hhs-2026-acl-aoa-cgns-0032_rev1.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Administration on Aging

Office of Supportive and Caregiver Services

Advancing State Implementation of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACL-AOA-CGNS-0032

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 8

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 15

Find the application package 16

Get registered 16

Step 3: Build Your Application 18

Application checklist 19

Application contents and format 20

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 31

Application review 32

Award notices 34

Step 5: Submit Your Application 35

Application submission and deadlines 36

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 37

Post-award requirements and administration 38

Contacts and Support 40

Before you begin 3

Contents 2

Before you begin If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, secure your

SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations now. If you are already registered, make sure your registrations are active and up to date.

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks)

You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity

Identifier (UEI).

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days)

You must have an active Grants.gov registration. Doing so requires a Login.gov registration as well.

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Apply by the application due date

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were by pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Command

+ Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

Before you begin 3 https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1:

Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Program description 8

Basic information Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Administration on Aging

Office of Supportive and Caregiver Services

Advancing state implementation of the National Strategy to Support

Family Caregivers.

Have questions?

See Contacts and

Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Advancing State

Implementation of the

National Strategy to Support

Family Caregivers FY26

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACL-AOA-

CGNS-0032

Federal assistance listing:

93.052

Cost sharing: 25%

NOFO version: Original

Key dates

Application submission deadline:

July 22, 2026

(30 days after posting)

Expected award date:

September 30, 2026

(60 days after posting)

Expected project start date:

September 30, 2026

See intergovernmental review for other submission processes that may apply to this NOFO.

Summary ACL’s desired goal for this initiative is for states to successfully and sustainably develop, test, and scale models that implement commitments and recommended actions from the

2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers (the Strategy).

Funding details Type: Cooperative agreement

Expected total program funding over the performance period: $3,000,000

Expected total program funding per budget period: $3,000,000

Total expected awards: Up to 5

Funding range per applicant per budget period: Up to $490,000

We plan to fund awards in 24-month budget periods for a two-year period of performance from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2028.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Eligibility Eligible applicants Only these types of organizations may apply:

• State Units on Aging (SUA), i.e., those state agencies authorized to administer

Title III-E of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended.

Disqualifying factors We will review your application to make sure it meets these responsiveness requirements.

We won’t consider an application that:

• Is submitted after the deadline.

• Is from an individual, including a sole proprietorship, or a foreign entity.

• Is received in paper format that didn’t have a previously approved exemption from ACL.

Application limits If you submit the same application more than once under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), we will only acknowledge the last on-time submission.

Only one application per state will be accepted.

Cost sharing Under this ACL program, ACL will fund no more than 75% of the project’s total cost, which means the applicant must cover at least 25% of the project’s total cost with non-federal resources. In other words, for every three (3) dollars received in federal funding, the applicant must contribute at least one (1) dollar in non-federal resources toward the project’s total cost.

This “three-to-one” ratio is reflected in the following formula which you can use to calculate the minimum required match.

A common error applicants make is to match 25% of the Federal share, rather than 25% of the project’s total cost.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Types of cost sharing

You can meet your match requirement through any combination of:

• Cash contributed by your organization, partners, or other third parties.

• In-kind (non-cash) contributions from partners or other third parties.

Cost-sharing commitments

If awarded, you must provide the amount of cost-sharing funds you promised, even if you promised more than the required minimum. We put these commitments in the Notice of Award.

If you don’t provide your promised amount, we may decrease the amount of funding we give you or use other enforcement actions.

You’ll have to include your cost-sharing funds when you fill out your federal financial reports.

Post-award requirements

Before you apply, make sure you understand the requirements that come with an award.

See Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award for information on regulations that apply, reporting, and more.

Statutory authority The statutory authority for this notice of funding opportunity may be found in Sec. 373(i) of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

Program description Each year, more than 63 million family caregivers provide most of the support that makes it possible for older people and people with disabilities to live in the community (AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving, 2025). In addition, at least 2.7 million grandparents

– and an unknown number of other kin caregivers – carried the primary responsibility for caring for children whose parents were unable to do so (Annie E. Casey

Foundation, 2019).

As the population ages and people live longer, the need for support provided by a family member or friend will likely increase. Additionally, if the direct care workforce shortage crisis continues, greater responsibility for complex care tasks could ultimately fall to family members and other informal caregivers. All too often, family caregivers do not recognize themselves as such, or they lack sufficient knowledge about the tasks they are performing, or they lack the confidence to be sure they are performing tasks correctly.

