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

The Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) - State Programs for Dementia Specific Respite is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Community Living (ACL). This program is part of a broader federal effort to address the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) across the United States. ACL, particularly through its Administration on Aging, focuses on supporting older adults, caregivers, and community-based service systems. This initiative aligns with national priorities to enhance long-term services and supports, reduce caregiver burden, and improve quality of life for individuals living with dementia. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to expand and strengthen dementia-specific respite services for unpaid family caregivers. These services are designed to provide temporary relief to caregivers who support individuals with a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. By increasing access to respite care, the program aims to reduce caregiver stress, improve caregiver well-being, and delay or prevent institutionalization of individuals with dementia. The initiative emphasizes integration within the National Aging Services Network, including State Units on Aging (SUAs), Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), and other community-based providers. Funding under this opportunity is distributed through cooperative agreements, with awards made directly to State Units on Aging. These state entities are responsible for administering the funds and coordinating implementation at the local level by partnering with Area Agencies on Aging. The program requires that funded activities focus specifically on dementia-related respite services that are comparable to or expand upon those authorized under the Older Americans Act. Allowable uses of funds include service delivery, program coordination, and evaluation activities, while maintaining alignment with federal guidelines and program objectives. Eligible participants for services include unpaid family caregivers of individuals diagnosed with ADRD, as well as individuals under age 60 with younger-onset dementia who meet eligibility criteria similar to those under Older Americans Act programs. Each participating state is expected to define the operational framework of its respite program, including eligibility criteria, service delivery mechanisms, and coordination strategies. Additionally, successful applicants must incorporate an independent third-party evaluation component to assess program outcomes and document impacts on caregivers and care recipients. The application process is expected to follow standard federal grant submission procedures through Grants.gov once the opportunity is officially posted. While specific application components are not fully detailed in the forecast notice, applicants should anticipate requirements such as program narratives, implementation plans, evaluation strategies, and budget justifications. Evaluation of applications will likely consider alignment with program goals, feasibility of implementation, strength of partnerships with AAAs, and the robustness of evaluation methodologies. The timeline for this opportunity indicates an estimated posting date in mid-May 2026, with applications due by mid-July 2026. Awards are anticipated by the end of August 2026, with project activities expected to begin in early September 2026. The program is forecasted as a one-time opportunity for the fiscal year, though it is part of an ongoing federal initiative that may have recurring funding cycles. Applicants are encouraged to monitor official ACL and Grants.gov communications for updates and detailed guidance upon release of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity. For additional information or inquiries, applicants may contact the Administration for Community Living through the provided program contact. The contact includes a named representative and general program email and phone number, which serve as primary communication channels for questions regarding eligibility, application requirements, and program expectations. This opportunity represents a significant federal investment in caregiver support infrastructure and reflects ongoing national commitment to addressing the challenges associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Ensure strong coordination with AAAs and include a robust independent evaluation component demonstrating measurable caregiver and patient outcomes