hhs-2026-acl-aoa-lrli-0053_v4.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Administration on Aging (AoA)

Office of Supportive and Caregiver Services

Lifespan Respite Care Program: State Grants Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACL-AOA-LRLI-0053

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Program description 10

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 20

Find the application package 21

Get registered 21

Step 3: Build Your Application 23

Application checklist 24

Application contents and format 26

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 40

Application review 41

Award notices 43

Step 5: Submit Your Application 44

Application submission and deadlines 45

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 47

Post-award requirements and administration 48

Contacts and Support 50

Before you begin 3

Endnotes 53

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 7

Program description 10

Basic information Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Administration on Aging (AoA)

Office of Supportive and Caregiver Services

Strengthening statewide Lifespan Respite Care systems to improve access to high-quality respite services for family caregivers across the lifespan.

Have questions?

See Contacts and

Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Lifespan Respite Care

Program: State Program

Grants

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACL-AOA-

LRLI-0053

Federal assistance listing:

93.072

Cost sharing: 25%

NOFO version: Original

Key dates

Application submission deadline:

July 22, 2026

[30 days from publication]

Expected award date:

September 30, 2026

[60 days from publication]

Expected project start date:

September 30, 2026

[60 days from publication]

Summary The Lifespan Respite Care Program advances ACL’s strategic priorities related to caregiving, connecting people to services, and promoting whole-person health, while also supporting the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda by helping family caregivers preserve independence and maintain community living through flexible respite care options and coordinated state and local supports.

Respite care is a cornerstone of family caregiver support, providing essential temporary relief that helps sustain caregivers in their roles and improves outcomes for both caregivers and care recipients. The Lifespan Respite Care Program is designed to develop and strengthen coordinated, statewide systems of accessible, community-based respite services for family caregivers of children and adults of all ages with disabilities, chronic conditions, or other special needs. Through this funding opportunity, ACL seeks to expand and improve respite care infrastructure at both the state and local levels, strengthen statewide coordination of caregiver supports, and build long-term care system capacity to address the comprehensive needs of care recipients and family caregivers.

There are two application options for States available under this Notice of Funding

Opportunity (NOFO):

• Option A (State): Grants to States that are New, Restarting or Re-establishing

Lifespan Respite Care Programs

This option is intended for states that have never received Lifespan Respite Care funding or for states seeking to restart or rebuild core respite infrastructure and statewide program activities. Funding will support the development of coordinated respite systems, statewide partnerships, caregiver supports, and community-based respite services.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

• Option B (State): State Program Enhancement Grants

This option is intended for states that have previously received Lifespan Respite Care

Program funding and seek to expand, enhance, and sustain existing respite program activities. Grantees will collaborate with state respite coalitions, aging and disability partners, and community organizations to strengthen statewide respite systems and improve service availability, coordination, and quality.

• Both Option A and Option B Grants

The grants are intended to improve statewide access to high-quality respite services and strengthen caregiving infrastructure through sustainable systems development and cross-sector collaboration. Proposed initiatives should support the recruitment, training, and retention of respite workers and volunteers; provide caregiver education and training opportunities; improve information sharing and caregiver access to respite and related supports; and enhance statewide coordination and service delivery.

Programs should:

• Identify and address gaps in respite availability.

• Improve access for unserved and underserved populations.

• Reduce duplication across systems.

• Ensure services remain responsive to the individualized needs of family caregivers across the lifespan.

Consistent with ACL and HHS priorities, applicants are encouraged to strengthen partnerships, expand community engagement, and implement strategies that improve program efficiency, increase respite access and coverage, enhance provider competency, and improve outcomes for caregivers and care recipients.

Funding details Type: Cooperative agreement

Expected total program funding over the performance period: $13,290,399

Expected total program funding per budget period: $4,430,133

Total expected awards: 10

Funding range per applicant per budget period: $235,000 to $500,000

We plan to fund awards in 12-month budget periods for a three-year period of performance from August 13, 2026 to August 12, 2029.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Eligibility Eligible applicants Only these types of organizations may apply:

• All States, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands of the United States, the

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

• Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible to apply.