Additionally, many caregivers simply lack the information necessary to request assistance.

Through this opportunity, ACL advances its strategic priority to support family caregivers by scaling statewide implementation of the National Strategy to Support Family

Caregivers. The Strategy envisions a “whole of society approach” for more effectively recognizing, assisting, including, supporting, and engaging family caregivers as essential partners in the support of those who wish to maintain their independence and autonomy.

Each application must demonstrate a focus on implementing at least three (3) of the five goals of the Strategy, as determined by the state’s needs and priorities, including:

• Goal 1: Increasing awareness of, and outreach to, family caregivers.

• Goal 2: Advancing partnerships and engagement with family caregivers.

• Goal 3: Strengthening services and supports for family caregivers.

• Goal 4: Ensuring financial and workplace security for family caregivers.

• Goal 5: Expanding data and the use of research and evidence-based practices to support family caregivers.

In determining which goals and activities to undertake, applicants should consider the information and ideas contained in the following documents that make up the Strategy:

• 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers - An overview and description of the strategy’s goals and intended outcomes. This component of the Strategy can help applicants formulate which goals to address and possible approaches to employ.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8

• Actions for States, Communities, and Others - More than 150 actions that states and numerous other sectors can take to better recognize and support family caregivers. Applicants are encouraged to use the ideas contained in this component of the Strategy to formulate their approaches and activities.

In addition to being a roadmap for many sectors to separately address the needs of family caregivers more effectively, the Strategy is also seen as a tool to foster coordination and collaboration among the many systems and programs that can support them. Successfully implementing the actions and recommendations contained in the

Strategy will require breaking down siloes that exist through close collaboration by multiple agencies in the state. In this regard, applications must demonstrate close collaboration among the following state agencies:

• Lead (e.g., prime grantee): State Unit on Aging.

• Required: State Developmental Disabilities Agency.

In addition to the required collaboration with the state developmental disabilities agency, each application must demonstrate collaboration with:

• At least one additional state agency (e.g., state Medicaid, public health, mental health, education, transportation, child welfare, labor, state universities, etc.) over the course of the project.

• Applicants are encouraged to think broadly about engagement with state agencies that have a high potential to reach, educate, and support caregivers currently served by the NFCSP or who will be eligible in the future.

• Where applicable, OAA Title VI tribes and tribal organization grantees.

Commitments by partner agencies may be reflected by way of memoranda of agreement/understanding (MOU/MOA) or letters of commitment included in the application. Such documents should include sufficient detail to clearly demonstrate the contributions each collaborating agency plans to bring to the initiative. These documents do not count towards the page limit of the narrative.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9

Cooperative agreement terms Cooperative agreements require substantial ACL project involvement after an award is made. There are specific roles for both you and ACL.

Your responsibilities

• Fulfill all requirements of the grant initiative as detailed in this program announcement.

• Immediately inform, and collaborate with, the ACL on any in-scope modification of the work plan.

• As appropriate, and in collaboration with the ACL program officer, successfully complete a post-award planning period of no more than six (6) weeks.

• Participate in (at least) monthly meetings with the ACL program officer, and/or the other grantees and partners to this initiative (more frequent meetings will be expected during the post-award project planning and alignment period).

• Provide drafts of all press releases and social media announcements prior to release.

• Provide preliminary and other working drafts of all products and deliverables to the

ACL program officer for review.

• Ensure that all materials and products are fully accessible and developed in accordance with 508 compliance standards.

• Prior to dissemination, provide final drafts of all products and deliverables to the

ACL program officer for accessibility and 508-compliance review and remediate any issues identified.

• Collaborate with ACL on the identification and selection of steering committee members, if established, and any subject matter experts/advisory consultants to the project.

• Evaluate the impact of overall project activities and ensure quality assurance systems are in place.

• Share information with ACL, national and local organizations, and other entities as appropriate.

• Report semi-annually on project accomplishments, challenges, and progress towards measurable objectives.

• Work with the ACL program officer to assess the performance results reported semiannually and jointly develop strategies to address those areas requiring improvement.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10

Our responsibilities

• Perform the day-to-day federal responsibilities of grants management while working with the grantee to ensure that the requirements for the grant are met.

