Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Friday, August 7, 2026

ACYF

Children’s Bureau

Kinship Navigator Programs: Replication and Tribal Adaptation Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CB-CF-0005

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Agency priorities 10

Program description 12

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 21

Find the application package 22

Get registered 23

Learn more 23

Step 3: Build Your Application 24

Application checklist 25

Application contents and format 27

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 40

Application review 41

Award notices 48

Step 5: Submit Your Application 49

Application submission and deadlines 50

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 52

Post-award requirements and administration 53

Contacts and Support 54

Before you begin 3

Modifications 57

Contents 2

Before you begin If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, secure your SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations now. If you are already registered, make sure your registrations are active and up to date.

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks)

You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days)

You must have an active Grants.gov registration. Doing so requires a Login.gov registration as well.

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Apply by the application due date

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, August 7, 2026.

To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were by pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Command + Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

Before you begin 3 https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1:

Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Agency priorities 10

Program description 12

Basic information Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

ACYF

Children’s Bureau

Replicating or adapting evidence-based Kinship Navigator Programs rated by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse.

Have questions?

See Contacts and Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Kinship Navigator Programs: Replication and Tribal Adaptation

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CB-

CF-0005

Federal assistance listing:

93.605

NOFO version: Original

Key dates

Application submission deadline: August 7, 2026

Expected project start date: September 30, 2026

See intergovernmental review for other submission processes that may apply to this NOFO.

Summary This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) aims to increase the number and availability of evidence-based Kinship Navigator Programs (KNPs) implemented by state and tribal child welfare agencies. Funded programs must:

• Meet the requirements outlined in Program Instruction (PI) PI-18-11.

• Replicate or adapt (for tribal communities) one of the title IV-E KNPs that has been rated as promising, supported, or well-supported by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse).

• Be replicated or adapted in communities where these programs are not currently available.

Tribal consortia are encouraged to apply to expand the reach and impact of services for kinship families.

This is a multi-application funding opportunity. You must choose one of the following priority areas:

• State Replication of Kinship Navigator Programs

• Tribal Adaptation of Kinship Navigator Programs

Applicants interested in applying under both priority areas must submit a separate application for each.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5 https://acf.gov/cb/grant-funding/kinship-navigator-program https://acf.gov/cb/policy-guidance/pi-18-11 https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/program?combine_1=&prograting%5B1%5D=1&prograting%5B2%5D=2&prograting%5B3%5D=3&progarea_filter%5B4%5D=4 https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/ https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/

If awarded, recipients will:

• Replicate or adapt (for tribal communities) an evidence-based KNP, according to PI-18-11.

• Build and sustain agency capacity to help relative and kin caregivers access programs and services.

• Participate in collaboration and shared learning activities.

• Conduct program evaluation.

Funding details Type: Grant

Expected total program funding: $5,000,000

Total expected awards: 10

Minimum award amount for the first budget period (award floor): $150,000

Maximum award amount for the first budget period (award ceiling): $500,000

We plan to fund a three-year project period. Each project period has three one-year budget periods.

We plan to fund five states and five tribal applicants, for a total of 10 awards. Awards made under this funding opportunity are subject to federal funds availability.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6 https://acf.gov/cb/grant-funding/kinship-navigator-program https://acf.gov/cb/policy-guidance/pi-18-11

Eligibility Eligible applicants Eligible organizations:

• State, local, or tribal child welfare agencies.

• Private nonprofit organizations.

• Higher education institutions, as defined under section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).

• Private nonprofit organizations with experience working with children in foster care or children in kinship care placements or agreements.

If you’re not a state, local, or tribal child welfare agency, provide a letter of support from the state, local, or tribal title IV-E child welfare agency that you’ll partner with to carry out the Title IV-E Kinship Navigator Program.

Under 42 U.S.C. 627 [PDF], child welfare agencies must document support from and coordination with a community-based organization experienced in serving kinship families. Tribes that receive title IV-B funding can apply, if partnering with a title IV-E agency. Find more information in the Letters of support section.

Other eligibility criteria Individuals (including sole proprietorships), federal entities, and foreign entities are not eligible to apply.

Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible for awards under this funding opportunity.

Disqualifying factors We will review your application to make sure it meets these responsiveness requirements.

We won’t consider an application that:

• Requests funding above the award ceiling.

• Is submitted after the deadline.

• Is from an individual (including a sole proprietorship), a federal entity, or a foreign entity.

