Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Thursday, August 6, 2026

Administration on Children, Youth and Families Children’s Bureau

A Network for Connection, Healing and Ongoing Resources (ANCHOR) Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CO-0041

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 6

Agency priorities 8

Program description 10

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 18

Find the application package 19

Get registered 19

Learn more 20

Step 3: Build Your Application 21

Application checklist 22

Application contents and format 24

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 39

Application review 40

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 55

Before you begin 3

Modifications 59

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 Thursday, August 6, 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 8

Program description 10

Basic information Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Administration on Children, Youth and Families

Children’s Bureau

Promoting the well-being of birth parents through post-adoption support, services, and resources.

Have questions?

See Contacts and Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

A Network for Connection, Healing and Ongoing Resources (ANCHOR)

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-

CO-0041

Federal assistance listing:

93.652

NOFO version: Original

Key dates

Application submission deadline:

August 6, 2026

Expected project start date:

September 30, 2026

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

Summary This program funds one nonprofit organization to develop, implement, and evaluate a demonstration program of post-adoption support services for birth parents.

• This is for birth parents who have voluntarily placed their children for private domestic adoption.

• This initiative recognizes that the well-being of all parties in an adoption is essential.

• Birth parents often benefit from support and resources following their placement for adoption.

This demonstration program will provide services, support groups, and resources.

This work directly supports ACF’s mission to promote the social well-being of families and individuals.

Funding details Type: Cooperative agreement

Expected total program funding: $1,000,000

Total expected awards: 1

Minimum award amount (award floor): $450,000

Maximum award amount (award ceiling): $1,000,000

This is full funding. We plan to fund a two-year project period with one budget period.

Awards made under this funding opportunity are subject to federal funds availability.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Eligibility Eligible applicants Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations that are adoption-focused and have extensive experience providing services and support to birth parents who have voluntarily placed a child for adoption in a private domestic placement.

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.

Organizations should be adoption-focused with expertise and experience working with birth parents who have placed their children for private domestic adoption.

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.

• Is not a non-profit organization.

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.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Cost sharing This program has no cost-sharing requirement, meaning you do not need to contribute to the costs of this project.

If you choose to include cost-sharing funds, we won’t consider it during review. If you receive an award, we will include your voluntary commitment in the award, and you must report on the funds. If you don’t provide your promised amount, we may have to decrease your award amount or use other enforcement actions.

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 42 U.S.C. 5113(b)(4).

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-2000-title42-section5113&num=0&edition=2000

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 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.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8 https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values

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

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200

Program description Background The decision to place a child for adoption is a significant and often complex emotional experience for birth parents. While adoption provides children with safe and permanent homes, it is important to acknowledge and support the needs of birth parents after their placement. Access to support groups, peer support, and other resources can be helpful in promoting their long-term well-being and healthy processing of grief and loss.

Currently, there is a need for more structured, evidence-informed models of post-adoption support for birth parents.

This demonstration program seeks to fill that gap by funding an expert organization to deliver and formally evaluate a program of support.

By building the evidence base, ACF aims to identify best practices that can be shared and replicated, ultimately strengthening services for all members of the adoption community and promoting family well-being.

This program supports the ACF Priority Area of Promoting Marriage and Family Formation. This NOFO will support strong families by promoting the value of family stability by connecting, healing and providing ongoing resources.

Project requirements Goal The goal is to identify and promote effective models of support that contribute to the positive adjustment and well-being of birth parents.

Key parts of this project include:

• Testing and improving the model (formative evaluation).

• Measuring how well the services work (implementation and outcomes).

• Creating a manual so other organizations can replicate the model and test its effectiveness.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10

Program objectives The ANCHOR demonstration program will achieve the following objectives:

Deliver high-quality support services:

• Develop and implement a structured program of support for birth parents.

• To include professionally facilitated support groups, resource navigation, and other direct services.

Conduct program evaluation:

• Clarify the needs of the focal population.

• Improve program operations.

• Enhance quality of service delivery to birth parents.

Develop a replicable model:

• Based on the evaluation findings, you will create a step-by-step program model that is written so others can easily follow it (a manualized intervention).

• Develop ways to track how it’s carried out and how well it works.

• The materials should be geared toward other adoption-focused organizations.

Disseminate findings:

• Share the results of the evaluation and the program model with the broader child welfare and adoption community.

Core activities You will be responsible for the following core activities:

• Program implementation and service delivery.

• Program evaluation.

• Dissemination and knowledge sharing.

• Reporting.

• Collaboration and coordination.

Program implementation and service delivery You will design, implement, and refine a comprehensive program of support that is responsive to the needs of birth parents.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11

This includes:

Supporting group development and facilitation:

• Design and facilitate professionally led support groups.