• By statute, eligible applicants are those state agencies that:

◦ Administer the State’s program under the Older Americans Act of 1965.

◦ Administer the State’s program under Title XIX of the Social Security Act.

◦ Are designated by the Governor of such State to administer the State’s programs under this title.

Other eligibility criteria

• Only one application per state will be funded.

• Funds made available under this announcement shall be used to supplement and must not supplant other federal, state, and local funds available for respite care services.

• Grantees must work in collaboration with the state’s Aging and Disability Resource

Center (ADRC)/No Wrong Door System and the statewide respite coalition or respite organization. If you propose a conduit or pass-through funding for another agency to lead the project, you will not be considered for funding.

• Eligible state agencies funded under this announcement shall use grant funds solely for the purposes outlined in the Lifespan Respite Care Act.

• From the outset, all programs must address the respite needs of all populations regardless of the age, disability, or chronic condition of the care recipient population.

• There is no phase-in or preference for specific age groups, disability categories, or populations.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

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.

• Does not contain a MoU/MoA between the eligible state agency and the statewide respite coalition/organization.

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.

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.

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.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8

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 program is the Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006 (42 U.S.C

201), as amended.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9

Program description Overview The Lifespan Respite Care Program advances ACL’s strategic priorities related to caregiving, connecting people to services, and promoting whole-person health, while also supporting the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda by helping family caregivers preserve independence and maintain community living through flexible respite care options and coordinated state and local supports.

Respite care is a cornerstone of family caregiver support, providing essential temporary relief that helps sustain caregivers in their roles and improves outcomes for both caregivers and care recipients. Lifespan Respite Care program is designed to develop and strengthen coordinated, statewide systems of accessible, community-based respite services for family caregivers of children and adults of all ages with disabilities, chronic conditions, or other special needs. Through this funding opportunity, ACL seeks to expand and improve respite care infrastructure at both the state and local levels, strengthen statewide coordination of caregiver supports, and build long-term system capacity to address the comprehensive needs of care recipients and family caregivers.

It is ACL’s expectation that applicants use the relevant components of the National

Strategy to Support Family Caregivers [1] as a guide when developing their application.

Over the course of the three-year project, ACL seeks outcomes that strengthen respite care through:

• Expansion and enrichment: Increasing availability and reach of respite services.

• Coordination: Enhancing statewide collaboration and system integration.

• Streamlined access: Improving navigation and reducing barriers for caregivers.

• Gap identification: Assessing and filling service gaps, especially for unserved and underserved groups.

• Quality improvement: Enhancing standards, training, and evaluation across respite services.

Required use of funds

• Develop or enhance lifespan respite care at the State and local levels.

• Provide respite care services for family caregivers caring for children or adults.

• Train and recruit respite care workers and volunteers.

• Provide information to caregivers about available respite and support services.

• Assist caregivers in gaining access to such services.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10 https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy

Optional use of funds

• Training programs for caregivers.

• Other essential respite services (as approved).

• Training and education for new caregivers.

Additionally, you should fully describe the approaches you will use for advancing the

State Lifespan Respite Care Systems in each of the following five program priority areas:

• Direct service provision.

• Continued focus on systems development and/or enhancement.

• Strengthened collaborations and partnerships.

• Paid and volunteer respite provider/workforce training.

• Identification and reduction of gaps in current services.

Direct service provision

The Lifespan Respite Care Act stipulates the provision of five required and three optional services. Application narratives should clearly and completely describe the state agency’s plan for further developing and delivering each of the required and optional services in a way that considers the available evidence, emerging strategies, and promising practices in the field of respite.

For more information on emerging, model, or promising practices in the field of respite and family caregiver support, you should review information available on the Lifespan

Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Center[2] webpage.

Enhanced systems development

You should describe in detail your objectives for developing and/or advancing existing lifespan respite care services statewide, with a focus on the following areas:

• Capacity-building of respite care providers (both paid and unpaid).

• Leveraging resources across various funding streams and partners to sustain and expand available respite care services.

• Implementing key administrative functions (including logistical, information technology, communications, operational, and service coordination activities).