• Is received in paper format that didn’t have a previously approved exemption from ACF.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7 https://acf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/compilation-of-ssa_0.pdf

Application limits If you submit the same application more than once under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), we will only acknowledge the last on-time submission.

Cost sharing This program requires you to contribute 25% of the project’s total cost. You can calculate this cost-sharing requirement in two ways:

Method 1:

1. Start with the federal share.

2. Divide the federal share by 3.

For example: $600,000 / 3 = $200,000 = your contribution The ceiling for this grant is $500,000.

Method 2:

1. Start with the total project cost.

2. Multiply the total project cost by 25%.

For example: $800,000 x 25% = $200,000 = your contribution

Types of cost sharing You can meet your match requirement through any combination of:

• Cash contributed by your organization, partners, or other third parties.

• In-kind (non-cash) contributions from partners or other third parties.

• No more than 50% of the non-federal share may be in kind, which could include plant, equipment, or services per section 427(e) of the Social Security Act (the Act)

[PDF].

Cost-sharing commitments If awarded, you must provide the amount of cost-sharing funds you promised, even if you promised more than the required minimum. We put these commitments in the Notice of Award.

If you don’t provide your promised amount, we may decrease the amount of funding we give you or use other enforcement actions.

You’ll have to include your cost-sharing funds when you fill out your federal financial reports.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8

Cost-sharing waiver We waive cost sharing up to $199,999 for awards to the governments of American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands (except for the consolidated awards under 45 CFR part 97). You must meet any amount of cost sharing over $199,999. See 48 U.S.C. 1469a(d) Congressional declaration of policy respecting “Insular Areas.”

Post-award requirements

Before you apply, make sure you understand the requirements that come with an award.

See Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award for information on regulations that apply, reporting, and more.

Statutory authority Section 427(a) of Title IV-B of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 627(a).

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Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-97 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:48%20section:1469a%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title48-section1469a)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:48%20section:1469a%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title48-section1469a)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title42/chapter7/subchapter4/partB&edition=prelim

Agency priorities Required alignment with ACF vision, mission, values, priorities, and guiding principles The recipient of this award must implement any funds awarded under this NOFO to effectuate program goals or agency priorities in accordance with ACF’s vision, mission, values, priorities, and guiding principles when authorized. Funded activities must advance ACF’s vision of resilient, safe, healthy, and economically secure children, youth, families, and communities, and support ACF’s mission to foster health and well-being through effective, accountable, and compassionate human services when awarded in any programs that authorize these priorities.

Consistent with ACF’s values, in carrying out any project that is funded under this NOFO, the recipient is required to adhere to the following principle:

1. Program integrity and fiscal stewardship: Administer funds in accordance with all applicable federal statutes, regulations, and award conditions; maintain strong internal controls; and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.

The recipient is also required to adhere to the following principles when consistent with the authority and scope of the award and its activities:

2. Evidence-based and outcome-focused practices: Design and deliver services using evidence-based or evidence-informed approaches, establish measurable performance goals, and use data to monitor outcomes and drive continuous improvement.

3. Partnership and local leadership: Coordinate with state, tribal, territorial, local, and community partners, as appropriate, and tailor services to meet community-identified needs while respecting local decision-making authority.

In addition, in keeping with ACF’s priorities, the recipient must administer any project that is awarded under this NOFO in accordance with the following objectives when consistent with the scope of the award and its activities in programs that are authorized to advance them:

4. Family stability and child well-being: Strengthen families, promote safe and stable home environments, and improve outcomes for children and youth through prevention-focused and developmentally appropriate services.

5. Work, self-sufficiency, and economic mobility: Support pathways to employment, job retention, and economic independence for individuals and

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10 https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values families, including through workforce development, education, and supportive services.

6. High-quality early care and learning: Where applicable, invest in high-quality early childhood programs that support school readiness, healthy development, and long-term success.

The recipient must demonstrate ongoing compliance with these values and priorities, in all programs that are authorized to advance them, through program design, implementation, reporting, and evaluation. Failure to meaningfully align funded activities with the applicable requirements may result in corrective action, additional reporting requirements, or other enforcement actions consistent with federal grant regulations found at 2 CFR Part 200 and the terms and conditions of this award.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11

Program description Background The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is guided by values that emphasize the importance of putting families and community first. This project promotes these values through initiatives to strengthen families, empower parents, and partner with community resources, such as faith-based organizations, to improve outcomes for children. This NOFO also aligns with the A Home for Every Child initiative, which prioritizes initiatives that safely decrease the number of children entering foster care through effective prevention, while also increasing the number of licensed foster homes, prioritizing kinship placements, and improving retention of existing caregivers.

