Maryland Has Been Awarded the ACL Caregiver State Implementation Grant for a Second Consecutive Cycle
October 2, 2026
| $490,000 in federal funds will strengthen Maryland’s cross-sector capacity to support family caregivers |
| Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded an Administration for Community Living (ACL) Caregiver Implementation Grant for a second consecutive cycle, providing an opportunity to extend Maryland’s progress in strengthening support for family caregivers across the lifespan.The two-year initiative will build upon the foundation established through the 2024 grant award and the state’s broader caregiving strategy under Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM). It will expand efforts to better understand caregivers’ experiences, strengthen connections to resources, and ensure trusted organizations across Maryland are better equipped to recognize and support family caregivers. Maryland is home to approximately 1.15 million family or informal caregivers who provide more than 1 billion hours of unpaid care each year. Their annual contributions are valued at approximately $24 billion, yet they often face physical, financial, and emotional hardships that impact their ability to care for themselves and others. The funding will help expand Maryland’s reach by bringing new partners into the caregiving network and creating lasting tools and resources that will support more family caregivers across the state. “When caregivers need help, they often turn first to people they already know and trust,” said Molly Wisniewski, Family Caregiver Programs Manager at MDOA. “By building on the relationships, resources, and lessons learned through the first grant cycle, Maryland has the opportunity to expand the respite care network, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and put better information and resources in the hands of more service providers who can help family caregivers the most.” The grant will focus on three interconnected areas: Listening to caregivers to better understand their needs and experiences across generations and caregiving situations. Making resources easier to find and navigate by strengthening caregiver support systems, training, and resource development. Building awareness across communities by working with trusted partners—including employers, faith-based organizations, health care providers, and community organizations—to better recognize caregivers, understand their needs, and connect them with available resources and support. The project will continue through September 2028 and will result in new tools and resources to strengthen Maryland’s support for family caregivers, including statewide caregiver data, an expanded respite care network, a centralized information hub, and a family caregiver awareness toolkit. Findings and resources will be shared with policymakers, service providers, community organizations, and the public to help build a more connected and responsive caregiving system across Maryland. You can learn more about MDOA’s commitment to family caregivers through the LRM multisector plan for aging. |