• Assist the grantee project leadership and partners in understanding the policy concerns and/or priorities of ACL by conducting periodic briefings and by carrying out ongoing consultations.

• Work cooperatively with the grantee to clarify the programmatic and budgetary issues to be addressed by the project.

• Provide guidance to the grantee, as necessary, in making sub-awards (i.e., subgrants/contracts) as permitted in this funding opportunity announcement.

• Provide guidance to the grantee as needed on associated tasks related to the fulfillment of the goals and objectives of this grant.

• Review and provide technical advice to the grantee on all work products and other project deliverables and processes.

• Provide consultation to the grantee in identifying emerging issues as they relate to the goals and objectives of this grant program.

• Work with the grantee on the development and implementation of evaluation and quality assurance systems to ensure that performance is measured, and continuous improvement occurs.

• Attend and participate in major project events as appropriate.

Managing disagreements

• The grantee and ACL promote open communication to address concerns as they arise. Regular meetings will facilitate discussions on project progress and potential disagreements.

• In the event of disagreement, both parties will first seek informal resolution through direct discussions between designated points of contact. All disagreements and steps to resolve them will be documented to ensure transparency and clarity.

• Both parties will utilize feedback mechanisms, such as surveys, to assess cooperation and identify potential conflicts early. The grantee and ACL are committed to maintaining a positive working relationship, dedicated to the successful implementation of this agreement while addressing challenges with mutual respect.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11

Funding policies and limitations

Changes in HHS regulations

As of October 1, 2025, HHS adopted 2 CFR 200, with some exceptions included in

2 CFR 300. These regulations replace those in 45 CFR 75.

Policies

All activities proposed in your application and budget narrative must align with applicable law, including but not limited to statutes, executive orders, federal regulations, and applicable judicial holdings. Accordingly, discretionary awards shall not be used to fund, promote, encourage, subsidize, or facilitate: racial preferences or other forms of racial discrimination by the recipient, including activities where race or intentional proxies for race will be used as a selection criterion for employment or program participation; denial by the recipient of the sex binary in humans, or the belief that sex is a chosen or mutable characteristic; illegal immigration; or any other initiatives that compromise public safety.

If an application does not align, the application will not receive funding to the extent permitted by law and applicable court orders.

• We will only make awards if this program receives funding. If Congress appropriates funds for this purpose, we will move forward with the review and award process.

• Support beyond the first budget period will depend on:

◦ Appropriation of funds.

◦ Satisfactory progress in meeting your project’s objectives.

◦ A decision that continued funding is in the government’s best interest.

• If we receive more funding for this program, we will consider:

◦ Funding more applicants.

◦ Extending the period of performance.

◦ Awarding supplemental funding.

• You may not use funds from this NOFO for any diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI and DEIA) activities. This includes:

◦ DEI- or DEIA-related research.

◦ Activities that discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other protected traits.

• Under this NOFO, you can’t continue existing projects without expansion or new and innovative approaches.

• Meals are allowed only in limited circumstances linked to program activities, like during travel or when approved in advance by ACL. See Allowable Costs and

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300

Activities, Exhibit 4: Selected Items of Cost, Meals in the HHS Grants Policy

Statement.

• There are restrictions on certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment. See 2 CFR 200.216 to make sure this does not apply to any proposed equipment in your application.

Unallowable costs

• Construction or major rehabilitation of buildings.

• Basic research, such as scientific or medical experiments.

• For guidance on other types of costs that we restrict or do not allow, see General

Provisions for Selected Items of Costs of the Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR 200.420.

Program-specific limitations and policies

Meals are generally unallowable except for the following:

• For subjects and patients under study.

• Where specifically approved as part of the project or program activity, e.g. in programs providing children’s services.

• When an organization customarily provides meals to employees working beyond the normal workday, as part of a formal compensation agreement; as part of a per diem or subsistence allowance provided in conjunction with allowable travel.

• Under conference grant, when meals are necessary and integral part of a conference, provided that meals are not duplicated in participant’s per diem or subsistence allowances. (Note: conference grant means the sole purpose of the award is to hold a conference).

Indirect costs

Indirect costs are those shared across multiple projects and not easily separated.

To charge indirect costs you can select one of two methods:

Method 1 — Approved rate. If you currently have an indirect cost rate approved by your cognizant federal agency, you may use that rate.

