The Alzheimer’s Association Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI) funds new respite care innovation projects across the country. Over the course of five years, the CDRI will award $20 million in competitive grants to local respite care providers to improve and increase the delivery of person-centered dementia care with a focus on innovation, collaboration, outcomes, accessibility, affordability and sustainability. 

About the CDRI

The Administration for Community Living, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awarded the Alzheimer’s Association a $25 million grant to enhance respite services for people living with dementia and their caregivers nationwide. This grant — the largest ever made to the Association — established the CDRI. 

The CDRI will award approximately $20 million total (contingent on the availability of federal funds) in competitive grants to local respite care providers with a target of at least 50% awarded to underserved communities. In addition to the grant funding, the CDRI will support grant recipients through online training and technical assistance so respite services are delivered by staff who are knowledgeable (dementia-capable). The CDRI will collect data and study the outcomes of these projects to inform public policy. 

What is respite care?

Respite care allows caregivers the chance to take care of errands while knowing their loved one with dementia is with a caring individual. Respite care allows the person living with dementia to spend time with others with the same challenges, in a supportive environment.

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The CDRI is led by: 
 
  • Sam Fazio, Ph.D., senior director of psychosocial research & quality care, Alzheimer’s Association 
  • Joseph Gaugler, Ph.D., professor and director of the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota
  • Sandy Markwood, CEO, USAging
Alzheimer's Association CDRI staff lead:
 
  • Isabella Marini, associate director of Center for Dementia Respite Innovation
Additional Alzheimer's Association support staff: 
 
  • Lauren Stratton, Ph.D., senior associate director of psychosocial research and program evaluation
  • Lorna Prophater, M.S., director of psychosocial research and fund management

What types of opportunities are available

  • Start-up awards provide the opportunity for an organization or provider not already providing respite services to get involved in respite and implement a small innovative program.
  • Pilot awards provide the opportunity for an organization or provider already providing respite to enhance a program or add innovation to an existing/new program.
  • 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.

Who is eligible for a CDRI grant

Local organizations or providers interested in providing dementia-related respite services to underserved communities are encouraged to apply. This may include domestic public or private for-profit or non-profit entities, such as state and local governments, Indian tribal governments and organizations, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals and higher education institutions.
 

CDRI grant application details  

  • RFA Release Date: March 1, 2024 

    Apply Now

    Learn more about the CDRI grant program's objectives, eligibility, submission and review process in the RFA.

    View Grant
  • Optional Letter of Intent Due Date: March 21, 2024, 11:59 p.m. ET 
  • Application Due Date: June 1, 2024, 11:59 p.m. ET 
  • Award Notification Date: July 1, 2024 
  • Participation Period: August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025, with the opportunity to reapply for a continuation award for an additional year of funding.
  • Requirements: Awarded providers or organizations must contribute a match of 25%, including 2.5% in indirect costs. These costs can include time and effort, volunteer hours, supplies and materials.

CDRI Information and Support Webinar

Learn about the key goals of the CDRI project, such as how to develop innovative and cost-effective respite services. Topics also include CDRI grant application requirements and criteria.

Watch Now

For more information

To learn more about the CDRI and grant application process, view our Frequently Asked Questions. Email any additional questions to cdri@alz.org.

Funding disclosure

This project is 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 $32,962,453 with 75 percent funded by ACL/HHS and $8,333,333 amount with 25 percent 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.

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