hhs-2026-acf-acyf-cf-0004 Full Announcement.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Friday, August 7, 2026

Administration on Children, Youth and Families Children’s Bureau

Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CF-0004

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Agency priorities 9

Program Description 11

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 42

Application review 43

Award notices 50

Step 5: Submit Your Application 51

Application submission and deadlines 52

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 54

Post-award requirements and administration 55

Contacts and Support 56

Before you begin 3

Modifications 60

Endnotes 61

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 6

Agency priorities 9

Program Description 11

Basic information Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Administration on Children, Youth and Families

Children’s Bureau

Evaluating Kinship Navigator Programs to show their efficacy at improving child welfare outcomes.

Have questions?

See Contacts and Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-

CF-0004

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 funding opportunity is to support the implementation and rigorous evaluation of existing Kinship Navigator Programs (KNPs) that are not currently rated on the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse). The purpose is to expand the number of state and tribal child welfare agencies implementing KNPs that propose to meet the PI-18-11 requirements for the optional Title IV-E Kinship Navigator federal program. By generating strong evidence that KNPs improve outcomes for kinship caregivers and the children in their care, this funding will position more KNPs for Clearinghouse review with potential designations as promising, supported, or well-supported. This opportunity prioritizes states and tribal communities that are not currently operating a Title IV-E KNP.

Funding details Type: Cooperative agreement

Expected total program funding: $4,800,000

Total expected awards: 8

Minimum award amount for the first budget period (award floor): $400,000

Maximum award amount for the first budget period (award ceiling): $600,000

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

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 5 https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/program?combine_1=&progarea_filter%5B4%5D=4 https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/program?combine_1=&progarea_filter%5B4%5D=4 https://acf.gov/cb/policy-guidance/pi-18-11 https://acf.gov/cb/grant-funding/kinship-navigator-program

Eligibility Eligible applicants Eligible organizations are state, local, or tribal child welfare agencies and private nonprofit organizations. Institutions of higher education as defined under section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001) are also eligible to apply.

If the applying organization is not the title IV-E agency, it is highly recommended that the organization have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from the IV-E agency stating that the IV-E agency is committing to implementing the KNP program if it receives a rating of promising, supported, or well supported from the Clearinghouse.

See the additional eligibility documentation section of the attachments.

You may apply with other states or tribes to increase the overall number of children served through the grant. This program will prioritize applicants with a letter of commitment from a state/tribal title IV-E agency that has not implemented the Title IV- E Kinship Navigator Program. See the letter of commitment section of the attachments for more information.

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.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

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: Start with the federal share.

Calculation: Divide the federal share by 3.

For example: $600,000 / 3 = $200,000.

Method 2: Start with the total project cost.

Calculation: Multiply the total project cost by 25%.

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

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.

• In-kind (non-cash) contributions from partners or third parties are encouraged to meet the match requirements. 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 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 7 https://acf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/compilation-of-ssa_0.pdf https://acf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/compilation-of-ssa_0.pdf

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 USC 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 of Title IV-B of the Social Security Act (the Act) (42 U.S.C. 627) as amended by Pub. L. 118-258.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8 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?req=(title:42%20section:627%20edition:prelim) https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48503

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, & guiding principles[1] 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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 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 10

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 opportunity also aligns with 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 through diligent recruitment, prioritizing kin placement, and improving retention of existing caregivers.

The term “kinship care” encompasses a variety of situations in which children are raised by other family members, relative caregivers, or close non-related caregivers when the child’s parents are unable to care for the child. Kinship care has become increasingly important in meeting the needs of children involved in the child welfare system or at risk of becoming involved with that system. The U.S. Census indicates substantial growth in the number of children living with relatives other than their parents. In 2023, 2.74 million children [PDF] were living in relative households without a parent. Of those children, 59% lived with grandparents, 27% lived with other relatives, and 14% lived with non-relatives, known as fictive kin.

More than one-third of children in foster care (about 123,294 in FY 2022) were placed in relative foster homes. Research from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well- Being shows that children living with relatives experience fewer behavioral problems and greater placement stability than those placed with non-relatives. Federal law [PDF], therefore, requires child welfare agencies to prioritize identifying and placing children with relatives when removal from parents is necessary and allows title IV-E agencies to use different licensing standards for kinship foster homes.