Kinship care—when children are raised by relatives or close family friends—plays a critical role in supporting children involved in or at risk of entering the child welfare system. In 2023, 2.4 million children lived in households without a parent (U.S.

Government Accountability Office (GAO), 2025 [PDF]); most were cared for by grandparents or other relatives. In foster care, more than one-third of children (about 123,000 in FY 2022) were placed with relatives (Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System Report #30). Research shows these placements provide greater stability and fewer behavioral challenges (National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, No. 15). Federal law, therefore, prioritizes placement with relatives and allows flexible licensing standards for kinship foster homes.

However, most kinship care occurs outside the formal foster care system. Over 70% of approximately 2 million children in kinship care live in informal arrangements with limited child welfare involvement (GAO, 2025 [PDF]). Many caregivers receive little financial support and have less access to training, respite care, and peer support (IM-20-08), highlighting the need for expanded services.

The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA, 2018) allows title IV-E agencies to fund KNPs, which help caregivers access services and supports. To qualify for title IV-E funding, KNPs must meet the requirements of PI-18-11 and be rated as promising, supported, or well-supported by the Clearinghouse. Currently, 11 states have implemented these evidence-based models. This opportunity prioritizes applicants from title IV-E agencies that have not yet implemented an approved KNP.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values https://acf.gov/a-home-for-every-child https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-26-107658.pdf https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-26-107658.pdf https://acf.gov/cb/report/afcars-report-30 https://acf.gov/cb/report/afcars-report-30 https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/resource/national-survey-of-child-and-adolescent-well-being-no-15-kinship-caregivers https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/resource/national-survey-of-child-and-adolescent-well-being-no-15-kinship-caregivers https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-26-107658.pdf https://acf.gov/cb/policy-guidance/im-20-08

Purpose

• This award will increase the availability of evidence-based Kinship Navigator

Programs (KNPs) by supporting state and tribal child welfare agencies in replicating and evaluating approved models in communities where they do not currently exist. Funded programs must meet the requirements outlined in and be rated as promising, supported, or well-supported by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse). This opportunity supports the implementation of one of the approved KNP models to provide effective, evidence-based services to kinship families involved in or at risk of entering the child welfare system.

Applicants must apply under one of two priority areas:

• State Replication of Kinship Navigator Programs

• State child welfare agencies will replicate one of the approved title IV-E KNP models to provide effective, evidence-based services to kinship families involved in or at risk of entering the child welfare system. The Children’s Bureau (CB) will prioritize states that have not yet received CB’s approval to operate the title IV-E KNP.

• Tribal Adaptation of Kinship Navigator Programs

• Tribal child welfare agencies may adapt one of the approved title IV-E KNP models to align with tribal cultures, policies, and practices while maintaining core program components.

• Priority will be given to jurisdictions not currently operating a title IV-E KNP.

This program primarily supports the following ACF priorities:

• Ensuring Value Alignment in Funding: This NOFO advances ACF priorities by supporting evidence-based services that strengthen families, promote child well-being, expand kinship care supports, and encourage collaboration with community partners. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with ACF’s vision, mission, values, and priorities through project design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement activities.

• Gold-Standard Research: While the primary focus of this NOFO is implementation rather than research, it promotes the use of programs that have already been rated as promising, supported, or well-supported by the Clearinghouse. The NOFO also requires program evaluation and continuous quality improvement activities to ensure services are delivered with fidelity and contribute to the ongoing evidence base for effective kinship support interventions.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13 https://acf.gov/cb/grant-funding/kinship-navigator-program https://acf.gov/cb/grant-funding/kinship-navigator-program

Project requirements In your application, provide a comprehensive description of the Kinship Navigator Program (KNP) to be implemented, including the five required elements outlined in PI-18-11. Recipients that are state child welfare agencies must replicate—or, tribal child welfare agencies may adapt—an evidence-based KNP rated by the Clearinghouse.

You will conduct project activities in two phases—Planning and Implementation phases.

Planning phase Your planning phase should last no longer than 6 months. During this time, your activities should focus on:

• Implementation planning.

• Evaluation planning.

• Finalizing partnership agreements.

• Assessing organizational readiness to implement the KNP (i.e., staffing, infrastructure, and capacity to support training and service delivery).