• Ongoing monitoring and quality assurance of respite care services.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 https://archrespite.org/ta-center-for-respite/ https://archrespite.org/ta-center-for-respite/

Strengthened collaborations and partnerships

Partnership, collaboration and stakeholder involvement are critical to creating a successful statewide Lifespan Respite Care Program. Whether these partnerships are facilitated by the state agency, the statewide respite coalition/organization, the state aging and disability resource center, collaborative efforts — having the broadest possible array of stakeholders involved — is essential.

Potential stakeholders include:

• State and local government entities that administer and deliver human services designed to meet the respite care needs of family caregivers.

• State and local chapters of organizations as well as entities representing individuals with special needs from across the chronic disease and disability spectrum, and for whom respite is an essential component of their ongoing support.

• Any other public, private, or nonprofit entities that provide respite care services or other support to caregivers focused on special or targeted populations, that may not be otherwise involved with the state’s existing respite care coalition. This includes healthcare systems, universities, colleges, senior centers, AAAs, ADRCs, and other areas for partnership to assist with your implementation and reach.

• Any additional federally funded, local, or state program that may provide support or resources that can be leveraged to further expand lifespan respite care services.

Paid and volunteer respite provider/workforce training

• You should describe the extent to which your proposed projects will work to expand or strengthen the respite care workforce, whether paid or volunteer, including recruitment, training (Example: National Respite Care Provider Training)[3], and oversight.

• You should describe how the quality and safety of any respite care services provided will be monitored, including methods to ensure that respite care workers and volunteers are appropriately screened.

◦ They should also possess the necessary skills to care for the needs of the care recipient in the absence of the family caregiver.

Identification and reduction of gaps in current services

• You are expected to demonstrate knowledge of your current system of respite services and provide details that inform how the current system of respite services forms the foundation for your statewide system of lifespan respite care services, including how such services are targeted and delivered.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 https://archrespite.org/library/national-respite-care-provider-training-and-replication-toolkit/

• Based on your description of the current statewide respite care system, you should then identify and explain known gaps in the provision of respite services and propose how those gaps in respite services will be addressed.

In addition to the program priority areas detailed above, you should clearly and concisely address the following in your application:

Memorandum of understanding/agreement

• A memorandum of understanding/agreement (MoU/A) regarding the joint responsibility for the development of the state’s lifespan respite program between the eligible State agency and the public or private nonprofit statewide respite coalition or organization must be in place at the time of application and submitted with the application. Applicants are encouraged to embed flexibility within the

MoU/A so that all parties to the agreement can modify scope, tasks, or partnerships as the need arises.

Program performance and outcomes measurement

• Performance measurement is an important part of creating a fully functioning

Lifespan Respite Care System. Your goals should identify relevant consumer-based, programmatic, and system-level outcomes the state would like to measure, as well as proposed approaches.

• You should choose and identify consumer-level outcome measures. You may consider the resources provided by the Lifespan Respite and Technical Resource

Center: “Measuring Systems Change and Consumer Outcomes: Recommendations for Developing Performance Metrics for State Lifespan Respite Programs” to assist in conceptualizing, developing, and implementing useful performance metrics, such as caregiver or system change outcomes.[4] Grantees are not required to use the specific methods or examples described in this guide and may serve as a reference resource. You should describe how you plan to count and record the experiences of the people being served in their Lifespan Respite Program.

Data collection and reporting

• Awardees will work with ACL to complete the data collection and reporting requirements. Respite Care Program applicants will use data collection tools developed for this program. All state grantees funded will be required to complete data collection and reporting. This effort is not intended to put any stress on the caregiver and should only assist the grantee further in identifying areas to target resources and serve more caregivers in a timely and responsible manner.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13 https://archrespite.org/library/measuring-systems-change-and-consumer-outcomes/ https://archrespite.org/library/measuring-systems-change-and-consumer-outcomes/

Sustainability

• Through this funding announcement, ACL expects to realize tangible, measurable, and sustainable advancements in state capacities to provide respite and related services (see proposed intervention section) to family caregivers across the age and disability spectrum.

• You will be evaluated, in part, on the extent to which you have a clear, feasible plan for the project’s sustainability beyond the period of Federal funding. You are encouraged to consider and propose a range of potential approaches for ensuring the sustainability of the project once Federal funding has ended. Tools and resources for the sustainability of Lifespan Respite Programs are available on the

Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Centers’ sustainability tools [5] webpages.

