Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) Division of Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY)

National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CY-0160

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Agency priorities 10

Program description 12

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 25

Find the application package 26

Get registered 27

Learn more 27

Step 3: Build Your Application 28

Application checklist 29

Application contents and format 31

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 49

Application review 50

Award notices 56

Step 5: Submit Your Application 57

Application submission and deadlines 58

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 60

Post-award requirements and administration 61

Contacts and Support 63

Before you begin 3

Modifications 66

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 Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

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

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

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

Step 1:

Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Agency priorities 10

Program description 12

Basic information Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB)

Division of Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY)

The National Communication System (NCS) program assists youth who are considering running away, youth who have run away, and youth experiencing homelessness, in communicating with their families, and when necessary, connecting them with shelters and other critical services.

Have questions?

See Contacts and Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name: The National Communication System (NCS)

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-

CY-0160

Federal assistance listing:

93.623

NOFO version: Original

Key dates

Application submission deadline:

August 19, 2026

Expected project start date:

September 30, 2026

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

Summary The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), through the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) and its Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) will award one cooperative agreement for a period of three years to operate the NCS for the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) program.

The NCS program leads runaway and youth homelessness prevention efforts nationwide to increase awareness of the services and resources it provides to young people, especially youth at risk of running away or experiencing homelessness and their families. The program assists youth in communicating with their families and, when necessary, connecting them with shelters and other critical services and community-based providers. It also provides information and referral services, technical support, crisis intervention, and prevention resources to families, legal guardians, service providers, and other youth-serving organizations. Throughout this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), we use the term “youth” to describe children, adolescents, and young adults who are considering running away, who have run away, and who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, homelessness.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Funding details Type: Cooperative agreement

Expected total program funding: $1,800,000

Total expected awards: 1

Minimum award amount for the first budget period (award floor): $1,000,000

Maximum award amount for the first budget period (award ceiling): $1,800,000

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Eligibility Eligible applicants These types of entities may apply:

• Public and private nonprofit entities.

• State, county, city or township, and special district governments.

• Independent school districts.

• Public- and state-controlled institutions of higher education.

• Private institutions of higher education.

• Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities.

• Nonprofits with or without a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

• Native American tribal governments (federally recognized).

• Native American tribal governments (other than federally recognized tribal governments).

Other eligibility criteria Individuals (including sole proprietorships), foreign 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.

For-profit organizations are not eligible.

In accordance with section 331 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHY Act) (34 U.S.C. 11231), we will prioritize applicants with experience in providing telephone services to vulnerable youth, at-risk youth, and runaway and homeless youth.

Telephone services include calls, emails, texts or short message services (SMS), and chat.

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?path=/prelim@title34/subtitle1/chapter111/subchapter3&edition=prelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title34/subtitle1/chapter111/subchapter3&edition=prelim

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

We will not consider an application that:

• Requests funding above the award ceiling.

• Is submitted after the deadline.

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

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

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

Cost sharing This program requires you to contribute 10% 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 9.

For example: $1,800,000 / 9 = $200,000.

Method 2: Start with the total project cost.

Calculation: Multiply the total project cost by 10%.

For example: $2,000,000 x 10% = $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.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8

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

If you do not 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.

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 This program is authorized under Title III, Part C, section 321 of the RHY Act (34 U.S.C.

11231).

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&path=%2Fprelim%40title34%2Fsubtitle1%2Fchapter111%2Fsubchapter3&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title34-chapter111-subchapter3-partC&num=0&saved=L3ByZWxpbUB0aXRsZTM0L3N1YnRpdGxlMS9jaGFwdGVyMTExL3N1YmNoYXB0ZXIz%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGUzNC1jaGFwdGVyMTExLXN1YmNoYXB0ZXIz%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&path=%2Fprelim%40title34%2Fsubtitle1%2Fchapter111%2Fsubchapter3&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title34-chapter111-subchapter3-partC&num=0&saved=L3ByZWxpbUB0aXRsZTM0L3N1YnRpdGxlMS9jaGFwdGVyMTExL3N1YmNoYXB0ZXIz%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGUzNC1jaGFwdGVyMTExLXN1YmNoYXB0ZXIz%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Home for Every Child ACF’s A Home for Every Child initiative advances the goal that every young person has a safe, stable, and nurturing home. The Runaway and Homeless Youth National Communication System provides 24/7 crisis intervention, information, and referrals to connect youth and families to safety and support. Without these services, youth face heightened risks of exploitation, trafficking, and prolonged instability, underscoring the importance of immediate access to help and pathways to stable housing. Youth who can safely return to a more permanent home, whether through the foster care system, kinship care, or family of origin, will be assisted to do so.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200