• Outlining training requirements for professionals and kinship caregivers involved in delivering and receiving KNP services.

• Piloting or providing services (if possible/desired).

Documentation Before the planning phase ends, you will have to submit documentation to CB showing that you have completed this phase. This documentation could include finalized:

• Partnership agreements (i.e., memoranda of agreement (MOAs) or understanding (MOUs), as applicable, or letters of agreements) from all subrecipients and implementation sites.

• Target population, to include the following:

◦ Anticipated number of people who will be served.

◦ Referral and recruitment plans to ensure the project meets target service goals.

▪ Types of families who will be served, which may include children placed in licensed, unlicensed foster homes, children who have exited foster care to live with relative guardians, or children who are not in foster care, but living with relatives.

• Confirmation of the appropriateness and fit of the selected programs, models, interventions, and/or services to the needs of the target population.

• Strategies and tools to ensure the KNP is implemented with fidelity.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14 https://acf.gov/cb/policy-guidance/pi-18-11 https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/resources/handbook-of-standards-and-procedures-2

• Refined or revised intervention and training materials that are accurate and appropriate.

• Efforts to collaborate with kinship families and key partners. If you are working with tribal communities, you must engage and obtain approval from tribal leadership for any program adaptations.

• Plans to evaluate effectiveness of the program, to include continuous quality improvement strategies.

• Institutional Review Board approval and data-sharing agreements, as needed.

You are encouraged to work with KNP model developers as follows:

• State replication of KNPs will work with developers to support fidelity.

• Tribal adaptation of KNPs will work with developers to ensure adaptations do not significantly impact model fidelity

CB will review and approve your planning phase documentation before you begin your Implementation Phase.

Implementation phase In the implementation phase, you will focus on delivering program services and evaluating the program. These activities may include:

• Recruiting, enrolling, and retaining children and families in services.

• Recruiting, training, and retaining program staff.

• Working with partners to further collaboration and build service capacity.

• Monitoring service delivery for program fidelity.

◦ Semiannual reporting to CB on the services provided, to include the number of children, adults, and families receiving services; and the progress made in achieving program goals related to the KNP being replicated or adapted.

Title IV-E kinship navigator program requirements Project activities completed during the implementation phase must meet the requirements as outlined in PI-18-11. This means you must:

• Coordinate with other state or local agencies that promote service coordination or referral services (i.e., 2-1-1 or 3-1-1 information systems) so that services to kinship care families aren’t duplicated or fragmented.

• Plan and operate in consultation with kinship caregivers, youth raised in kinship care, and organizations representing the caregivers’ interests.

• Establish information and referral systems that link kinship caregivers, kinship support group facilitators, and kinship service providers to each other and to information and training on:

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15

◦ Eligibility and enrollment for federal, state, and local benefits.

◦ Legal assistance and help with accessing legal services.

• Provide outreach to kinship care families (e.g., establish a kinship care website, or other strategies to distribute relevant outreach materials).

• Promote partnerships between public and private agencies. See the Partnerships section for specific examples.

• In addition to the requirements outlined above, you should also explore opportunities to leverage technology and modernization strategies to increase awareness, efficiency of referrals, and delivery of services, with particular attention to those living in rural areas.

Documentation You must document each of the Title IV-E kinship navigator program (KNP) requirements in a comprehensive program manual. Also include the following information:

• Eligibility criteria for kinship care families to access KNP services.

◦ A description of KNP services, including:

▪ Outreach and referral processes to ensure kinship care families have information on how to access relevant services, resources, and benefits.

▪ Details of the agencies providing the services.

▪ Dosage (i.e., duration, frequency, and intensity) and length of services.

▪ Location and delivery setting (i.e., in-person or virtual).

▪ Training requirements for KNP staff (e.g., education or certification requirements, training topics, etc.).

Tribal Adaptation of Kinship Navigator Programs

• In addition, you will describe the tribal program adaptations, how you will address KNP requirements, and how the adaptations were developed and approved by tribal leadership or elders.

Evaluation During the implementation phase, you will also conduct a program evaluation and continuous quality improvement activities. To objectively evaluate the impact of your project, you must demonstrate sufficient in-house capacity or contract with a third-party evaluator.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 16

The evaluation will:

• Describe KNP program and administrative costs.

• Include a logic model.

• Include a valid and reliable measurement plan and sound methodological design.

• Outline and implement strategies to collect, manage, share, and analyze data.

