Lifespan Respite National Technical Assistance and Resource Center

The Lifespan Respite Care Program Technical Assistance and Resource Center opportunity is offered by the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Administration on Aging. This federal initiative is grounded in the Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006 and is designed to strengthen national caregiving systems by improving access to respite care services and supporting the infrastructure that serves caregivers across the lifespan. The program reflects broader federal priorities focused on whole person health, independence for older adults and individuals with disabilities, and enhanced coordination of health and social services systems. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish and operate a national Technical Assistance and Resource Center that will provide training, technical assistance, and capacity building support to state Lifespan Respite Care Program grantees and related partners. The selected recipient will play a central role in maintaining a national database on respite care, disseminating information and educational resources, and supporting collaboration across agencies and organizations. A key expectation is to strengthen caregiver support systems and expand access to high quality respite services while also contributing to emergency preparedness efforts through partnerships such as those with the Medical Reserve Corps. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial federal involvement throughout the project lifecycle. The total expected funding is 1260000 dollars distributed over a three year period, with approximately 420000 dollars available per year. Applicants may request between 350000 and 420000 dollars annually. The project period is expected to begin on September 30, 2026 and continue through September 29, 2029. A mandatory cost sharing requirement applies, requiring recipients to contribute at least 25 percent of the total project cost using non federal resources, which may include both cash and in kind contributions. Eligible applicants include domestic public and private nonprofit entities such as state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, institutions of higher education, hospitals, faith based organizations, and community based organizations. Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to operate at a national level and collaborate closely with existing state respite grantees. The program explicitly requires that the funded entity maintain a substantive role in project implementation and prohibits pass through arrangements where the applicant primarily serves as a conduit for funds. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov by July 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants must complete standard federal forms such as SF 424, SF 424A, and SF 424B, along with a detailed project narrative limited to 20 pages, a budget narrative, and supporting attachments including work plans, resumes, and letters of commitment. Registration with SAM.gov and Grants.gov is required prior to submission. The project narrative must clearly describe the proposed intervention, goals, outcomes, partnerships, and evaluation approach, while aligning with ACL strategic priorities. Applications will undergo a two stage review process consisting of an initial responsiveness screening followed by a merit review. Evaluation criteria include project relevance and need, proposed approach, anticipated impact, and organizational capacity, with a total of 100 possible points. Reviewers will assess the clarity of goals, feasibility of the approach, strength of partnerships, and the applicant’s experience in delivering technical assistance at a national scale. Budget justification and alignment with project goals are also critical components of the evaluation. Award decisions are expected by September 30, 2026, with the same date serving as the anticipated project start. Following award, recipients must comply with federal regulations including 2 CFR 200, submit semi annual and final progress reports, and maintain ongoing communication with ACL program officers. The cooperative agreement structure requires active collaboration with the federal agency throughout the project. For additional information, applicants may contact program staff via AoA.OAA@acl.hhs.gov or by phone, as listed in the official notice of funding opportunity.

Align proposal with ACL caregiving priorities; demonstrate measurable outcomes and national impact; provide strong partnerships and technical assistance experience; ensure budget justification is clear and compliant