Product dissemination and sharing

• To enable other states to replicate programs and approaches you will be asked to submit to ACL and the ACL Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance Center key products that can serve as resource guides for future Lifespan Respite Care Program development, enhancement, and expansion. Copies of all final products will be submitted to ACL at the conclusion of the award.

Participation in technical assistance efforts

• You are expected to take part in technical assistance activities for the Lifespan

Respite Care Program. You will join regular conference calls, webinars, and one-on-one support sessions. These may be set up by you, the ACL Project Officer, or the

ACL-funded Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Center.

• State Project Directors are strongly encouraged to allocate sufficient budget resources to support travel and participation in national and local respite-related programming that aligns with and advances approved grant activities.

Sub-awards and subcontracts

• You may carry out your project directly or by subaward to, or contract with, public or private entities.

• Due to the nature of this program, the State project director must maintain an active role in managing and leading all aspects of the state’s lifespan respite project.

• If you propose conduit or pass-through funding for another agency to lead the project, you will not be considered for funding.

• You should clearly describe, if necessary, your processes for sub-awarding or subcontracting specific activities.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14 https://archrespite.org/ta-center-for-respite/sustainability-tools/ https://archrespite.org/ta-center-for-respite/sustainability-tools/

• For activities undertaken by partner organizations, whether through subawards or subcontracts, you should clearly describe how you will oversee all sub-activities to ensure continuity across the project.

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

• Collaborate with ACL in finalizing, executing, and modifying the work plan.

• Fulfill all the requirements of the grant initiative as outlined in this funding opportunity, and carry out project activities as reviewed, approved, and awarded.

• Communicate with the ACL project officer regularly to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this agreement.

• Meet with the ACL project officer at least semi-annually, or at such other times as agreed upon by either party, to improve the effectiveness of the activities carried out under this agreement.

• Submit the required semi-annual and final progress reports.

• Participate in technical assistance efforts as provided by the Lifespan Respite

Technical Assistance and Resource Center (TARC).

• Submit semi-annual reporting and data collection tools as required in Section 2904 of the Act, approved for use by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

• In accordance with the Stevens Amendment, all HHS grant and cooperative agreement recipients are required to acknowledge federal funding when publicly communicating projects or programs funded through HHS federal financial assistance.

• You must use the following language when issuing statements, press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations, and other ACL-supported publications and forums describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with ACL funding:

◦ “This [project/publication/program/website, etc.] [is/was] supported by the

Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $XX with

XX percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $XX amount and XX percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/

HHS, or the U.S. Government.”

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15

Our responsibilities

• Collaborate with you to finalize, execute, and modify the work plan.

• Perform the day-to-day federal responsibilities of managing grants, working with you to ensure that the minimum requirements of the grant are met.

• Manage the lifecycle of federal grants and projects, acting as the primary liaison between the government and recipients to ensure compliance, performance, and strategic alignment with agency goals.

• Review proposals, conduct site visits, monitor budgets, and provide technical guidance.

• Work with you to clarify the programmatic and budgetary issues addressed by the project, and as necessary, negotiate with you to achieve a solution to any needs identified by you or ACL.

• Assist you in understanding the policy concerns and/or priorities of ACL, the U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services, and the federal government by conducting periodic briefings, technical assistance, and carrying out ongoing consultations.

• Share information with you about other federally sponsored projects and activities that are relevant to you and your activities.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 16

Funding policies and limitations

Changes in HHS regulations

As of October 1, 2025, HHS has 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 17 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

Pre-award costs are allowed with prior approval from the awarding agency.

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 current negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a de minimis rate (see 2 CFR 200.414(f)). This rate is 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.

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).

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 18 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)) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.332

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 19 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 21

Get registered 21

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-LRLI-0053. 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 21 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 22 https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

Step 3:

Build Your Application

In this step

Application checklist 24

Application contents and format 26

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

Organizational chart None

Work plan None

Memorandum of agreement/understanding None

Step 3: Build Your Application 24

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 25

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

Application page limit: 20 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.