◦ Groups should be structured to provide a safe and confidential environment.

• Offer groups through multiple modalities (e.g., in-person, virtual, or a hybrid model) to ensure accessibility for birth parents in different geographic locations with varying schedules.

• Develop a curriculum or framework for the support groups that address common themes such as grief and loss, identity, relationships with adoptive families, and navigating post-adoption milestones.

Directing services and resource navigation:

• Provide direct access to, or facilitated referrals for, individual counseling with qualified mental health professionals experienced in adoption and post-placement issues.

• Develop and maintain a curated list of resources (e.g., books, websites, podcasts, and community services) tailored to the experiences and needs of birth parents.

• Establish a system for connecting birth parents with peer mentors who have shared lived experience, if appropriate and desired by participants.

Outreach and engagement:

• Conduct sensitive and targeted outreach to identify and enroll eligible birth parents.

◦ Outreach may be conducted in partnership with adoption agencies, attorneys, and other professionals.

• Develop materials that clearly and respectfully communicate the purpose and availability of support services.

Program evaluation You will evaluate the demonstration project and conduct formative evaluation activities. These include:

• Clarifying the needs of birth parents (the focal population).

• Improving program operations.

• Improving the quality-of-service delivery and support for birth parents.

Develop a manualized intervention, as well as implementation and outcome measures, at the end of the project.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12

The evaluation must be:

• Objective.

• Transparent.

• Designed to generate actionable findings.

Evaluation design

• The evaluation must use a mixed-methods design, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data to comprehensively cover the program’s implementation.

◦ It should also consider impact.

• You must develop a clear logic model that connects program activities to intended outcomes.

• The evaluation should be objective.

◦ It should be conducted by an independent evaluator or there should be a clear organizational separation between program staff and evaluation.

• All evaluation activities involving human subjects must receive Institutional Review Board approval before data collection.

Key evaluation questions

The evaluation will be designed to answer critical questions about the program’s effectiveness, implementation, and replicability.

At a minimum, the evaluation should answer:

• Outcomes:

◦ What specific components of the program (e.g., group facilitation, peer connections, access to counseling) are most valued by participants?

◦ What components are most strongly associated with positive outcomes?

• Implementation:

◦ What are the successes and challenges in recruiting and retaining birth parents in the program?

◦ What lessons can be learned about service delivery in different modalities (virtual vs. in-person)?

◦ What are the essential components of each aspect of the support program?

◦ Were any adaptations needed?

• Sustainability:

◦ What are the key elements and estimated costs required for another organization to successfully replicate this support model?

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13

Performance measurement and reporting

You must establish baseline measures. You must also report on evaluation activities and findings in semi-annual and final reports.

Process measures may include:

• The number of birth parents served by the program.

• The number and frequency of support groups convened.

• The participant attendance and retention rates in the program.

The outcome measures may include:

• Changes in participant scores on validated assessment tools measuring well-being, social support, and adjustment post-adoption.

• Participant satisfaction with the quality and relevance of the services received.

• Qualitative data from interviews or focus groups detailing participants’ experiences and the perceived impact of the program.

• Children’s Bureau (CB) is seeking approval of its ANCHOR data indicators through the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). CB will not request this information if these forms are not approved at the time that reports are due. Please see Reporting for more information.

Dissemination and knowledge sharing You will be responsible for developing materials to ensure knowledge gained from this project can be used to strengthen services nationally.

Required deliverables include:

Program manual and implementation guide:

A practical guide for other organizations interested in replicating the support model.

This toolkit must include:

• Sample curricula.

• Facilitator qualifications.

• Outreach materials.

• Lessons learned on implementation.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14

Comprehensive final evaluation report:

A detailed report describing:

• The evaluation methodology.

• All quantitative and qualitative findings.

• Actionable recommendations for the field.

Brief summaries and presentations:

• Easy-to-read summaries of the findings for stakeholders.

• At least one national webinar or conference presentation to share the project results.

Please be advised that the Stevens Amendment will apply to all materials developed under this opportunity.

Collaboration and coordination You will function within the broader landscape of CB’s initiatives and must participate in:

• Meetings with ACF federal project officers.

• Annual CB grant recipient meetings.

• Coordination calls with related initiatives.

Cooperative agreement—Description of ACF’s involvement A cooperative agreement is a specific method of awarding federal assistance where you can expect substantial federal involvement. A cooperative agreement clearly defines the respective responsibilities of CB and you, as the recipient. We expect that the agency’s involvement will assist with producing program benefits that would not otherwise be available.

