Advancing State Implementation of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers

The Administration for Community Living (ACL), through its Administration on Aging (AoA), has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Advancing State Implementation of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers" under opportunity number HHS-2025-ACL-AOA-CGNS-0016. This funding initiative supports demonstration grants under Section 373(i) of the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965, as amended, and reflects the federal government’s commitment to improving supports for family caregivers. The primary aim of this opportunity is to fund state-level projects that implement the goals and recommended actions in the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. The funding supports the development, testing, and scaling of caregiving models aligned with at least three of the five core goals of the Strategy: increasing caregiver awareness and outreach, advancing caregiver engagement, strengthening caregiver supports and services, promoting caregiver financial and workplace security, and expanding evidence-based practices through data and research. Up to four cooperative agreements will be awarded to State Units on Aging (SUAs), each receiving between $450,000 and $490,000 for a fully funded 24-month project period. Applicants must be SUAs as defined by the OAA, and only one application per state will be accepted. Each application must demonstrate collaboration with the state’s developmental disabilities agency and at least one additional state agency, such as those in Medicaid, public health, education, or transportation. Applications must also include letters of commitment or MOUs from these partner agencies, highlighting planned contributions and allowing flexibility throughout the project. A Letter of Intent is requested by July 2, 2025, and full applications are due by July 16, 2025. An informational call for prospective applicants is scheduled for July 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov and must comply with strict formatting and submission criteria, including a 30-page maximum for the project narrative. Evaluation criteria focus on project relevance, approach, budget, impact, and organizational capacity. ACL anticipates significant involvement in funded projects. Grantees must participate in monthly meetings, comply with Section 508 accessibility requirements, and submit semi-annual performance reports. A planning and alignment period of up to six weeks post-award is encouraged to finalize work plans and partnerships. Award notifications are expected by September 1, 2025. Key contacts for this opportunity include Kari Benson (AOA.OAA@acl.hhs.gov, 202-401-4634) at the Administration on Aging, who serves as the primary project officer. Matching funds are required; applicants must provide at least 25% of the total project cost through non-federal resources. Technical assistance will be available through ACL-affiliated resource centers and national partners such as NASHP and Generations United.

Applicants are encouraged to include a planning period post-award and consider advisory committees. Projects must align directly with the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.