• Assess progress toward project goals.

• Describe how data will inform improvement of funded activities.

Tribal Adaptation of Kinship Navigator Programs

If you’re working with tribal populations, you may use a cultural evaluation framework to build consensus among tribal members related to KNP implementation.

Partnerships ACF works with partners in good faith through transparency, shared accountability, and clear roles. You will collaborate to strengthen families and engage communities, including faith-based organizations. Each partner should have clearly defined roles and responsibilities that contribute to the project’s goals.

Examples of partners may include:

• Other public child and family serving agencies (e.g., Head Start, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs, etc.).

• Faith-based organizations.

• Community-based services (e.g., child or respite care, family resource centers, community-based child abuse prevention programs, etc.).

• Area Agencies on Aging.

• Schools.

• Family or probate courts.

Additional requirements You’ll also need to:

• Collect and share findings and lessons learned.

• Develop a plan to sustain the project after federal funding ends.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 17 https://headstart.gov/ https://acf.gov/ofa/map/about/help-families#:~:text=ACF%20provides%20states%2C%20territories%2C%20and,assistance%20directly%20to%20the%20public.

https://acf.gov/ofa/map/about/help-families#:~:text=ACF%20provides%20states%2C%20territories%2C%20and,assistance%20directly%20to%20the%20public.

https://childcare.gov/ https://www.nationalfamilysupportnetwork.org/family-support-programs https://friendsnrc.org/contacts-by-state/ https://eldercare.acl.gov/home

Funding policies and limitations Changes in HHS regulations As of October 1, 2025, HHS adopted 2 CFR 200, with some exceptions included in 2 CFR

300. These regulations replace those in 45 CFR 75.

General policies

• We will only make awards if this program receives funding. If Congress appropriates funds for this purpose, we will move forward with the review and award process.

• Support beyond the first budget period will depend on:

◦ Appropriation of funds.

◦ Satisfactory progress in meeting your project’s objectives.

◦ A decision that continued funding is in the government’s best interest.

• If we receive more funding for this program, we will consider:

◦ Funding more applicants.

◦ Extending the period of performance.

◦ Awarding supplemental funding.

• To the extent permitted by law, including any relevant court orders, you may not use funds from this NOFO for any diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI and DEIA) activities. This includes:

◦ DEI- or DEIA-related research.

◦ Activities that discriminate or show preference based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other protected traits.

◦ Any efforts that promote a “discriminatory equity ideology.”

• To the extent permitted by law, including any relevant court orders, ACF will also not allow funds awarded under this NOFO to support any services or activities that inculcate or promote gender ideology.

For guidance on other types of costs that we restrict or do not allow, see General Provisions for Selected Items of Costs of the Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR part 200.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72

Program-specific limitations and policies We do not allow the following costs under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO):

• Construction.

• Purchase of real property.

• Major renovation.

Indirect costs Indirect costs are those shared across multiple projects and not easily separated.

To charge indirect costs you can select one of two methods:

Method 1 — Approved rate. If you currently have an indirect cost rate approved by your cognizant federal agency, you may use that rate.

Method 2 — De minimis rate. If you do not have a negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect to charge a de minimis rate (see 2 CFR 200.414(f)). This rate may be up to 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). See the definition of MTDC (2 CFR 200.1). You can use this rate indefinitely.

You may not charge costs included in your indirect cost pool as direct costs.

Subawards As the prime recipient, you must maintain a substantive role in the project. This means that you conduct funded activities and provide services necessary and integral to completing the project.

Monitoring your subrecipient’s activities alone as described in 2 CFR 200.332 is not a substantive role.

We do not fund awards where your role is primarily a conduit for passing funds to other organizations unless that arrangement is authorized by statute.

All subrecipients must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Subrecipients must meet the eligibility requirements of this NOFO.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 19 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.414#p-200.414(f) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Modified%20Total%20Direct%20Cost%20(MTDC)) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.332

Salary rate limitation The salary rate limitation in the current appropriations act applies to this program. You may not use awarded funds to pay a salary at a higher rate than the rate for Executive Level II.

For the Executive Level II salary, please see the Office of Personnel Management information on executive and senior level employee pay.

The salary limitation reflects a person’s base salary (including any portion of the salary that is paid with indirect costs). It does not include fringe benefits or any income the person is allowed to earn outside of the duties of the applicant organization.