Method 2 — De minimis rate. If you do not have a negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a de minimis rate (see 2 CFR 200.414(f)). This rate may be up to 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). See the definition of MTDC (2 CFR 200.1). You can use this rate indefinitely.

You may not charge costs included in your indirect cost pool as direct costs.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13 https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/grants-contracts/grants/grants-policies-regulations/index.html https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.216 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.414#p-200.414(f) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC))

Subawards

As the prime recipient, you must maintain a substantive role in the project. This means that you conduct funded activities and provide services necessary and integral to completing the project.

Monitoring your subrecipient’s activities alone as described in 2 CFR 200.332 is not a substantive role.

We do not fund awards where your role is primarily a conduit for passing funds to other organizations unless that arrangement is authorized by statute.

All subrecipients must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through the System for Award

Management (SAM.gov).

Subrecipients must meet the eligibility requirements of this NOFO.

Salary rate limitation

The salary rate limitation in the current appropriations act applies to this program. You may not use awarded funds to pay a salary at a higher rate than the rate for Executive

Level II.

For the Executive Level II salary, please see the Office of Personnel Management information on executive and senior level employee pay.

The salary limitation reflects a person’s base salary (including any portion of the salary that is paid with indirect costs). It does not include fringe benefits or any income the person is allowed to earn outside of the duties of the applicant organization.

This salary limitation also applies to subawards, contracts, and subcontracts under an ACL grant or cooperative agreement.

Program income

If you earn any money from your award-supported project activities (known as program income), you must use it for the purposes and under the conditions of the award. Find more about program income at 2 CFR 200.307.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.332 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.307

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Find the application package 16

Get registered 16

Find the application package The application package has all the forms you need to apply. You can search for it at

Grants.gov using opportunity number HHS-2026-ACL-AOA-CGNS-0032. Then select the

Package tab.

We recommend that you select the Subscribe button from the View Grant Opportunity page for this NOFO to get updates.

You can also find materials at Applying for Grants on ACL’s website.

If you can’t use Grants.gov to download application materials or have other technical difficulties, including issues with application submission, contact Grants.gov for assistance.

Get registered SAM.gov You must have an active account with SAM.gov to apply. SAM.gov registration can take several weeks. Begin that process today.

To register:

• Go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and select Get Started. From the same page, you can also select the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register.

• You must agree to the financial assistance general certifications and representations

[PDF] specifically. Those for contracts are different.

When you register, you will also receive your required Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Once you register:

• You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

• If your organization has multiple UEIs, use the one associated with your physical location.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 16 https://grants.gov/search-grants https://acl.gov/grants/applying-grants https://www.grants.gov/support https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf

Grants.gov You must also have an active account with Grants.gov. You can see step-by-step instructions at the Grants.gov Quick Start Guide for Applicants.

Need help? See Contacts and Support.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 17 https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

Step 3:

Build Your Application

In this step

Application checklist 19

Application contents and format 20

Application checklist Make sure that you have everything you need to apply. You will find the forms in

Grants.gov.

Narratives

Item Grants.gov form Page limit

Project narrative Use the Project Narrative Attachment form. 20 pages

Budget narrative Use the Budget Narrative Attachment form. None

Attachments Insert each in a single Other Attachments Form.

Item Page limit

Indirect cost agreement None

Commitment letters None

Proof of nonprofit status None

Resumes and job descriptions None

Other required forms Use each required form in Grants.gov.

Item Page limit

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) None

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) None

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B) None

Key Contacts form None

Grants.gov Lobbying form (Certification Regarding Lobbying) None

Project/Performance Site Location form None

Step 3: Build Your Application 19

Application contents and format This section includes guidance on each component found in the application checklist.

Application page limit: 30 pages.

Submit your information in English and express whole number budget figures using

U.S. dollars.

Required format Required format for project and budget narratives.

Font: Times New Roman or Arial

Format: PDF

Size: 11-point font

Footnotes and text in graphics may be 10-point.

Spacing for project narrative main content: Double-spaced

Spacing for budget narrative: As needed

Spacing for project summary, tables, footnotes: Single-spaced

Margins: 1-inch

Include page numbers.

Step 3: Build Your Application 20

Project narrative Page limit: 20

The project narrative is the most important part of the application. We use it as the primary basis to decide whether your project meets the statutory requirements and to review its merit. The project narrative should give a clear and concise description of your project.

