Respite for All Caregiver Support Enhancement Grants:
A Request for Proposals
The Arthur N. Rupe Foundation invites established Respite for All programs to submit proposals for funding consideration. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to select RFA programs to create sustainable enhancements that support Alzheimer’s and dementia care partners beyond respite.
The Foundation is dedicated to funding innovative, cost-effective projects that will help sustain and relieve caregivers providing home care to an individual living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Projects that will extend support to a broader audience—such as local caregivers and community members who do not currently use RFA programs—are of particular interest.
Qualifying projects include, but are not limited to:
- Creation of a caregiver resource library or supply closet
- Initiation of a caregiver support group or memory café
- Educational opportunities or training for local caregivers
- Professional development or specialized training for RFA staff and volunteers
Items that are NOT eligible for support:
- General operating expenses or ongoing respite program support
- Respite program scholarships
- Indirect costs, administrative fees, or host organization overhead
To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted to the Foundation no later than Friday, July 31. Grants will be announced in August.
Background
The Dorothy Rupe Caregiver Program at the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation was inspired by our Founder’s experience caring for his late wife, who had Alzheimer’s. In 2000, the Foundation began funding the Dorothy Rupe Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide Program at Santa Barbara City College, and in 2012, broadened its support to CNA programs throughout the California Community College system. Mindful of the many challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, the Foundation later expanded its reach to assist unpaid or family caregivers, who provide most of the long-term care in the U.S. The Arthur N. Rupe Foundation has invested in the Respite for All Foundation since 2021.
Eligibility
Established programs within the Respite for All network are eligible to apply. Grants will be awarded to the program’s faith community, its own 501(c)(3) entity, or another qualified 501(c)(3) organization acting as its fiscal sponsor.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted online at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=rupe
First-time applicants will be required to create a new account prior to accessing the online application. If you receive a message that your organization is already registered in our system, please do not create a new account. Contact the Foundation for further assistance.
After logging on, click on “Apply,” then the link entitled “Respite for All Enhancement Grant” to begin a new application. A letter of inquiry is NOT required for this funding opportunity.
Applications must include the following:
- A brief overview of the community and population served
- A description of the RFA program, including year established and number of individuals served annually
- A detailed summary of the project to be funded, explaining how it will improve the RFA program, increase participation, and/or fill a community gap
- Names and brief biographies of the program director and other key participants, including staff, volunteers, or guest speakers
- An explanation of how the effort will be sustained beyond the grant period (required only if establishing a new program or service)
- A detailed line-item budget for the project
After submission, the Foundation may contact the program director with questions or a request for additional information.
Applications are due by Friday, July 31, 2026.
Please note: this is a firm deadline, and late applications will not be accepted.
Reporting Requirements
Recipients will be required to submit a final report on project outcomes at the conclusion of the grant period.
Contact
For questions or technical assistance, please contact Christine Northup, Senior Program Officer, at Christine@anrf.net.