Most kinship care occurs outside the foster care system—over 70% of the roughly 2 million children in kinship care live in informal arrangements facilitated by families or with limited child welfare involvement. While kinship caregivers play a critical role in keeping children out of foster care, many receive little financial support and are less likely to access training, respite care, or peer support services, highlighting the need for stronger supports for these families.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 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://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://acf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/im2008.pdf https://acf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/im2008.pdf https://acf.gov/archive/cb/policy-guidance/im-23-07

Kinship Navigator Programs (KNPs), provided through title IV-E agencies, help relative and kin caregivers. These KPNs have programs and services to meet caregiver needs and the needs of the children in their care. KNPs must be rated as promising, supported, or well-supported, according to the Clearinghouse, to be used by title IV-E agencies. The Clearinghouse rates KNP according to the following three criteria as defined in the Handbook of Standards and Procedures [PDF] version 2.0. This criteria is defined as:

• Well-supported. A program or service is rated as a well-supported practice if it has at least two randomized control trial (RCT) or quasi-experimental design (QED) studies carried out in usual care or practice settings that achieve a design and execution rating of high or moderate and demonstrate favorable effects in a target outcome domain. At least one of the contrasts must demonstrate a sustained favorable effect of at least 12 months beyond the end of treatment on at least one eligible outcome.

• Supported. A program or service is rated as a supported practice if it has at least one RCT or QED study carried out in a usual care or practice setting that achieves a design and execution rating of high or moderate and demonstrates a sustained favorable effect of at least 6 months beyond the end of treatment on at least one eligible outcome.

• Promising. A program or service is designated as a promising practice if it has at least one study that utilizes some form of control, achieves a design and execution rating of high or moderate, and demonstrates a favorable effect on at least one eligible outcome. The Prevention Services Clearinghouse is planning to develop and pilot standards for studies with single case designs and determine how such designs can contribute to the promising rating.

Seven KNP models currently meet these criteria. You are encouraged to review the evaluation design and methods of the these KNP, which include the following:

• Promising level (statistically significant outcomes)

• Foster Kinship Navigator Program

• Ohio’s Kinship Supports Intervention

• Arizona Kinship Support Services

• Colorado Kinnected

• Kinship Interdisciplinary Network Technologically Advanced Model

• Washington State Kinship Navigator Program

The project director and evaluator are expected to attend one annual grantee meeting per year in Washington, DC.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/psc_handbook_v2_508c.pdf https://acf.gov/cb/grant-funding/kinship-navigator-program https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/programs/811/show https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/programs/861/show https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/programs/753/show https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/programs/775/show https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/programs/950/show https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/programs/914/show

Purpose The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the implementation and rigorous evaluation of existing Kinship Navigator Programs (KNPs). The goal is to expand the number of state and tribal child welfare agencies implementing KNPs as defined in section 427(a)(1) [PDF] of the Act. Strengthening the evidence base will position more programs for review by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse and potential designation as promising, supported, or well-supported. This opportunity is intended for states and tribal communities that are not currently operating a Title IV-E Kinship Navigator Program per section 474(a)(7) of the Act.

A priority of this opportunity is to encourage states or tribes that have not received approval to implement the Title IV-E KNP. The merit reviewers will award bonus points to applicants that demonstrate the KNP will be implemented in one of the jurisdictions with no approved Title IV-E KNP.

This program primarily supports the following ACF priorities:

• Ensuring Value Alignment in Funding: This NOFO aligns with this priority by supporting projects that strengthen families, promote kinship care, improve child well-being, and advance ACF priorities related to family stability, evidence-based practice, and responsible stewardship of federal resources. Applicants must demonstrate how their project design, partnerships, implementation, and outcomes align with ACF’s vision, mission, values, and guiding principles.

• Gold-Standard Research: The NOFO advances this priority by requiring rigorous evaluations of Kinship Navigator Programs using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental designs (QEDs) that meet Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse standards. Funded projects will generate high-quality evidence on program effectiveness, helping expand the number of Kinship Navigator Programs eligible for Clearinghouse review and future title IV-E funding.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13 https://acf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/compilation-of-ssa_0.pdf https://acf.gov/cb/grant-funding/kinship-navigator-program https://acf.gov/cb/grant-funding/kinship-navigator-program https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title04/0474.htm

Project requirements Objectives Project activities will be completed in two overarching phases. The first phase is an initial 6-month collaborative planning phase. The second phase covers the evaluation of the KNP following Children Bureau’s (CB) approval of the evaluation for the remainder of year 1 through year 3. In Phase I, projects will implement the KNP and begin the evaluation in collaboration with CB and the Evaluation Technical Assistance (TA) provider to review and revise the KNP and the evaluation plan to ensure each meet the requirements as outlined in Social Security Act, section 427(a)(1) and Clearinghouse Handbook of Standards and Procedures.

