The Alzheimer’s Association Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI) has released a request for applications (RFA) for 2026. The CDRI grant program is designed to support organizations and providers offering person-centered respite care providing relief to caregivers while ensuring meaningful engagement and safe support for those living with dementia.

CDRI is offering three grant opportunities through this RFA:

• Start-up awards: $50,000 per year for two years
• 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
• Allow existing community-based organizations and respite providers 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

Eligible organizations include local respite providers prepared to expand their existing programs with an innovative component or those prepared to launch a new respite program. This includes state and local governments, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, and higher education institutions. Organizations providing services to communities at higher risk for Alzheimer's or other dementia are encouraged to apply.

Organizations must be able to match 25% of the total project cost. In addition, eligible respite programs must not require caregivers to participate in supplemental programming as a condition of benefitting from funded respite services, nor can programs require caregivers to stay on-site with the person receiving care.

Letters of intent are due Monday, March 2, at 11:59 p.m. Organizations will be notified of LOI acceptance no later than Thursday, March 5. Applications are due Monday, March 30, at 11:59 p.m.