Funding will expand community-based volunteer programs, including transportation assistance, to help caregivers & those they support remain independent at home.

More than 63 million Americans provide care for a family member or friend, highlighting the growing demand for support that helps people remain safe and independent at home. As communities across the country seek new ways to support family caregivers, older adults and adults with disabilities, Community Care Corps is opening its 2027 Request for Proposals to expand volunteer programs that meet these critical needs.

Created through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Community Care Corps is managed by the Oasis Institute in partnership with USAging, Caregiver Action Network and Altarum. Since launching in 2019, the program has supported community-based organizations across the country in developing and scaling volunteer programs tailored to local needs.

Through the 2027 Request for Proposals, Community Care Corps will continue expanding a nationwide network of locally driven volunteer programs that connect families with practical support, strengthen communities, and help people remain independent at home.

The funding opportunity comes just ahead of National Family Caregivers Month in November, an observance led by Caregiver Action Network under this year’s theme, Care Connects Us. The theme recognizes a reality at the heart of Community Care Corps: caregiving may happen within families, but sustaining care takes connection across families, neighbors, volunteers and communities.

$3.57 MILLION TO EXPAND COMMUNITY-BASED VOLUNTEER SUPPORT

Community Care Corps will make approximately $3.57 million available through the 2027 Request for Proposals to support innovative volunteer programs that provide practical, nonmedical assistance to family caregivers, older adults and adults with disabilities.

Of that funding, $1.5 million will be dedicated to volunteer chaperone transportation programs, which pair transportation with volunteer assistance and companionship to help individuals safely access nonemergency medical appointments and outpatient procedures.

More than $2 million will support other innovative volunteer programs providing nonmedical assistance, such as companionship, help with household tasks and other everyday support that helps people remain independent at home and in their communities.

“Reliable transportation is essential to helping family caregivers, older adults and adults with disabilities stay healthy, connected and independent,” said Paul Weiss, President of The Oasis Institute. “Volunteer chaperone transportation provides the door-through-door support and companionship that traditional transportation options often cannot, helping people safely access healthcare and other essential services while remaining independent at home.”

The 2027 funding also advances the goals of ACL’s National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, including strengthening services and supports that help caregivers maintain their own health and well-being.

“Care Connects Us is more than a theme. It reflects what makes caregiving possible,” said Marvell Adams Jr., CEO of Caregiver Action Network. “For a family caregiver, one more person willing to drive, check in or lend a hand can make a meaningful difference. Community Care Corps puts that idea into action by building connections around caregivers and the people they care for, so families have more support to keep going.”

Community Care Corps has seen strong interest from organizations seeking to develop new approaches to these challenges, reflecting growing recognition of the role community-based volunteer programs can play.

“These volunteer programs are addressing the needs of older adults, adults with disabilities and their caregivers at the community level,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging. “The ability to live safely at home as a person ages often comes down to something as simple as a neighbor who is willing to help. The respite that this kind of support provides can truly sustain family caregivers who usually carry that responsibility.”

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 6, 2027

Applications will be accepted online through 5:00 p.m. ET on January 6, 2027. Organizations interested in applying can learn more about eligibility, funding, application requirements and deadlines at Community Care Corps.

For more information about the 2027 Request for Proposals, visit https://communitycarecorps.org.

FUNDING DISCLOSURE

This project #90CCDG0002 is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $15,644,280.00 with 75 percent funded by ACL/HHS and $5,218,517.21 or 25 percent funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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