Program description The NCS program is a nationwide, 24-hour crisis communication and referral system designed to assist youth in crisis and their families. Its primary purpose is to help youth communicate safely and confidentially with family members, legal guardians, and service providers, while also delivering crisis intervention services to youth who are considering leaving home, have left home, or are experiencing homelessness.

The NCS program operates continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, across the United States and its territories, ensuring youth and families have immediate access to support, whenever needed. Services are delivered through toll-free telephone lines and multiple online and digital platforms, including chat, text, and email, to align with the communication preferences of young people.

Core functions of the NCS program include:

• Providing crisis intervention and counseling.

• Facilitating communication between youth and families.

• Identifying and connecting youth to local, state, tribal, and national resources.

• Supporting family reunification, when appropriate.

• Promoting prevention of runaway episodes and youth homelessness.

The program also emphasizes outreach, education, and youth engagement to increase awareness of services and to strengthen prevention efforts nationwide.

The program prioritizes positive youth development, services, and practices that acknowledge the impact of trauma and difficult life experiences. Services address the complex and intersectional challenges that youth face, including mental health concerns, family conflict, substance use, dating violence, sexual abuse or exploitation, human trafficking, and housing instability. The program also supports families and caregivers by providing crises intervention and prevention counseling, referrals, and resources aimed at preventing runaway episodes and youth homelessness.

The NCS program is a critical component of the nationwide response to running away episodes and youth homelessness, which has an immediate impact on the health, safety, and well-being of children, youth, their families, and the community. It is imperative the organization selected for this project have the institutional capacity to:

• Handle the demand for services.

• Respond professionally to children, youth, and their families.

• Operate without interruption.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12

This project addresses the priority of Promoting Quality Early Learning Environments and Improved Child Outcomes by improving child health and well-being and ensuring that the children served by the program have the opportunity to thrive.

Program components The NCS program consists of the following distinct program components:

• Communication system: Will include no-cost telephone and multiple online/ digital services, such as text and chat, which will serve a wide range of expected contacts from youth, parents, legal guardians, and others. The funded cooperative agreement will operate an electronic communication system to assist youth and families requesting support, referrals services, and assistance related to their experiences and situations.

• Crisis intervention model: Will focus on empowering youth to identify specific issues and develop solution-focused options and action plans to address their issues. This includes identifying local community-based resources to meet immediate critical needs and sharing resources and referrals to assist the youth with planning long-term solutions, such as individual or family counseling and substance abuse treatment.

• Referral database: Will be an up-to-date, nationwide referral database organized by state and U.S. territory, which ensures the NCS program can effectively refer youth and their families to local organizations and agencies.

• NCS web portal, prevention and community education: Will be a public website providing information about the NCS program and its services and developing and disseminating resources and activities to prevent youth from running away and/or experiencing homelessness.

• Data analysis, evaluation, and reporting: Will include:

◦ An analysis and evaluation of the communication system.

◦ Crises intervention model.

◦ Referral database and NCS web portal.

◦ Prevention and community education efforts.

◦ Reporting of key program accomplishments on an annual and ad hoc basis.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13

Project requirements Service readiness and responsiveness Projects must implement a strategy for ensuring continuous operational readiness to respond to urgent contacts 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. This strategy must include:

• A communication system that is, at a minimum, available to process non-urgent requests for service referrals and information within 15 business days of the project start date.

• Plans for staffing, supervision, and coverage across all communication channels including telephone, text, chat, and other digital platforms.

• Procedures for prioritizing and responding to high-risk or urgent contacts.

• Processes for managing contact volume, wait times, and peak demand periods.

