GRANT: AGE Family Caregiver Innovation Grant Program

Background
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE), is initiating the AGE Family Caregiver Innovation Grant Program to support over 780,000 unpaid family caregivers who provide essential care to older adults and individuals with disabilities. This program aims to address the emotional, physical, and financial challenges faced by these caregivers, which have significant implications for their economic security and overall well-being.

The initiative is part of a broader effort following a Notice of Funding Opportunity from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which allocated $490,000 in grant funding to Massachusetts to implement strategies that support family caregivers.

Work Details
The AGE Family Caregiver Innovation Grant Program seeks proposals from Family Caregiver Support Programs and Cross-Sector Partners to fund innovative solutions that enhance the economic security of unpaid family caregivers. The program focuses on building partnerships with nontraditional entities such as businesses, healthcare organizations, and academic institutions.

Proposed programs must address at least one of the following categories:
1) Workplace Policies - Implement policies supporting working caregivers;
2) Technology - Develop or leverage technology for caregiver support;
3) Optimization of Existing Programming - Enhance existing programs for better efficiency and impact;
4) Upstream Prevention - Create proactive interventions for caregiver economic security.

The total funding available is $400,405, with individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000.

Period of Performance
The contract period is anticipated to start on July 1, 2025, and run through June 30, 2026.

Place of Performance
The geographic location for performance will be within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Bidder Requirements
Eligible applicants must be partnerships between a Family Caregiver Support Program and a Cross-Sector Partner. Applicants are required to submit a joint application detailing their partnership and proposed program. Additionally, they must comply with Massachusetts General Laws and demonstrate their ability to meet specific eligibility criteria related to caregiver populations.