Be sure to cite all your sources. Merit reviewers may lower your score if you do not.

Also study the merit review criteria under each section to make sure you answer all questions and cover all topics reviewers will look at.

Project summary

Provide a brief project summary of no more than 265 words. Write it for the general public. You will need to include:

• Goals: Broad overall purpose, like a mission statement that says what you want to do and where you want to be.

• Objectives: Narrow, specific, and clear steps toward the goals. These are the “hows” to achieve the goals.

• Overall approach: General overview of what you will do.

• Outcomes: These are the measurable results of a project. Include expected changes among those served, such as clients, systems, organizations, and communities.

These should tie directly to your goals and those of this funding.

• Products: The materials and other deliverables you expect to generate through the project.

• Duration: The anticipated start and end dates of the period of performance.

Project relevance and current need

Problem statement

This section should describe, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the nature and scope of the problem and the proposed intervention is designed to address. This section should also include how the project will potentially impact the target populations of family caregivers being addressed.

Step 3: Build Your Application 21

Goals and objectives

This section should consist of a description of the project’s goal(s) and major objectives.

The stated goal(s) and objectives(s) should tie directly to the priority area/option being addressed. Unless the project involves multiple, complex interventions, we recommend you have only one overall goal.

Table: Scoring criteria

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

Project relevance & current need

1. Does the application adequately and appropriately describe the key problem(s) and/or need(s) to be addressed?

2. Does the applicant clearly describe the need for caregiver navigator services?

3. Is the proposed project justified in terms of the most recent, relevant, and available information and knowledge?

4. Has the applicant identified and incorporated the relevant cross-cutting themes as outlined in the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers?

Goals and objectives

1. Does the overall project, as proposed, align with the goals and objectives desired by ACL?

2. Does the proposed project include objectives that directly related to the goals of the initiative?

10 points

Step 3: Build Your Application 22

Approach

Proposed intervention

This section should provide a clear and concise description of the intervention or approach(es) you are proposing to use to address the problem described in the “Problem

Statement”. You should also describe the rationale for using the intervention or approaches being proposed, including factors such as: “lessons learned” for similar projects or initiatives; factors in the larger environment that have created the “right conditions” for the intervention or approach (e.g., existing social or economic factors that you’ll be able to take advantage of, etc.). Also note any major barriers you anticipate encountering, and how your project will be able to overcome those barriers. Be sure to describe the role and makeup of any strategic partnerships you plan to involve in implementing the intervention, including other organizations, supporters, and/or consumer groups.

Project management

This section should include a clear delineation of the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants, subject matter experts, and partner organizations, and how they will contribute to achieving the project’s objectives and outcomes. It should specify who would have day-to-day responsibility for key tasks such as: leadership of project;

monitoring the project’s on-going progress, (i.e., measure of performance towards the goals stated in the funding opportunity announcement and for your specific intervention/activities) preparation of reports; communications with other partners and

ACL. It should also describe the approach that will be used to monitor and track progress on the project’s tasks and objectives, including the work of sub-contractors and/or sub-grantees.

Work plan

You must provide a work plan for your project. The work plan connects your period of performance outcomes, strategies and activities, and measures. It provides more detail on how you will measure outcomes and processes.

To create your work plan:

• Use the Project Work Plan Sample Template on our website.

• Include the project’s overall goal, expected outcomes, key objectives, and the major action steps needed to achieve them.

• For each major action step, include start and end dates and the lead responsible person.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 23 https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Facl.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fgrants%2Fwork%2520plan%2520template.doc&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

Table: Scoring criteria

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

Work plan

1. Does the application include a clear and comprehensive work plan for each year of the project years?

2. Does it include sensible and feasible timeframes for the accomplishment of tasks presented?

3. Does the work plan include specific objectives and tasks that are linked to measurable outcomes?

4. Are the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants, subject matter experts, and other partners clearly defined and linked to specific objectives and tasks?

Methods of addressing the problem(s)

1. Does the applicant propose to address at least three of the goals of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers in their project?

2. Based on the information provided by the applicant, is it likely the proposed approach will achieve specified goals?

3. Does the project account for known barriers and opportunities that exist in the larger state environment that may impact the project’s success?

