Group Respite Grant Program: Overview, Policy, and Procedure

Overview, Policy, and Procedure

The Group Respite Grant Program (GRGP) provides funding to agencies and organizations that offer on-site respite care during caregiver-focused events and activities.

Many family caregivers are unable to attend support groups, trainings, conferences, or educational events because respite care is not available. GRGP helps reduce this barrier by supporting respite care during these activities so caregivers can participate while care recipients engage in meaningful and supportive activities.

Funding May Support

  • One-time events
  • Recurring programs
  • Support groups
  • Educational classes
  • Conferences
  • Community activities for caregivers and care recipients

Purpose

The purpose of GRGP is to:

  • Support family caregivers by increasing access to respite opportunities
  • Promote caregiver education, wellness, and support
  • Provide meaningful engagement opportunities for care recipients
  • Strengthen community-based respite services across Wisconsin

Eligibility

Eligible applicants may include:

  • Community-based organizations
  • Health centers
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Schools or universities
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • For-profit agencies
  • Coalitions or collaborative groups

Organizations do not need to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to apply. However, one organization must serve as the lead applicant and assume responsibility for the grant.

Programs must provide group respite services to care recipients across the lifespan.

Application Process

  1. Complete the Group Respite Grant Program Application.
  2. Submit any additional requested documentation.
  3. Apply at least 45 days before the requested funding date.

RCAW encourages applicants to apply at least 60 days before the event whenever possible.

Applications are reviewed based on:

  • Group size
  • Length of activity
  • Community impact
  • Overall merit of the request

Please allow up to 14 days for application review and approval.

If Approved

  • Applicants will receive an approval email and grant agreement.
  • The signed agreement must be returned within 7 days.
  • Funding will be distributed according to the approved request.
  • A GRGP Grant Report must be completed within 30 days after the event or program ends.

Allowable Uses of Funding

  • Respite care staff or providers
  • Activities for care recipients during caregiver events
  • Supplies directly related to respite programming
  • One-time or recurring respite programming

Background Checks

Applicants are responsible for conducting background checks on all staff and volunteers involved in the program and for complying with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

RCAW does not conduct, verify, monitor, or approve background checks for:

  • Applicants
  • Staff
  • Volunteers
  • Participants

Organizations are responsible for maintaining appropriate supervision, safety, and screening practices for the populations served.

All information provided in the application is self-reported by the applicant organization.

The following Wisconsin resources are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice or endorsement by RCAW:

Disclaimer

Receiving GRGP funding does not create an employer, contractor, or subcontractor relationship with RCAW.

By accepting grant funding, applicants agree to:

  • Assume responsibility for program operations and staffing
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
  • Hold RCAW harmless from claims or liabilities related to the funded activities

Approval of a grant application does not represent endorsement by RCAW.

Reporting Requirements

All approved applicants must submit a completed GRGP Grant Report no later than 30 days after the event or program concludes.

Failure to submit required reports may impact eligibility for future funding.

Apply for the GRGP

Applications will only be considered if submitted at least 45 days before the requested funding date.

  1. Review the GRGP Overview, Policy, and Procedure document.
  2. Complete the GRGP Application.
  3. Submit all required materials.

Questions?

For questions about the Group Respite Grant Program, contact RCAW at
[email protected]
or 608-222-2033.