CDRI Respite Start‑Up and Pilot Awards is sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

CDRI Grants | Alzheimer’s Association Applications for 2026 awards are now open. Funding and cost guidance Start-up awards: $100,000 total ($50,000 per year for two years) Start-up awards allow an organization or provider not already providing dementia-specific respite services to plan and launch a respite program and implement a small innovative program.

Pilot awards: Up to $125,000 Pilot awards allow an existing community-based organization and respite provider to enhance their program by adding innovative components to make an impact in multiple service delivery sites. Continuation awards provide the opportunity to enhance a program further or explore a related respite component after the successful completion of a start-up or pilot award.

Local respite providers and organizations prepared to expand their existing programs with an innovative component or those prepared to launch a new respite program. Organizations providing services to communities at higher risk for Alzheimer's or other dementia are encouraged to apply.

Domestic public or private for-profit or non-profit entities, including state and local governments, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, and higher education institutions. Other organization types will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Currently providing with the bandwidth to expand, or prepared to provide, dementia-related respite services.

Dedicate a staff member to lead the project, engaged in all required aspects of the initiative, including participation in all learning and support opportunities. Commitment to abiding by all terms and conditions set out in the program award. Ability to contribute the required match.

Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with relevant community stakeholders. Organizations must be able to demonstrate that there is a pre-existing need within the community for the proposed programs. Organizations must be able to demonstrate the ability to launch their proposed program and begin serving clients within two months of grant award.

Two-year start-up awards will be given six months to begin serving clients. For CDRI funded respite program purposes, a caregiver cannot be required to participate in additional organizational programming as a condition of benefiting from funded respite services.

Caregiver presence is not required Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person living with Alzheimer's or other related dementia continues to receive care and meaningful engagement in a safe environment. Therefore, caregivers can not be required to stay on-site with the person receiving care. This allows them the opportunity to use their respite time however they choose.

Partnerships and collaborations The CDRI encourages partnerships and collaborations. The lead submitting the application should be the provider, or one of the providers, of the respite program to ensure that CDRI is working directly with them through technical assistance and ongoing education and resource support offerings. Applications for 2026 awards are now open.

View the 2026 CDRI RFA (PDF). 2026 informational webinar This webinar will help applicants understand the key goals of the project; namely, developing innovative, cost-effective, tailored, and meaningful respite services.

Topics will include the grant requirements and criteria, with an emphasis on using local collaboration and innovation to address unmet needs such as convenience, cost and meaningful activities; the role of the technical assistant; required measurements and outcomes; the application structure and procedures; and overviews of budgeting and the required in-kind contributions. Applicants are required to complete a Letter of Intent (LOI).

The CDRI will use this information to confirm eligibility and to estimate the number of review committee members needed. Notice of LOI acceptance and eligibility to apply will be sent no later than March 5, 2026. The notice of LOI acceptance email will include a link to continue your application.

Complete a thorough work plan with timeline and deliverables using a standardized template. Complete a proposed budget and justification using a standardized template. Complete your application and submit on the application platform Submittable.

Begin the Application Process RFA Release Date: Feb. 2, 2026 Letter of Intent deadline: March 2, 2026 at 11:59 p. m.

ET LOI acceptance notification deadline: March 5, 2026 Application deadline: March 30, 2026 at 11:59 p. m. ET Award notification: May 15, 2026 Participation period: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 with the potential opportunity to apply for future continuation awards.

Funding and cost guidance Organizations may implement a small fee-for-service model to support sustainability. CDRI grant funding cannot be used for scholarships. Match requirements and indirect costs Match is the portion of project funding provided by the grantee rather than the funder.

Match must directly support the project and can be cash or in-kind. Cash match: Monetary contributions applied to the project budget In-kind match: Non-monetary contributions such as goods, services or volunteer time that directly benefit the project This ACL grant requires a specific percentage match that is 25% of the total project cost.

For example, if your total grant request is for $100,000 with a 25% match requirement, the grantee needs to contribute $33,333. The math to calculate match on total project cost is $100,000*. 25/.

75. In this example, the total project cost becomes $133,333. The formula is based on the total project amount: requested funding + the match requirement based on the formula.

Indirect costs are organization-wide expenses that support operations but are not directly tied to a single project. Examples include administrative salaries, utilities, rent and general office supplies. These may count toward match if applicable.

Keep clear records for all match contributions, including receipts for cash and reasonable documentation for in-kind goods, services or volunteer time.

Staff salaries and wages associated with respite services Costs related to hiring and training respite staff and volunteers Expenses for managing and coordinating respite services, such as office supplies and utilities Technology that enhances delivery of respite services, such as computers, communication tools, software or specialized equipment for dementia care Transportation services that help people living with dementia and their caregivers access respite care Program-specific materials and supplies, including items for engaging activities or educational sessions Marketing and communication to promote dementia-specific respite services in the community For more details about the CDRI and the grant application process, view our Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).