partnerships, and enhances system level capacity. Applicants may apply under two tracks: one for states that are new or re establishing respite systems, and another for states seeking to enhance existing programs. Across both tracks, the program prioritizes expanding access, improving service quality, reducing duplication, and addressing gaps in underserved populations. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements with substantial federal involvement. The total expected program funding is over thirteen million dollars across a three year performance period, with individual awards ranging from two hundred thirty five thousand to five hundred thousand dollars per year. Funds must be used for allowable activities such as developing statewide systems, delivering respite services, training caregivers and providers, and improving access to information and coordination. Certain costs are prohibited, including construction and basic research. A mandatory cost sharing requirement applies, requiring recipients to contribute at least twenty five percent of total project costs through cash or in kind contributions. Eligibility is limited to state level entities, including state agencies administering programs under the Older Americans Act or Medicaid, or those designated by a governor. Only one application per state is permitted. Applicants must demonstrate collaboration with statewide respite coalitions and Aging and Disability Resource Centers, and must include a memorandum of agreement formalizing this partnership. Programs must serve all eligible populations regardless of age or condition and must not replace existing funding sources. Applications that fail to meet eligibility criteria, submission requirements, or documentation standards will be disqualified. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes a project narrative, budget narrative, and multiple required forms and attachments. The project narrative must address program need, goals, approach, management, and evaluation, while adhering to a twenty page limit. Supporting documents include work plans, organizational materials, and formal agreements. Applications are evaluated through a merit review process based on criteria such as project relevance, approach, impact, and organizational capacity. Risk assessment and alignment with agency priorities also influence final funding decisions. Key dates include an application deadline of July 22, 2026, with awards expected by September 30, 2026, which also marks the anticipated project start date. The performance period extends for three years. Applicants must maintain active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. Program contacts include designated staff for eligibility, financial questions, and application support, with contact information provided for both phone and email inquiries.

Ensure strong statewide partnerships and clearly demonstrate measurable caregiver outcomes and system improvements aligned with ACL priorities