Caregiver Respite Grant Program (CRGP)

Effective February 09, 2026:

 Applicants may reapply for the CRGP every 90 days (3 months), subject to available funding.

How to Apply Document
How to Apply Video

What is the Caregiver Respite Grant Program (CRGP)?

The CRGP provides short-term respite support for family/primary caregivers of children or adults with special needs, disabilities, or cognitive impairments. Respite means planned or emergency care provided to give you a break — so you can take time to rest, recharge, or attend to other needs while knowing your loved one is cared for.

This grant is designed for situations where other support funds are unavailable or exhausted, and you need flexible relief when caring for someone long-term.

Why this matters:

More than 1 million (1,085,000) adults in Wisconsin provide care to a family member or friend with complex medical conditions or disabilities — nearly one quarter (23%) of adults across the state.

Most family caregivers in Wisconsin support an adult (95%), often a parent (50%). Twelve percent care for a child with complex medical needs (12%). Most caregivers live with a spouse or partner (76%), and nearly one-third have household incomes under $50,000. Over one-third (38%) are “sandwich-generation” caregivers for both an adult and a child under 18. One in five caregivers lives with a disability, and 30% live with the person they care for.

Source: Caregiving in the US 2025: Wisconsin.

Am I eligible?

RCAW grants are for family caregivers who cannot access timely, adequate, or appropriate support through other programs. This includes people who are waiting for waiver services, have been denied, have exhausted their funding, need help with services their current program will not cover, or are not eligible for waiver programs at all.

Start Here: Explore Other Support Options First

Before applying for RCAW grants, many families may qualify for other programs that provide ongoing or more comprehensive support. We strongly encourage you to review these options first to ensure you are accessing the best fit for your situation.

Explore Caregiver Support Programs in Wisconsin

To qualify for the grant:

  1. You are the primary or family caregiver for a child or adult with special needs or disabilities.

  2. A supporting professional (e.g., ADRC staff member, Tribal ADRS, county case-manager) must complete the Supporting Documentation Form showing the care-recipient meets at least one of the conditions below:

    • Applied for a Long-Term-Care Waiver or similar program but will not receive services/approval within 30 days

    • Denied Long-Term-Care Waiver support or other respite program

    • Approved for such program but have already used all available funds

    • Receiving other support but currently need flexibility for services not covered by that funding

    • Did not apply for a waiver because they were not eligible for other supports

Emergency Respite Care: The Caregiver Respite Grant Program (CRGP) may be used in emergency situations when the health or safety of the caregiver or care recipient is at risk. RCAW can provide flexibility with CRGP funding to help families navigate urgent and unexpected circumstances.

Please contact [email protected] and indicate “Emergency Respite” in the subject line or call 608-222-2033.

Emergency Use of the Caregiver Respite Grant Program: Overview, Policy, and Procedure.

Emergencies may include, but are not limited to, the following circumstances:

  • Is the need to prevent abuse and neglect for the care recipient?
  • Is there a need to prevent a mental health crisis for the caregiver or care recipient?
  • Does the caregiver need medical attention in the immediate future?
  • Does the caregiver have a medical emergency within their immediate family?
  • Do they need emergency assistance to attend a funeral/wake/celebration of life?
  • Has there been a loss of employment or a work-related situation?
  • Drug or alcohol abuse counseling or support?

Instructions on How to Apply:

Download the Overview, Policy, and Procedure document, which explains eligibility, procedures, and resources.

The family caregiver applicant completes the Eligibility Criteria Form.

A professional (ADRC/county/Tribe) completes the Supporting Documentation Form (SDF).

Please note RCAW cannot accept an SDF completed by a family caregiver.

Once RCAW receives and reviews both the ECF and SDF, qualified applicants will receive an email with a link to the full CRGP application.
After you submit the application and the respite service is complete, you must complete the Grant Report, verifying dates and times of care. RCAW will then send approved funds via USPS.

Depending on funding availability, eligible caregivers may re-apply a few times per year. To remain eligible you must also complete the RCAW Grant Impact Survey.

"The grants have allowed me time to do things for myself: see a movie, see a theater show, shop, take walks, and go to the gym without worrying about my husband's care. Knowing someone is home with him makes a hugh difference. Also, gives me time to give back to the community by being a volunteer."
CRGPGrant Recipient
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"This has given me the opportunity to schedule and have some 'me time' along with being able to go into the office or leave the house without worry because someone is there to spend time with him and having her come in also brightens his day and gives him the opportunity to have someone besides me want to spend time and take the time to spend with him that along brightens and give a total motivation to his outlook and then that helps me by seeing him in a much happier state of mind."
CRGPGrant Recipient
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"We are thankful for this grant since it does cover the cost of the care for our grandchildren for us to be able to have a little time for appointments for ourselves, seeing family and or friends, or allowing us to just have time to breathe and time to have with my spouse. Financially we struggle with raising four grandchildren so our money is always very tight but it is nice that it covers the cost of caring for the kids and that we are thankful for."
CRGPGrant Recipient
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"It is absolutely necessary to enable my mom to continue to reside in her own home - there should be increased funding for this versus covering people to go into facilities."
CRGPGrant Recipient
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"I so appreciated being “seen” and having concrete supports offered. In contrast, other times, it feels like I have to fight tooth and nail for even the small things that would actually make a difference for our crew. Thank you. It makes it less overwhelming to juggle all the things."
CRGPGrant Recipient
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"The CRGP was a blessing in a time of need; the application process was easy, and money was received quickly. Thank you!"
CRGPGrant Recipient
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"My husband is a fall risk and needs supervision 24/7 so there is no way I can leave him without somebody there to help. Without this grant, my life would be much harder, and self-care would probably be nonexistent."
CRGPGrant Recipient
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"Thank you very much. The funding allowed me a couple of days away, which I haven't been able to do for about five years, so I appreciate it very much. It was enough to get away, relax, reset, and recharge to take care of mom's daily needs better. It was long overdue, but the funding made it possible. Thanks again!"
CRGPGrant Recipient
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Appeals & Fraud policy:

If your application is denied, the RCAW Board of Directors will review the appeal using the Grant Denial Appeal Form.

RCAW funds are largely from state/federal sources; misuse of funds is considered fraud and may lead to denial of future applications, repayment requirements, and possible prosecution. Read the Grant Program Detailed Fraud Disclaimer.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the CRGP, your eligibility, or other resources, please email us at [email protected]