Lifespan Respite Care Program: Grants to New States and States Re-Establishing Their Core Respite Infrastructures

The Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has forecasted a new funding opportunity under the Lifespan Respite Care Program. This initiative is authorized by Title XXIX of the Public Health Service Act and the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2020. The program is designed to provide coordinated systems of accessible, community-based respite care services for family caregivers of individuals across the lifespan, including children and adults of all ages, with disabilities or chronic conditions. The program supplements rather than replaces existing funding streams for respite care. The grant opportunity is specifically targeted to state governments that either have never before received funding under the Lifespan Respite Care Program or have had a previous grant but allowed their respite care infrastructure to lapse or go dormant. Eligible agencies must be those that administer programs under the Older Americans Act or Medicaid, or those designated by a state governor to carry out this role. These agencies are expected to collaborate with Aging and Disability Resource Centers or No Wrong Door Systems and statewide nonprofit respite coalitions or organizations. Foreign entities are not eligible to apply for or receive funding under this program. The funding scope of the program covers the establishment or re-establishment of coordinated lifespan respite systems. States that receive awards must design programs that address respite needs of all populations regardless of age, disability, or chronic condition. Funds may be used to expand access to new and emergency respite services, recruit and train workers and volunteers, support families in navigating and accessing respite care, and deliver authorized services as specified under the enabling legislation. By the second and third years of the grant, awardees are expected not only to continue building state infrastructure but also to provide direct respite services. The Administration for Community Living anticipates funding four cooperative agreements for a three-year project period. The total expected program funding is $1,637,262, with individual awards ranging from $300,000 to $400,000. A cost-sharing or matching component is required, though the announcement does not specify the percentage or amount, leaving this for verification during the full announcement stage. Grantees will also be required to comply with reporting and data collection requirements set forth in Section 2904 of the Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act of 2020. The timeline for this forecasted opportunity begins with an estimated post date of March 1, 2026. Applications will be due by May 31, 2026, with anticipated awards issued by September 1, 2026, and projects beginning on that same date. The forecasted nature of this opportunity means that while details are subject to confirmation in the official funding announcement, potential applicants can begin early preparations. The program is recurring, with a cycle that reflects its authorization under federal law, though no specific recurring frequency has been stated. Interested state agencies may seek further information through the Administration for Community Living’s website at https://acl.gov/grants/open-opportunities. The identified program contact is Emily Anozie, who can be reached by phone at 202-795-7347. No email address is provided at this stage of the forecast. This forecast offers states the opportunity to strengthen or rebuild their respite care systems to better support family caregivers across the country, ensuring a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to caregiving support.