Federal Block Grant Award Summary

The District of Columbia Government, through its Department of Human Services, received a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant award of $27.7 million from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (CFDA 93.558) for the fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026). Under this award, the District implements a comprehensive assistance program designed to support low-income families with children by enabling children to remain in their own homes or with relatives, promoting job preparation and work engagement among needy parents, preventing out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and strengthening two-parent family formation and maintenance.

The TANF block grant funding supports the District's delivery of multiple social service initiatives, including financial assistance to eligible families, employment training and job preparation services, child care support, nutrition programs, and child welfare services. As the prime recipient and pass-through entity, the District sub-awards funding to partner organizations including the Department of Behavioral Health and community-based nonprofits to deliver specialized services such as workforce development, care management, and economic self-sufficiency support. The District draws down funds quarterly and maintains required accounting records and compliance documentation consistent with 2 CFR Part 200 and HHS-specific guidance, with oversight conducted by the HHS Inspector General consistent with the Single Audit Act requirements.