In Phase II, with CB and the Evaluation TA Provider, the project will focus on evaluating KNP services to build evidence of effectiveness in achieving positive outcomes for children and families.

To meet its goals across Phases I and II, projects will be completed in alignment with ACF’s values and focus on the objectives in the following subsections:

Implementing KNP Services You will implement an existing KNP that proposes to meet the requirements outlined in PI-18-11, to include the following:

• Coordinate with other state or local agencies who promote service coordination or referral services (i.e., 2-1-1[2] or 3-1-1[3] information systems). ACF encourages you to leverage technology and modernization strategies to improve the speed and efficiency of delivering information and referral services to kinship caregivers statewide, with particular attention to those living in rural areas.

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

• Establish information and referral services that link kinship caregivers with relevant training and legal assistance.

• Provide outreach to kinship care families (e.g., kinship care website, or other relevant guides or outreach materials). Any website must comply with the Stevens Amendment.

• Promote partnerships between public and private agencies.

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 https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values https://acf.gov/cb/policy-guidance/pi-18-11 https://acf.gov/grants/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements https://acf.gov/grants/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements

CB requires that when KNP services are not delivered directly by the title IV-E child welfare agency, the recipients must have a formal partnership with the state or tribal title IV-E agency. Partnerships are critical to collaboration and accountability. You will work across and with partners in good faith, focusing on transparency, honoring commitments, and holding each other responsible to project objectives to ensure that kinship caregivers receive services based on their needs timely.

Examples of additional partners may include:

• Other public child and family serving agencies (e.g., Head Start, Temporary Assistance to 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

You will identify criteria for families to be eligible for the KNP, which may include families:

• With a child placed in a licensed relative foster home for those in formal foster care.

• With a child placed an unlicensed relative foster home,

• Participating in guardianship arrangements under the Title IV-E Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP).

• Raising a relative child with no formal involvement with the child welfare agency, children informal foster care.

You will develop a comprehensive KNP program manual that clearly describes the following core components:

• KNP service description, including outreach and referral processes to ensure kinship families have information on and access to relevant services, resources, and benefits.

• Dosage of services (i.e., duration, frequency, and intensity), describe the clear start and end dates for the intervention for when kinship families can be served by the

KNP.

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

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

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15 https://acf.gov/cb/grant-funding/title-iv-e-guardianship-assistance https://acf.gov/cb/grant-funding/title-iv-e-guardianship-assistance

Building evidence and knowledge You will implement evaluations of KNP services in Phase II, following CB approval of the evaluation plan.

Evaluations must clearly outline the sample population of the evaluation. Evaluations may include an implementation, impact, and cost study, as detailed below. Evaluations can be conducted by either an internal or external evaluator to the agency who demonstrates the knowledge and expertise to oversee rigorous evaluation design projects in child welfare. Single group pretest-posttest designs, in which a single group receives an intervention and the outcomes are assessed before and after the intervention, are not eligible because such designs do not include an appropriate comparison condition.

An implementation study that describes and evaluates the following:

• Components of the KNP (e.g., target population, eligibility criteria, outreach and referral strategies, etc.).

• The extent to which the KNP is being implemented and practiced with fidelity.

• Involvement of partners in the implementation of services.

• Factors that facilitated and hindered progress.

An impact study that tests the effectiveness of the KNP using a rigorous design and includes the following:

• Adheres to design and execution standards for a randomized control trial (RCT) design or a quasi-experimental design (QED) as described in Chapter 5 of the Clearinghouse Handbook of Standards and Procedures.

• Projects that use a QED design must justify and describe services received by the comparison group (i.e., services received as usual or with minimal intervention).

• Demonstrates evidence of effectiveness (i.e., a causal link between interventions and intended outcomes).

• Measures at least one of the target outcomes as described in Chapter 4 of the Clearinghouse Handbook of Standards.

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

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 16 https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/resources/handbook-of-standards-and-procedures-2 https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/resources/handbook-of-standards-and-procedures-2

Target outcomes may include child permanency and well-being. You may assess:

• Child permanency by examining whether children who received KNP services show changes in licensed kinship placements, placement stability, time in foster care, maltreatment, foster care entry, and reunification, adoption, or guardianship outcomes.

• Child and caregiver well-being by examining whether KNP services lead to improvements in academic performance, employment, stress, physical or mental health, and family needs.

A cost study to better understand the costs of the program and a comparison of KNP costs to foster care maintenance payments per child. Examples of cost study research questions may include:

• On average, how much does it cost to implement the KNP?

• What is the cost of providing KNP services to a family defined as a kinship caregiver and one child?