This salary limitation also applies to subawards, contracts, and subcontracts under an ACF grant or cooperative agreement.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 20 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/

Step 2:

Get Ready to Apply

In this step

Find the application package 22

Get registered 23

Learn more 23

Find the application package The application package has all the forms you need to apply. You can find it at this NOFO’s Grants.gov opportunity page. Then select the Package tab.

This NOFO has multiple “Grant Opportunity Packages” reflecting each priority area.

Note: Do not use the “Apply” button on the “View Grant Opportunity” screen.

1. Click on the Package tab.

2. Scroll down and identify the Grant Opportunity Package you want to apply to using the competition title

3. Click the Apply hyperlink in the “Actions” column. You will be directed to the Apply for Grant Opportunity page.

4. Click on the red Apply button. This Apply button will take you to Grants.gov to login and submit your application.

5. Follow the guidance for applying and uploading the application and associated documents.

We recommend that you select the Subscribe button from the View Grant Opportunity page for this NOFO to get updates.

If you can’t use Grants.gov to download application materials or have other technical difficulties, including issues with application submission, contact Grants.gov for assistance.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 22 https://www.grants.gov/support

Get registered SAM.gov You must have an active account with SAM.gov to apply. SAM.gov registration can take several weeks. Begin that process today.

To register:

• Go to SAM.gov Entity Registration and select Get Started. From the same page, you can also select the Entity Registration Checklist for the information you will need to register.

• You must agree to the financial assistance general certifications and representations [PDF] specifically. Those for contracts are different.

When you register, you will also receive your required Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Once you register:

• You will have to maintain your registration throughout the life of any award.

• If your organization has multiple UEIs, use the one associated with your physical location.

Grants.gov You must also have an active account with Grants.gov. You can see step-by-step instructions at the Grants.gov Quick Start Guide for Applicants.

Need help? See Contacts and Support.

Learn more Visit Applying for an ACF Grant Award on the ACF Grants page.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 23 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/financial-assistance-general-certification-representations.pdf https://grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/how-apply-grant

Step 3:

Build Your Application

In this step

Application checklist 25

Application contents and format 27

Application checklist Make sure that you have everything you need to apply. You will find the forms in Grants.gov.

File one: Narratives Use the Project Narrative Attachment form.

Component Included in page limit?

Table of contents Yes

Project summary Yes

Project narrative Yes

Line-item budget and budget narrative Yes

File two: Attachments Insert each in a single Other Attachments form.

Component Included in page limit?

ACF Priorities Alignment Attestation No

Indirect cost agreement Yes

Legal proof of nonprofit status Yes

Additional eligibility documentation Yes

Organizational capacity supporting information (including organization chart) Yes

Third-party agreements Yes

Letters of support Yes

Optional: Letter of participation or intent to participate in A Home For Every Child No

Step 3: Build Your Application 25

Standard forms Use each required form in Grants.gov.

Component Included in page limit?

Project Abstract Summary No

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) No

Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A) No

(SF-424B) Assurances for Non-Construction Programs No

Key Contacts No

Grants.gov Lobbying Form No

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) No

Project/Performance Site Location(s) (SF-P/PSL) No

Step 3: Build Your Application 26

Application contents and format You will submit two files plus the standard forms in the application package.

Your organization’s authorized official must certify your application.

See intergovernmental review to find out if you need to make any other submissions.

Required format Page limit for file one and file two combined: 100 pages

File format: Portable Document Format (PDF) is recommended, but not required. ACF supports the following file formats when you attach files to the Project Narrative Attachment form and the Other Attachments form:

Accepted file formats

• Adobe PDF (.pdf)

• Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx)

• Microsoft Excel (.xls or .xlsx)

• Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt)

• Image formats (.JPG, .GIF, .TIFF, or .BMP only)

Document formats Paper size: 8 ½ inches x 11 inches Margins: 1 inch all around Language: English

If possible, include page numbers.

Do not include external links to information you want reviewers to assess because reviewers will score the application solely on information provided in the application.

Fonts Font: Times New Roman Color: Black Size: 12-point font Footnotes and text in tables and graphics may be 10-point.

Step 3: Build Your Application 27

Spacing Table of contents: Must be single-spaced Project summary: Must be single-spaced Project narrative: Must be double-spaced Line-item budget and budget narrative: Can be single-spaced Attachments: Can be single-spaced Tables and footnotes throughout: Can be single-spaced

See disqualifying factors to understand what may disqualify your application from consideration.