4. Does the application address how the project will target individuals of greatest social and economic need?

Collaboration, partnerships and steering committee

1. Does the application describe the required partnerships between the state developmental disabilities agency and at least one other state agency and how they will be involved in the implementation, and execution of the proposed project?

2. Does the proposal appear to optimize the use of potential partnerships with key individuals, organizations and/or consumer groups, as appropriate?

3. Does the makeup and anticipated role of the project’s steering committee (if proposed) appear to be sufficient to guide the work of the project?

40 points

Project impact

Special target populations and organizations

This section should describe how you plan to involve organizations in a meaningful way in the planning and implementation of the proposed project. Because this initiative is funded under the authority of the Older Americans Act (OAA), this section should also describe how the proposed intervention will comprehensively meet OAA requirements of targeting populations in greatest economic and social need, including limited-English speaking populations.

Step 3: Build Your Application 24

Outcomes

This section of the project narrative must clearly identify the measurable outcome(s) that will result from the project. (NOTE: ACL will not fund any project that does not include measurable outcomes). This section should also describe how the project’s findings might benefit the field at large, (e.g., how the findings could help other organizations throughout the nation to address the same or similar problems.) List measurable outcomes in the optional work plan grid (“Project Work Plan – Sample Template”) under

“Measurable Outcomes” in addition to any discussion included in the narrative along with a description of how the project might benefit the field at large.

A “measurable outcome” is an observable end-result that describes how a particular intervention benefits the end user. It demonstrates a measurable change in functional status, mental well-being, knowledge, skill, attitude, awareness, or behavior. It can also describe a change in the degree to which consumers exercise choice over the types of services they receive, or whether they are satisfied with the way a service is delivered.

Additional examples include: a change in the responsiveness or cost-effectiveness of a service delivery system; a new model of support or care that can be replicated in the ACL network; new knowledge that can contribute to the field of community living; a measurable increase in community awareness; or a measurable increase in persons receiving services. A measurable outcome is not a measurable “output”, such as: the number of clients served; the number of training sessions held; or the number of service units provided.

You should keep the focus of this section on describing what outcome(s) will be produced by the project. You should use the Evaluation section noted below to describe how the outcome(s) will be measured and reported. Your application will be scored on the clarity and nature of your proposed outcomes, not on the number of outcomes cited. A successful project application may have just ONE outcome that it is trying to achieve through the intervention reflected in the project’s design.

Evaluation

This section should describe the specific outcomes (e.g., changes in programs, organizations, and/or communities) expected as a result of this funding as well as method(s), techniques and tools that will be used to: 1) determine whether the proposed intervention achieved its anticipated outcome(s), and 2) document the “lessons learned”, both positive and negative, from the project that will be useful to people interested in replicating the intervention, if it proves successful.

Step 3: Build Your Application 25

Dissemination

This section should describe the method that will be used to disseminate the project’s results and findings in a timely manner and in easily understandable formats, to parties who might be interested in using the results of the project to inform practice, service delivery, program development, and/or policymaking, including and especially those parties who would be interested in replicating the project. Projects funded under this announcement will be expected to work with one another and other technical assistance efforts to ensure dissemination of all activities, products, and information.

Table: Scoring criteria

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

Project outcomes

1. Are the project outcomes as proposed specific, measurable, and consistent with the objectives and purpose of the proposed project?

2. Are the anticipated outcomes of the proposed project likely to be achieved and will they significantly benefit the target audiences and the field as a whole?

Project evaluation

1. Does the application include an evaluation plan?

2. Does the project evaluation reflect a thoughtful and well-designed approach that will measure whether the project has achieved its proposed outcome(s)?

3. Does the plan include the qualitative and/or quantitative methods necessary to reliably measure outcomes?

4. Is the evaluation also designed to capture “lessons learned” from the overall effort that might be of use to others in the field?

Sustainability

1. Does the application include a clear and feasible plan for sustaining activities beyond the period of federal funding?

2. Is there a plan to use, where possible, other funding sources to expand and enhance the proposed activities?

Dissemination

1. Does the proposed dissemination plan consider the differing needs across the state?

2. Does the dissemination plan include multiple means for delivering information, resources and other materials associated with the project?

3. Does the proposed dissemination plan include an understanding of the requirement that disseminated information, regardless of the dissemination method, will be fully accessible, e.g., 508-compliant?