• How much does the cost of the KNP increase if the family has more children in the household?

• What is the cost of providing KNP services to a child living with an informal kinship caregiver that is receiving preventive services? How does this compare to the costs of providing foster care services to that child?

Your cost study may include the total annual costs of operating the KNP, and how both personnel (e.g., salaries, benefits) and non-personnel (e.g., facilities, overhead, contracts) resources are allocated among cost categories and program activities.

Demonstrating improved outcomes for kinship families The goal is for your final evaluation report to demonstrate statistically significant findings of positive outcomes for children and relative caregivers who received the KNP services. Upon completion, you may submit this final report to the Clearinghouse for review. If the Clearinghouse determines the KNP meets the evidence criteria for well-supported, supported, or promising, then this evidence-based program will qualify for the Title IV-E KNP federal funding per Children’s Bureau instructions PI-18-11.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 17 https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/

Cooperative agreement—Description of ACF’s involvement A cooperative agreement is a method of awarding federal assistance that includes substantial federal involvement. The agreement clearly defines the responsibilities of the Children’s Bureau and the awardee. Our involvement and collaboration will include the following.

• We will work with you to plan and carry out your key project activities.

• We will work with you to plan and carry out a rigorous local evaluation designed in accordance with the Handbook of Standards and Procedures Version 2.0.

• We will monitor your project to make sure it follows the requirements for target population and scope of services.

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.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 18 https://preventionservices.acf.hhs.gov/resources/handbook-of-standards-and-procedures-2 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300

◦ 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.

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.

• Fundraising.

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.

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/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72 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

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.

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.

Program income If you earn any money from your award-supported project activities (known as program income), you must use it for the purposes and under the conditions of the award. Find more about program income at 2 CFR 200.307.

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/ https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.307

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.

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

Legal proof of for-profit status Yes

Legal proof of small businesses Yes

Organizational capacity supporting information (including organization chart) Yes

Third-party agreements Yes

Letters of commitment Yes

Brief Description of KNP Manual Yes

Maintenance of effort certification Yes

Protection of human subjects certification 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 Logic model: Can be single-spaced Resumes: Can be single-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.

• Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activities support improved child safety, permanency, well-being, and alignment with ACF priorities related to family stability.

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 29 https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values

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.

• Describe your understanding of the need to implement and build evidence on the effectiveness of KNPs to achieve safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes for children in or at risk of entry into foster care.

• Outline your vision for implementing KNP services as defined by section 427 of the Act and conducting a rigorous evaluation to demonstrate effectiveness of the services in for the Title IV-E Kinship Navigator program per section 474(a)(7) of the Act.

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.

You must respond to the objectives discussed in the project requirements and describe how you will carry them out. Include your approach to each of the following:

• Describe how your proposed project aligns with the applicable ACF priorities identified in the program description. This includes how your project activities, partnerships, delivery, and expected outcomes support these priorities.

• Describe how you will implement the KNP services as outlined in PI-18-11, specifically the following five components:

◦ Coordinating with other state or local agencies who promote service coordination or referral services.

◦ Planning and operating in consultation with kinship caregivers, youth raised in kinship care, and organizations representing the caregivers’ interests and providing outreach to kinship families.

◦ Establishing information and referral services that link kinship caregivers with relevant training and legal assistance.

◦ Providing outreach to kinship care families (i.e., kinship care website, or other relevant guides or outreach materials).

◦ Promoting partnerships between public and private agencies.

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 30

• Describe the anticipated number of children and kinship caregivers to be served in each year of the project.

• Establish a written KNP manual by providing a summary of the following core components:

◦ Description of the KNP services, to include processes for identifying families;

conducting outreach; referring eligible families to relevant services, resources, and benefits; and a clear start and end date for the intervention.

◦ Dosage (e.g., duration, frequency, and intensity) and length of time families can remain involved in KNP 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.)

• Develop partnerships to maximize collaboration, accountability, and impact of KNP services. If you are not a title IV-E child welfare agency, demonstrate a commitment to working with them. Identify other partnerships and how they contribute to project goals.

• Identify and use modernization strategies, such as technology, to enhance project impact.

• Collaborate with CB and the evaluation TA provider during the planning phase and make necessary revisions to ensure the KNP services considers statutory requirements and evaluation requirements outlined in ACYF-CB-PI-18-11.

• Using findings from prior experiences with implementing and evaluating KNP services to inform this project.

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.

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.

Step 3: Build Your Application 31

• 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.

• 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.

Step 3: Build Your Application 32

A timeline for how you…