Nonprofits, Area Agencies on Aging, tribes, faith groups and other community organizations can now apply for grants of $30,000 to $200,000 to start or grow volunteer programs that help family caregivers, older adults and adults with disabilities stay independent at home. The federally funded Community Care Corps program opened its 2027 funding round with about $3.57 million available, and proposals are due Jan. 6, 2027, at 5 p.m. ET.
The program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) and managed by the Oasis Institute in partnership with USAging, Caregiver Action Network and Altarum, according to ACL. Since launching in 2019, it has supported community organizations across the country in building volunteer programs tailored to local needs.
What is the Community Care Corps funding opportunity?
According to ACL, the 2027 request for proposals will fund innovative volunteer programs that provide practical, nonmedical help. Of the roughly $3.57 million:
- $1.5 million is dedicated to volunteer chaperone transportation programs, which pair a ride with volunteer assistance and companionship to help people get safely to nonemergency medical appointments and outpatient procedures.
- More than $2 million will support other volunteer programs offering nonmedical assistance, such as companionship, help with household tasks and other everyday support.
Grants run for 18 months, according to the Community Care Corps request for proposals page. The official grant cycle is April 1, 2027, through Sept. 30, 2028.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include nonprofit community organizations, Area Agencies on Aging, aging and disability service providers, tribal entities, faith-based groups, local governments, health systems, volunteer agencies and colleges and universities, Community Care Corps says.
For-profit organizations cannot be the lead applicant. Private, for-profit and nonprofit organizations may partner on one application, but the lead applicant, which receives and manages the award, must be a nonprofit. Applicants must also meet a 25% match requirement, in cash or in kind.
Individuals and families cannot apply for these grants. The money goes to organizations, which use trained volunteers to serve family caregivers, older adults and adults 18 and older with disabilities in home or community settings.
What kinds of programs can be funded?
All volunteer help must be nonmedical. Proposals must include one or more of these focus areas, according to the request for proposals:
- Putting principles of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers into practice
- Supporting grandparent- and kinship-led households
- Using readily available, off-the-shelf materials
- Engaging college students or interns for intergenerational connections
- Expanding virtual or low-tech access
- Volunteer chaperone programs for nonemergency medical appointments
- Increasing access to respite programs
- Building opportunities for volunteer skill-building
What will grantees be required to do?
Funded organizations must make sure all volunteers complete required trainings and pass criminal background checks. They must submit financial reimbursement requests and program reports quarterly, collect data from participants and volunteers, join monthly calls, learning collaboratives and a kickoff meeting, gather stories and testimonials, and write a short blog post about their program, according to Community Care Corps.
How and when do organizations apply?
Key dates listed by Community Care Corps:
- Request for proposals released: Oct. 19, 2026
- Application portal opened: Nov. 2, 2026
- Informational webinar: held Nov. 4, 2026 (a recording is posted on the RFP page)
- Applications due: Jan. 6, 2027, at 5 p.m. ET
- Award announcements: April 1, 2027 (anticipated)
Applications are submitted through the program’s online portal, linked from the RFP page (apply on SM Apply), which also posts the full Request for Proposals and Program Guidelines, a budget form, budget narrative, implementation timeline template, financial management survey and sample reporting forms. Answers to common questions are on the Community Care Corps “About” page.
Why does this matter for older adults and people with disabilities?
ACL says the program aims to increase the number of community-based volunteer programs and reduce the number of family caregivers, older adults and adults with disabilities who need help staying independent but cannot get it. The 2027 funding also advances Goal 3 of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, which focuses on strengthening services and supports.
Families who need help now, rather than funding, can call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to find local aging and disability services.
Key Takeaways
- Community Care Corps, funded by ACL, has about $3.57 million for 2027 grants of $30,000 to $200,000.
- $1.5 million is set aside for volunteer chaperone transportation to nonemergency medical appointments.
- Nonprofits, Area Agencies on Aging, tribes, faith groups, local governments, health systems and colleges may apply; the lead applicant must be a nonprofit.
- Applicants need a 25% cash or in-kind match, and all help must be nonmedical and volunteer-delivered.
- Applications are due Jan. 6, 2027, at 5 p.m. ET; awards are expected April 1, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community Care Corps?
A national program funded by the Administration for Community Living and managed by the Oasis Institute with USAging, Caregiver Action Network and Altarum. It funds local volunteer programs that give nonmedical help to family caregivers, older adults and adults with disabilities.
How much can an organization receive?
Grants range from $30,000 to $200,000 for 18 months, out of about $3.57 million available in the 2027 round.
When is the application deadline?
Proposals are due Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2027, at 5 p.m. ET.
Can for-profit companies apply?
Not as the lead applicant. For-profit organizations may partner on an application, but the lead applicant must be a nonprofit.
Is there a matching requirement?
Yes. Applicants must meet a 25% match, which can be cash or in-kind.
Can individuals or families apply?
No. The grants go to organizations. Families looking for help can contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Featured image: A volunteer delivers a Meals on Wheels meal to an older man in Knoxville, Tenn. (U.S. Navy photo, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