20 points

Step 3: Build Your Application 26

Capability and expertise

Organizational capability

Each application should include an organizational capability statement and vitae for key project personnel. The organizational capability statement should describe how the applicant agency (or division of a larger agency which will have responsibility for this project) is organized, the nature and scope of its work and/or the capabilities it possesses. It should also include the organization’s capability to sustain some or all project activities after federal financial assistance has ended.

Experience of the project team

This description should cover capabilities of the applicant agency not included in the program narrative, such as any current or previous relevant experience and/or the record of the project team in preparing cogent and useful reports, publications, and other products. If appropriate, include an organization chart showing the relationship of the project to the current organization.

Please attach short vitae for key project staff only. Neither vitas nor an organizational chart will count towards the narrative page limit. Also include information about any contractual organization(s) that will have a significant role(s) in implementing project and achieving project goals.

Table: Scoring criteria

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

Project staffing and qualifications

1. Do the proposed project director(s), key staff, consultants, and advisors to the project have the background, experience, and other qualifications required to carry out their designated roles?

2. Is the time commitment of the proposed director and other key project personnel sufficient to assure proper direction, management, and timely completion of the project?

Organization and management

1. Does the applicant demonstrate the capacity to lead the project on a statewide basis?

2. Does the application adequately describe the applicant’s ability and plan to partner with other entities as necessary to achieve the goals of the project?

3. Does the applicant demonstrate the experience, knowledge, and expertise in working with the audiences as identified in the funding opportunity, including federal, state, territorial, tribal and local community agencies, and relevant stakeholders on the range of issues outlined herein?

10 points

Step 3: Build Your Application 27

Budget narrative Page limit: None

The budget narrative supports the information you provide in Standard Form-424A.

It includes added detail and justifies the costs you ask for. As you think about your budget, consider:

• If the costs are reasonable and consistent with your project’s purpose and activities.

• The restrictions on spending funds. See funding policies and limitations.

When you develop your budget narrative:

• We encourage you to use the ACL Budget Narrative Sample Format [PDF]. This format shows the level of detail we are looking for in your application.

• Justify all the costs and show how you calculated them.

• You will need to create a budget narrative that shows all years combined along with separate, detailed budget narratives for each year.

• Are the resources requested consistent with the scope of the proposed project activities?

• Are budget line items clearly delineated and consistent with work plan objectives?

Reviewers will assess your budget (SF-424A) and your budget narrative to score this section.

Table: Scoring criteria for budget and budget narrative

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides: Point value

Budget narrative

1. Has a multiyear budget narrative covering the entire proposed project period and individual budgets for each project year, been included (if no budget narrative is included, this section will receive a score of “zero”)?

2. Is the budget justified with respect to the adequacy and reasonableness of resources requested and activities proposed?

3. Are the resources requested consistent with the scope of the proposed project activities?

4. Are budget line items clearly delineated and consistent with work plan objectives?

20 points

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 28 https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/grants/Budget%20Justification%20Sample%20Template%20%20Instructions.pdf

Attachments You will upload attachments in Grants.gov using the Other Attachments Form.

Indirect cost agreement

If you include indirect costs in your budget using an approved rate, include a copy of your current agreement approved by your cognizant agency for indirect costs. If you use the de minimis rate, you do not need to submit this attachment.

Commitment letters

Include letters from any organization that will have a significant role in carrying out your project. The letter should explain their role and their commitment to the project.

Commitments by partner agencies may be reflected by way of memoranda of agreement/understanding (MOU/MOA) or letters of commitment included in the applications. Such documents should include sufficient detail to clearly demonstrate the contributions each collaborating agency plans to bring to the initiative. Such documents

(e.g., MOU/MOA or letters of commitment) should reflect flexibility in terms and conditions to allow for modifications in approach and participation over the course of the project. These documents do not count towards the page limit of the narrative.

Proof of nonprofit status

If your organization is a nonprofit, you need to attach proof. We will accept any of the following:

• A copy of a current tax exemption certificate from the IRS.

• A letter from your state’s tax department, attorney general, or another state official saying that your group is a nonprofit and that none of your net earnings go to private shareholders or others.

• A certified copy of your certificate of incorporation. This document must show that your group is a nonprofit.

• Any of these documents for a parent organization. Also include a statement signed by an official of the parent group that your organization is a nonprofit affiliate.