For this project, our involvement and collaboration will include the following:

• Reviewing and approving planning stages of the activities before they are implemented.

• Coordinating key program activities, including strategic planning, implementation, information technology enhancements, training and technical assistance, development of publications or products, and evaluation.

• Closely monitoring the project beyond what’s typical for awards, to ensure your project matches the intent and scope of this funding.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15 https://https//acf.gov/grants/administrative-and-national-policy-requirements

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:

◦ 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.

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.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 16 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

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.

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 17 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 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 19

Get registered 19

Learn more 20

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.

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.

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 19 https://www.grants.gov/support 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

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 20 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 22

Application contents and format 24

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

Organizational capacity supporting information (including organization chart) Yes

Third-party agreements Yes

Protection of human subjects certification No

Step 3: Build Your Application 22

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 23

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.

Required format Page limit for file one and file two combined: 90 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 24

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: Narratives 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 25

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

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.

• Present a clear description of the proposed project.

◦ Include a clear statement of the goals (i.e., the intended end products of an effective project) and objectives (i.e., measurable steps for reaching these goals).

• You should ensure the overall objectives outlined in the Program Description are incorporated.

Step 3: Build Your Application 26

• Present a clear, concise, and appropriate vision for the proposed project.

◦ The overall vision for the project clearly addresses the need to provide support services as a means of addressing the needs of birth parents that have voluntarily placed their children for private adoption.

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.

Specifically:

• Demonstrate the ability and process to provide support groups, support services, and resources to birth parents who have voluntarily placed a child for private domestic adoption.

• Respond to all the elements discussed in the project requirements section, under Program Implementation and Service Delivery.

◦ Describe in detail how you will develop and deliver high-quality support services.

• Describe how your proposed project aligns with the applicable ACF priorities.

• Provide a workable plan of action that:

◦ Relates to the project objectives and scope of the project.

◦ Reflects the intent and an understanding of the project’s priorities to provide support services for birth parents that can be evaluated and replicated.

• Describe how you will provide support group development and facilitation.

• Describe how you will provide direct services and resources for birth parents.

• Describe how you conduct outreach and engagement to potential service recipients.

• Detail a reasonable and convincing replicability plan after the period of federal funding ends.

• Propose a sound plan for dissemination and knowledge sharing.

Step 3: Build Your Application 27

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.

• 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.

Additionally:

• Clearly link the logic model to the evaluation plan.

• Make sure the logic model shows strong links between proposed activities and intended short-term and long-term outcomes.

Step 3: Build Your Application 28

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.

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

• Explain how the proposed project performance evaluation plan will provide regular, meaningful feedback to improve the project.

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

• Describe the details of the:

◦ Proposed data collection activities.

◦ Participants.

◦ Data management.

◦ Data integrity.

◦ Analysis plans.

• Specify expected outcomes and any research questions.

• Explain how the evaluation results will help inform and improve the funded activities.

Step 3: Build Your Application 29

• Describe any potential obstacles in implementing the evaluation and how you will address them.

• Describe the proposed evaluator’s qualifications and experience.

Activities evaluation plan

Describe your plan for rigorous evaluation of funded activities. The evaluation must:

• Assess activities and progress towards the goals and objectives of the project.

• Assess whether the project is having the expected impacts.

• Specify expected outcomes and any research questions, as well as how the evaluation results will help you understand and improve the funded activities.

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

• Describe the details of the proposed data collection activities, participants, data management, data integrity, and analysis plans.

• Describe any potential obstacles in implementing the evaluation and how you will address them.

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.

Step 3: Build Your Application 30

• Provide evidence that your organization has specific adoption-focused expertise and experience working with parents who have placed their children for private domestic adoption.

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

With this, specifically:

• Demonstrate the capacity of your organization to fulfill your roles and functions.

• Demonstrate the capacity of any partnering organizations, agencies, or subcontractors and their staff to administer and implement the project effectively and efficiently.

• Demonstrate sufficient and relevant experience and expertise in:

◦ Administration.

◦ Development.

◦ Implementation.

◦ Management.

◦ Evaluation of similar projects.

• Demonstrate that your organization is adoption-focused with relevant expertise and experience working with birth parents who have placed their children for private domestic adoption.

• Discuss the roles, responsibilities, and time commitments of each proposed key project staff position.

◦ This includes consultants, subcontractors, and partnering agencies or organizations.

◦ Ensure they are clearly defined and appropriate for the successful implementation of the proposed project.

◦ Show that you’ve secured commitments from key partners, if applicable.

• Demonstrate that the proposed project director and key project staff possess sufficient relevant knowledge, experience, and capabilities to implement and manage a project of this size, scope, and complexity.

