Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) - State Programs for Dementia Specific Respite

The State and Territory Programs for Dementia Specific Respite is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program is part of the Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative and is designed to strengthen caregiver support systems nationwide by expanding access to dementia-specific respite services. The initiative aligns with federal priorities to support unpaid family caregivers and improve quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The program builds on the foundation of the Older Americans Act, specifically Title IIIE, which supports caregiver services across state and local aging networks. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide relief to unpaid caregivers of individuals living with dementia by increasing access to respite services, improving caregiver well-being, and enhancing outcomes for care recipients. The program emphasizes the expansion of dementia-capable systems that enable individuals with dementia to remain in their communities while reducing caregiver burden. Applicants are expected to address service gaps, particularly in underserved, rural, and high-need populations, and to implement scalable and sustainable models of dementia-specific respite care. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, with a total program funding amount exceeding fifty million dollars distributed across approximately thirty awards. Individual award amounts are determined by population-based tiers, with funding ceilings ranging from three hundred thousand dollars to two million dollars per year. The period of performance is thirty-six months, structured into three twelve-month budget periods. Funds must be used to expand or enhance existing respite systems rather than replace current services, and allowable activities include workforce training, service coordination, caregiver support, and development of flexible respite delivery models such as in-home or emergency respite. A cost sharing requirement applies to this program, requiring recipients to contribute twenty-five percent of total project costs through cash or in-kind contributions. Eligible applicants are limited to designated State or Territorial Units on Aging responsible for administering Title IIIE of the Older Americans Act. Applications must demonstrate alignment with statutory requirements and include a detailed project narrative, budget narrative, work plan, and evaluation plan. The submission process requires registration with federal systems including SAM.gov and Grants.gov, and all applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process that includes an initial screening followed by merit-based scoring. Review criteria assess the applicant’s understanding of need, proposed approach, project impact, organizational capability, and budget justification. Strong emphasis is placed on measurable outcomes, third-party evaluation, and sustainability planning. Applicants must propose both a planning phase and an implementation phase, with limited funding available during the initial planning period to refine project strategies and evaluation methods. Key dates for this opportunity include an application deadline of August 3, 2026, with awards expected by September 30, 2026. An informational conference call is scheduled for July 8, 2026 to provide guidance to prospective applicants. The project start date aligns with the award date, and recipients are expected to comply with ongoing reporting, evaluation, and federal oversight requirements throughout the grant period. Program contacts are available for questions related to eligibility, budget, and application procedures, ensuring applicants have access to necessary support during the submission process.

Ensure strong measurable outcomes and include a robust third party evaluation plan aligned with dementia specific respite expansion goals