Resumes and job descriptions

For key personnel, attach resumes for positions that are filled. For positions that aren’t filled, attach the job descriptions with qualifications.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 29 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XI/subchapter-A/part-1108/subpart-B/section-1108.85

Other required forms You will need to complete some other forms in Grants.gov. You can find them in the

NOFO application package or review them and their instructions at Grants.gov Forms.

Form Submission requirement

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) None

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) None

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B) None

Key Contacts form None

Grants.gov Lobbying form (Certification Regarding Lobbying) None

Project/Performance Site Location form None

Important: Public information

When filling out your SF-424 form, pay attention to Box 15: Descriptive Title of

Applicant’s Project.

We share what you put there with USAspending. This is where the public goes to learn how the federal government spends their money.

Instead of just a title, insert a short description of your project and what it will do.

See instructions and examples [PDF].

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 30 https://www.grants.gov/forms https://www.usaspending.gov/ https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-writing-award-descriptions.pdf

Step 4:

Learn About Review and Award

In this step

Application review 32

Award notices 34

Application review Initial review We will review your application to make sure that it meets the responsiveness requirements listed in the disqualifying factors section. If your application does not meet these criteria, we will disqualify it and we will not move it to the merit review

(scoring) phase.

We will not review any pages over the page limit.

Scoring process A panel reviews all applications that pass the initial review. The members use the merit review scoring criteria in the project narrative and budget narrative sections of this

NOFO. You can find the specific criteria in each section of the project narrative and in the budget narrative section.

Criteria summary

Heading Points

Project relevance and current need 10 points

Approach 40 points

Project Impact 20 points

Capability and expertise 10 points

Budget 20 points

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 32

Risk review Before making an award, we review the risk that you will mismanage federal funds or fail to complete the project objectives. We need to make sure you’ve handled any past federal awards well and demonstrated sound business practices.

We use SAM.gov Responsibility/Qualification to check this history for all awards likely to be over $250,000. We also check Exclusions.

If we find a significant risk, we may choose not to fund your application or to place specific conditions on the award.

You can see more details about risk review at 2 CFR 200.206.

Selection process When making funding decisions, we consider:

• Merit review results. These are key in making decisions but are not the only factor.

• The larger portfolio of agency-funded projects, including project type and geographic distribution.

• The past performance of the applicant. We may choose not to fund applicants with management or financial problems.

• Reasonableness of proposed costs to the expected results and the likelihood you will achieve those results.

• Available funding.

We may:

• Fund applications in whole or in part.

• Fund applications at a lower amount than requested.

• Decide not to allow a prime recipient to subaward if they may not be able to monitor and manage subrecipients properly.

• Choose to fund no applications under this funding opportunity.

The ACL administrator makes all final award decisions.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 33 https://sam.gov/entity-information https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206

Funding preferences for alignment with agency priorities

Before we make final funding decisions, ACL leadership will review all potential awards.

They will check for:

• Adherence to applicable laws.

• Alignment to agency priorities (see Administration for Community Living’s (ACL)

Mission, Vision & Strategic Priorities).

To the extent allowed by law and court orders, we will give a funding preference to applications that align with agency priorities.

Merit review criteria also include factors related to ACL’s priorities.

Award notices If your application is successful, we will email a Notice of Award (NoA) to your authorized official. We will email you or write you a letter if your application is disqualified or unsuccessful.

The NoA is the only official award document. The NoA tells you the amount of the award, important dates, and the terms and conditions you need to follow. Until you receive the

NoA, you don’t have permission to start work.

See an example NoA on our website [PDF].

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 34 https://acl.gov/about-acl https://acl.gov/about-acl https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/grants/NOA%20Template.pdf

Step 5:

Submit Your Application

In this step

Application submission and deadlines 36

Application submission and deadlines See find the application package and the application checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

Make sure you are current with SAM.gov and UEI requirements. See get registered. You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

Application

Deadline

Due on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. (30 days after posting.)

Grants.gov creates a date and time record when it receives the application. If you submit the same application more than once, we will accept the last on-time submission.

The grants management officer may extend an application due date based on emergency situations such as documented natural disasters or a verifiable widespread disruption of electric or mail service.

Submission method

You must submit your application through Grants.gov. See get registered.

For instructions on how to submit in Grants.gov, see the Quick Start Guide for Applicants.

Make sure your…