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.

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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

Option A (State): Grants to States that are New, Restarting or Re-establishing Lifespan Respite Care Programs

This option is intended for states that have never received Lifespan Respite Care funding or for states seeking to restart or rebuild core respite infrastructure and statewide program activities. Funding will support the development of coordinated respite systems, statewide partnerships, caregiver supports, and community-based respite services.

Option B (State): State Program Enhancement Grants

This option is intended for states that have previously received Lifespan Respite Care

Program funding and seek to expand, enhance, and sustain existing respite program activities. Grantees will collaborate with state respite coalitions, aging and disability partners, and community organizations to strengthen statewide respite systems and improve service availability, coordination, and quality.

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Criteria

Reviewers will evaluate the extent to which the applicant provides:

Problem statement (10 points maximum)

Options A and B

This section should describe, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, the nature and scope of lifespan respite care services currently available within the state, and or plans to increase these services, including increased availability of services because of previous funded award activities, new funding opportunities being explored, existing gaps, and unmet needs.

• You should also describe how you anticipate challenges related to scaling existing lifespan respite care services, as well as available partners and resources that will support scaling.

• Discuss the impact of existing lifespan respite care services on older adults and people with disabilities (including specific subgroups within those populations), their families, and caregivers.

• For purposes of this funding opportunity, you are required to include the following descriptive information as it pertains to the caregiving needs and current respite care infrastructure in your state:

◦ The population of family caregivers in the state, and the criteria used to identify family caregivers eligible for respite care services.

◦ The extent and nature of the respite care needs of that population.

◦ Existing respite care services for that population, including number of family caregivers being served and the extent of unmet demand or need.

◦ Existing methods to coordinate respite care information and services to the population at the State and local level, and barriers that impede increased access to lifespan respite care services.

◦ A description of respite care services available to family caregivers in the eligible State agency’s State or locality, including unmet needs and how the eligible State agency’s plan for use of funds will improve the coordination and distribution of respite care services for family caregivers.

Option A (State)

• Does the application document other efforts undertaken to further understand and describe the respite needs of family caregivers in the state?

• Does the application demonstrate capacity to develop and deliver respite care services for family caregivers?

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Option B (State)

• Does the application apply the knowledge and lessons learned under current or previous Lifespan Respite Care grant awards and document other efforts undertaken to further understand and describe the respite needs of family caregivers in the state?

• Provide information on the impact of the state’s previous efforts under the Lifespan

Respite Care Program and or in a new state, other efforts taken to plan the initiation of respite programs and systems to support caregivers of children and adults across the lifespan?

• Describe how the proposed project will build upon the accomplishments made in previous Lifespan Respite Care Program grants?

Goals and objectives (5 points maximum)

Options A and B

• Have you stated clear and meaningful goals and objectives for the proposed program as well as problems that relate to the proposed program?

◦ If Option A (State): Does the application tie current goals and objectives to their planned work if awarded a Lifespan Respite Care Program for the first time or returning to the program?

◦ If Option B (State): Does the application tie current goals and objectives clearly to your work based on best practices/learned lessons in your previous Lifespan

Respite Care Program awards?

• Are the goals and objectives reasonable and likely to be achieved?

• Do the proposed goals and objectives align with ACL strategic priorities by promoting:

◦ Unbiased access to respite care services?

◦ Inclusion and accessibility for underserved populations?

◦ Caregiver health, well-being, and self-determination?

◦ Coordinated home- and community-based supports across the lifespan?

Table: Scoring criteria

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

Project relevance and current need – Problem statement 10 points

Project relevance and current need – Goals and objectives 5 points

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Approach

Proposed intervention (10 points maximum)

Option A and B (State)

Does the application describe:

• Does the project consider barriers and opportunities that exist in the larger environment that may impact the project’s success, and intentions to identify and reduce gaps?

• Does the intervention optimize the use of potential partnerships with other organizations and/or consumer groups, as appropriate?

◦ If Option A (State): Do you describe the actions you will take to further develop your Lifespan Respite program into a Lifespan Respite Care System?

◦ If Option B (State): Does the application propose an approach for expanding the range of collaborations and partnerships to ensure the program is reaching the broadest population of eligible caregivers?