• Explain a sound management plan for achieving the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget.

◦ Include clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks and ensuring quality.

• Demonstrate a mutually beneficial relationship between the proposed project and your other work that’s planned, anticipated, or underway with federal assistance (if applicable).

Step 3: Build Your Application 31

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.

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.

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 32 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-D

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 allocate enough staff time and budget for dissemination.

• A preliminary plan to evaluate whether target audiences receive project information and use it as intended.

• The dissemination timeline.

Line-item budget and budget narrative The line-item budget and budget justification support the information you provide in the Budget Information Standard Form SF-424A.

HHS now uses the definitions for equipment and supplies in 2 CFR 200.1. The new definitions change the threshold for equipment to the lesser of the recipient’s capitalization level or $10,000 and the threshold for supplies to below that amount.

Justify the costs you ask for and provide detail, including calculations for the “object class categories” in the Budget Information Standard Form. You will provide this information for the full period of performance. See information on funding periods.

As you develop your budget, consider:

• If the costs are necessary, reasonable, allocable, and consistent with your project’s purpose and activities.

• How you calculate your costs in ways that are clear and repeatable.

• The restrictions on spending funds. See the funding policies and limitations.

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#200.303 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Equipment) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.1(Supply) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#200.1

Please also review the Standard Form instructions.

To create your line-item budget and justification, see detailed budget instructions on our website.

In general, you must:

• Indicate the method you will use for your indirect cost rate. See the indirect costs section for further information.

• Include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail necessary for the calculation to be duplicated.

• For any cost sharing, include a detailed listing of any funding sources identified in Block 18 of the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance.

• For applicants planning to use subawards, if your subaward budget is more than 50% of total direct costs, justify why you are subawarding that portion of the project. Explain:

◦ How you plan to maintain a substantive role in the project.

◦ Why you cannot achieve your goals without the subrecipients’ participation.

You will also be evaluated based on how effectively you:

• Provide a line-item budget for each year of the project and a detailed narrative budget justification for the first year of the project.

• Discuss how the costs of the proposed project are reasonable for the activities you’ll conduct and the expected results and benefits.

• Demonstrate fiscal controls and accounting procedures.

• Ensure funds are used prudently, dispersed properly and on time, and accurately accounted for.

Proprietary or personally identifiable information Clearly identify any salary or other proprietary information or personally identifiable information within your application. Identification will ensure this information is not shared with reviewers. Note on page 1 of the attachments file (file two) where the information to be redacted is located.

If you have an exemption for a paper submission, you can protect salary information and any proprietary information by placing that information only in the original application. You can remove the information from the copies, keeping summary information.

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 34 https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/prepare-budget https://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/prepare-budget

File two: Attachments To submit file two, you will use the Other Attachments form found in the Grants.gov application package for this NOFO.

This file includes all attachments.

ACF Priorities Alignment Attestation

Not included in the page limit. This should be submitted with the application or before award.

You must self-certify that you will align with the ACF priorities that are relevant to this funding opportunity, as identified in both the Program description and Step 4, under Merit review process, Scoring criteria, Alignment with ACF Vision, Mission, Values, Priorities, and Guiding Principles, elements 2 and 3. You must provide the following on your organization’s letterhead.

I hereby attest and certify that:

_____________________ (Applicant Name) affirms its commitment to supporting and advancing ACF’s published Vision, Mission, Values, Priorities, and Guiding Principles of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), consistent with applicable federal statutes, regulations, and Administration priorities.

Insert Date of Signature:

Print Name and Title of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR):

Signature of AOR:

Indirect cost agreement If you include indirect costs in your budget using an approved rate, include a copy of your current agreement approved by your cognizant agency for indirect costs. If you use the de minimis rate, you do not need to submit this attachment.

See the indirect costs section for more information.

Legal proof of nonprofit status If your organization is a nonprofit, you need to attach proof. We will accept any of the following:

• A reference to your listing in the IRS’s most recent list of tax-exempt organizations.

• A copy of a current tax exemption certificate from the IRS.

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 35 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#p-200.1(Cognizant%20agency%20for%20indirect%20costs)

• A letter from your state’s tax department, attorney general, or another appropriate state official saying that your group is a nonprofit and that none of your net earnings go to private shareholders or others.

• A certified copy of your certificate of incorporation or similar document. This document must show that your group is a nonprofit.

• Any of these documents for a parent organization. Also include a statement signed by an official of the parent group that your organization is a nonprofit affiliate.

Organizational capacity supporting information You must attach the following information to support the information in your organizational capacity section:

• Organizational charts, including all partners.

• Resumes, biographical sketches, or curricula vitae for all key…