File one To submit file one, you will use the Project Narrative Attachment form found in the Grants.gov application package for this NOFO.

This file includes:

• Table of contents.

• Project summary, one page.

• Project narrative.

• Line-item budget and budget narrative.

Table of contents At the beginning of file one, insert a table of contents that guides a reader through the contents of both files in your application. If possible, include links to the relevant content in file one.

Project summary Provide a one-page summary of the project description. Do not cross-reference to other parts of your application. The summary must include:

• At the top, the project title, applicant name, address, phone numbers, email addresses, and any website URL.

• A brief description of the project, including the needs and population you will address, your proposed services or research questions.

Step 3: Build Your Application 28

Project narrative The project narrative is where you address all your proposed activities. It is a critical section of your application, which we evaluate using merit review criteria and rank based on application scores.

Remember that substance and measurable outcomes are more important than length.

We are particularly interested in project narratives that convey strategies for achieving intended performance.

In it, you must:

• Explain how the project will meet the purpose of the NOFO, as described in the program description section.

• Make sure your narrative is clear, concise, and complete.

• Use cross-referencing rather than repetition.

• Be sure to include any required supporting documents noted. You generally provide these in your attachments.

• Use the headings and order of the sections that follow.

Purpose and need

Geographic location

Provide the precise physical location of your project and boundaries of the area you will serve. If you will include any subrecipients in your project that will serve specific geographic areas include their locations as well.

Need for assistance

Identify the problems you plan to solve. These problems could be physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, etc. To do so:

• Demonstrate the need, including the nature and scope of the problem.

• Provide, as appropriate, supporting documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials, in your attachments.

• Include any relevant data based on planning studies or needs assessments. You may refer to them in the endnotes or footnotes of your application.

• Use demographic data and participant or beneficiary information where you can.

Objectives

State your main objectives and any sub-objectives. Address how the objectives stated relate to the overall purpose of this program and describe how you will achieve the objectives.

Step 3: Build Your Application 29

• Describe the target population for your project. Include the anticipated number and characteristics of children and kinship caregivers you’ll serve.

• Describe your understanding of the need to replicate or adapt (if serving tribal communities) a KNP to achieve safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes for your target population.

• Outline your vision for replicating or adapting a KNP. Ensure it aligns with the requirements in PI-18-11, to meet the needs of your target population.

Response

Approach

Outline your action plan. Describe the scope of your proposed project and describe in detail how you will accomplish it. Account for all functions or activities you identify in your application.

Explain potential obstacles and challenges to accomplishing your project goals. Explain the strategies you will use to address them.

• Respond to the objectives discussed in the project requirements. Describe how you’ll carry them out. Describe how you will:

• Complete the planning phase activities, as described in the Program requirements.

• Complete the implementation phase activities, as described in the Program requirements.

• Meet the KNP requirements as outlined in PI-18-11.

• Complete the requirements in the Documentation section of the Implementation phase.

• Develop partnerships to effectively implement the KNP.

• Leverage technology and modernization strategies to increase awareness, efficiency of referrals, and delivery of services, with particular attention to those living in rural areas.

Project timeline and milestones

Provide a timeline for your project that includes milestones. To do so:

• Organize the information by task and subtask, showing related milestones.

• Provide monthly or quarterly quantitative projections for tasks you plan to complete and by when. For example, provide the number of people you plan to serve or the number of a certain activity you plan to complete by a specific date.

• Provide target dates for activities you can’t quantify.

• Cover the full period of performance in your timeline.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 30

Logic model

You must submit a logic model for designing, managing, and evaluating the project. A logic model is a diagram that:

• Presents how inputs drive activities to produce outputs, outcomes, and the ultimate goals of the proposed project.

• Explains the links among project elements.

• Targets the identified objectives and goals of the project.

While there are many versions of logic models, for the purposes of this funding opportunity, the logic model may include the connections between:

• Inputs such as additional resources, organizational profile, collaborative partners, key staff, and budget.

• Target population, such as the individuals to be served or identified needs.

• Activities, mechanisms, and processes such as evidence-based practices, best practices, approach, key intervention and evaluation components, and continuous quality improvement efforts.

• Outputs, which include the immediate and direct results of program activities.

• Outcomes, which include the short- and long-term results you expect the project to achieve. These are typically described as changes in people or systems.

• Project goals, such as overarching objectives and reasons for proposing the project.

