Relatives as Parents Programs

Posted by on November 3, 2008

Brookdale Foundation Accepting Applications for Relatives as Parents Programs

Deadline: Various

The Brookdale Foundation Group’s (http://brookdalefoundation.org/) Relatives as Parents Program supports the creation or expansion of services in the United States for grandparents and other relatives who have taken on the responsibility of surrogate parenting when the biological parents are unable to do so.

The program awards seed grants of $10,000 each over a two-year period in three categories: Local, Regional, and State Public Agencies.

The RAPP Local Initiative enables local agencies to provide accessible support groups and other supportive services to relative caregivers and the children in their care; encourage cooperation and collaboration among various service delivery systems; ensure the development, expansion, and future continuity of local services; and create replicable models of service. Up to thirty local and regional programs will be selected from within the United States. The sponsoring organization must have a 501(c)(3) or equivalent tax-exempt status.

The RAPP Statewide Initiative requires state grantees to initiate five new relative support groups in different parts of the state, under the sponsorship and support of local agencies; develop a statewide network of local organizations that link current programs and interested agencies, provide guidance and information to local communities, and stimulate the expansion of services to grandparent caregivers and their families; and establish or expand an inter-system “Task Force” or committee of public state agencies and statewide organizations on the issue of relatives as surrogate parents. Up to five state agencies that have demonstrated a commitment to relative caregiving activities, especially for relative caregiving families outside of the formal system, will be awarded grants. The following states are eligible to apply: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah.

The deadline for the submission of Local and Regional Proposals is December 4, 2008. The deadline for the submission of State Proposals is January 7, 2009.

Visit the Brookdale Web site for complete program information.

RFP Link: http://www.brookdalefoundation.org/RAPP/rapp.html

For additional RFPs in Children and Youth, visit: http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_children.jhtml