• Does the proposed program address from the outset the respite needs of all populations regardless of the age, disability, or chronic condition of the care recipient population?

• Are the goals and objectives reasonable and likely to be achieved?

• Do the proposed goals and objectives align with ACL strategic priorities by promoting:

◦ Unbiased access to respite care services?

◦ Inclusion and accessibility for underserved populations?

◦ Caregiver health, well-being, and self-determination?

◦ Coordinated home- and community-based supports across the lifespan?

• Does the application incorporate person-centered and consumer-directed approaches that meaningfully involve family caregivers and care recipients in program planning, implementation, and continuous improvement?

• Does the proposed project demonstrate strategies to reduce systemic barriers to respite access, including geographic, linguistic, cultural, disability-related, or financial barriers?

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Project management (10 points maximum)

This section should explain the applicant’s organizational structure, staffing, and expertise to manage the Center. The narrative should include:

• Delineation of the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants and partner organizations, and how they will contribute to achieving the project’s objectives and outcomes.

• Who would have day-to-day responsibility for key tasks such as leadership of project, monitoring the project’s on-going progress toward the goals stated in the funding opportunity announcement and for your specific intervention/activities, preparation of reports, communication 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.

Work plan (10 points maximum)

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.

Option A and B (State)

• Does the application include a work plan for each year of the project? Failure to include a work plan with the application will result in a score of zero for this section.

• Does the work plan include sensible and feasible timeframes to accomplish the tasks presented?

• Is the project work plan clear and comprehensive, covering all years of the proposed project (including start and end dates)?

• Does the work plan include specific goals, key objectives, and tasks that are linked to measurable outcomes?

• Are the roles and responsibilities of project staff, consultants, and partners clearly defined and linked to specific objectives and tasks?

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

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• Does the work plan include activities, milestones, or deliverables that support ACL priorities related to impartiality, accessibility, caregiver engagement, cross-sector coordination, and long-term systems improvement?

Table: Scoring criteria

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

Response – Proposed intervention 10 points

Response – Project management 10 points

Response – Work plan 10 points

Project impact

Special target populations and organizations (5 points maximum)

Option A and B (State)

• Does the application detail how the awardee, the State respite coalition/ organization, and the state’s aging and disability resource center/No Wrong Door system will work collaboratively to design, implement, and manage the Lifespan

Respite Care Program or System?

• Does the application describe how other state or local community-based organizations will be involved in a meaningful way in planning, implementing, and delivering respite care services?

• Do you demonstrate inclusion of the full range of age and disability populations in planning and implementing the Lifespan Respite Program?

• Does the proposed project target all eligible population groups, including underserved populations?

• Does the application describe the plan for administering, collaborating, and coordinating respite care activities in the state with other related programs and services?

• Does the application demonstrate meaningful collaboration with organizations serving underserved and historically marginalized populations, including disability organizations, Tribal organizations, rural providers, culturally specific organizations, and family caregiver-led groups?

• Does the proposed project strengthen integration across aging, disability, health, behavioral health, workforce, transportation, and community support systems to improve caregiver access to respite services?

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Outcomes (10 points maximum)

Option A and B (State)

• Are the expected project benefits and results clear, realistic, and consistent with the objectives and purpose of the project?

• Are the proposed outcomes quantifiable and measurable?

• Are the anticipated outcomes of the proposed project likely to be achieved, and will they significantly benefit both the populations affected by the intervention and the field as a whole?

• Do the proposed outcomes include measurable indicators related to:

◦ Improved caregiver well-being?

◦ Increased access to respite services?

◦ Reduced disparities among underserved populations?

◦ Enhanced community living supports?

◦ Stronger statewide respite infrastructure?

• Are outcomes designed to demonstrate meaningful impact on caregiver independence, social connectedness, quality of life, and access to coordinated supports?

Evaluation (5 points maximum)

Option A and B (State)

• Does the project evaluation reflect a thoughtful and well-designed approach to successfully measure whether the project has achieved its proposed outcomes?

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

• Is the evaluation also designed to capture lessons learned that can influence ongoing program and policy recommendations and be of use to others in the field,…