Impact

Project performance evaluation plan

Describe how you will evaluate your project’s performance and how it will contribute to continuous quality improvement. This plan must describe:

• How you will monitor ongoing activities and progress toward the project’s goals and objectives.

• The inputs, key activities, and expected outcomes of the funded activities. Inputs might include your collaborative partners, key staff, budget, service processes, or other resources.

• How you will measure the inputs, activities, and outcomes.

• How you will use the resulting information to improve your funded activities.

• Any processes that support overall data quality.

• The organizational systems and processes you will use to track performance outcomes.

Step 3: Build Your Application 31

• How your organization will collect and manage data in a way that allows for accurate and timely reporting of performance outcomes. This might include assigned skilled staff, data management software, and data integrity.

• Any potential obstacles to implementing the project performance evaluation and how you will address them.

• A timeline for how you will review information from the performance evaluation and apply it to your ongoing project.

• How you will accomplish the evaluation activities of the implementation phase.

Include:

◦ Whether you’ll conduct the evaluation in-house or contract with a third-party evaluator.

◦ Any plans to use a cultural evaluation framework, if carrying out an adapted KNP in tribal communities.

Expected outcomes

Identify the outcomes you plan to achieve from the project. Outcomes should relate to the overall program as described in the program description section. If research is part of the proposed work, outcomes must include hypothesized results and implications of the proposed research.

Resources and capabilities

Organizational capacity

Provide the following information for your full project team, including the applicant organization and any cooperating partners, contractors, and subrecipients:

• Provide evidence that your team has the relevant experience and expertise needed to carry out your project.

• Describe your team’s experience (including any partnering organizations) with administering, developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating similar projects.

• Provide evidence that your team, including partnering organizations, has the organizational capability to fulfill their roles and functions effectively.

• You must disclose your plan to enter into subaward agreements. If planning subawards, describe the work each subrecipient will complete.

• Describe your experience working with the community, for example tribal community, and ensuring services meet the needs of the community.

• Present a sound management plan for achieving the project’s objectives on time and within budget, including clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and time commitments of each person on the project team.

Step 3: Build Your Application 32

• Include letters of support from partners that demonstrate their commitment and experience relevant to effectively implementing the program.

• Provide some supporting information in the organizational capacity supporting information section of your attachments.

Current and pending funding support

Provide a list of your current and pending funding for ongoing projects and proposals.

Include all sources, such as federal, state, and local governments, public or private foundations, and for-profit organizations.

Indicate which projects and proposals require committed time from the project director, principal investigator, or other key personnel of the project you are proposing in this application.

Show the total award amount, awarding entity, and the amount of time each key staff member will devote to each project.

Plan for oversight of federal award funds and activities

You must ensure proper award oversight. The regulation that governs this oversight is 2 CFR part 200. It includes standards for:

• Financial and program management.

• Property management.

• Procurement.

• Performance and financial monitoring and reporting.

• Subrecipient monitoring and management.

• Record retention and access.

• Remedies for noncompliance.

• Prior written approval.

Describe your framework to make sure that your federal funds and activities have proper oversight. Include:

• A description of the governance, policies and procedures, and systems you use for record-keeping and financial management.

• A description of the procedures you use to identify and mitigate risks and issues.

These might include audit findings, continuous performance assessment findings, and monitoring.

• The key staff who will be responsible for maintaining oversight of program staff and any partners or subrecipients.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 3: Build Your Application 33 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-D https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-D

Project sustainability plan

You must propose a plan for project sustainability after the period of federal funding ends. We expect you to sustain key elements of your project. These elements can include strategies or services and interventions that have improved practices and outcomes.

• Provide an approach to project sustainability that is effective and feasible.

Describe:

• The key people and organizations whose support you will require.

• The types of alternative support you will require to maintain the project.

• If the proposed project involves key project partners, describe how you will maintain their cooperation or collaboration after the federal funding ends.

Protection of sensitive or confidential information

Describe how you will collect and safeguard protected personally identifiable information and other information that is considered sensitive. Make sure your approach is consistent with applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws regarding privacy and obligations of confidentiality. Provide:

• The methods and systems you will use to make sure that you properly handle confidential and sensitive information, including information from any subrecipients or contractors.

• A plan for the disposition of such information at the end of the period of performance.

For more information, see 2 CFR 200.303(e).

Dissemination plan

Propose a plan to disseminate reports, products, and project outputs to key target audiences. Include:

• Dissemination goals and objectives.

• Strategies to identify and engage with target audiences.

• How you will…