• Policies and procedures for collecting, managing, and safeguarding non-identifying data related to telephone and digital contacts for reporting, performance monitoring, and quality improvement purposes.

Technology infrastructure You must have the technology infrastructure to support NCS program operation. The system must include:

• Toll-free telephone operations and multi-channel contact management.

• Text, chat, web-based, mobile communication platforms, and other technology-driven platforms to align with how youth communicate and seek help.

• Case management, documentation, and internal administration.

Systems must ensure reliability, confidentiality, data integrity, and compliance with applicable federal requirements.

System design and operations Your service delivery system, including its overall capacity and any anticipated limitations. Must have the ability to:

• Manage anticipated volumes of telephone, text, chat, and online contacts at the national level, with a capacity to respond to the anticipated demand of at least 100,000 yearly contacts.

• Route contacts efficiently and transition users between communication channels as appropriate.

• Support call conferencing and coordination with parents, legal guardians, supervisors, or service providers.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14

• Enable timely and effective referrals, including automated and warm referrals to local service providers.

• Adapt to and integrate new or emerging technologies to enhance service delivery over the project period.

Quality assurance and continuous improvement You must have a quality assurance and continuous improvement framework that will be used to monitor service quality and measure progress toward program goals and objectives. This framework must include:

• Procedures for routine monitoring and review of contacts across all communication channels.

• Performance metrics related to responsiveness, wait times, unanswered contacts, and referral outcomes.

• Processes for identifying, documenting, and addressing service delivery issues, data integrity concerns, and technological challenges.

• Mechanisms for using quality assurance findings to inform staff training, supervision, and system improvements.

You will also participate in RHY Program Network quarterly meetings to coordinate efforts with FYSB’s partner network, hosted by the RHY Training, Technical Assistance, and Capacity Building Center.

Evaluation, data analysis, and reporting A strategy for evaluating the project’s performance, conducting data analysis, and developing and disseminating reports.

Monthly reports must include:

• Number of calls received, answered, and missed.

• Number of chats and texts received and answered.

• Number of visits and unique visitors to the NCS web portal.

• Non-identifying information about callers or web portal users.

• Number and types of assistance the NCS has provided.

• Information on calls and contacts received from youth in crisis, attempting to leave their homes and communities.

Annual and ad hoc reports must include:

• The operations and success of the Communication System, Crisis Intervention Model, NCS Database, and NCS Portal.

• Prevention and community education activities.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15

Crisis intervention model You must implement a crisis intervention approach that will meet the needs of youth and families from different cultural, linguistic, and experiential backgrounds, including:

• American Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages.

• Individuals with limited English proficiency.

• Individuals with disabilities.

• Youth who have experienced multiple forms of victimization, including commercial sexual exploitation, labor or sex trafficking, and dating violence.

Service delivery A crisis intervention model that guides hotline services to include how crisis intervention services will be delivered in a manner that is:

• Accessible across multiple communication platforms.

• Responsive to the immediate and longer-term needs of youth and families.

You must use a youth-empowerment, solution-focused crisis intervention model that supports youth in identifying their presenting concerns, exploring options, and developing realistic action plans. The description must explain how the model emphasizes youth autonomy while ensuring safety and appropriate support.

Core crisis intervention principles Your crisis intervention approach must incorporate the following core principles:

• Establishing rapport and trust: Methods for creating a safe, non-judgmental environment that promotes open communication and builds trust with youth and family members.

• Identifying the precipitating event: Procedures for helping youth describe the events and stressors leading up to the crisis, including exploration of prior experiences that may have contributed to the breakdown in coping.

• Clarifying the presenting problem: Strategies for assisting youth and family members in focusing on the specific issue or situation driving the current crisis.

• Stabilization and immediate support: Processes for identifying and addressing immediate safety concerns and critical needs during and immediately following the crisis.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 16

• Resource identification and referral: Approaches for identifying and connecting youth and families to appropriate community-based resources to address both immediate needs and longer-term solutions, including:

◦ Emergency shelter.

◦ Individual or family counseling.

◦ Substance use treatment.

◦ Victim services and legal advocacy.

• Supporting informed decision-making: Methods for offering options and guidance while respecting the youth’s right to make independent decisions based on their needs, values, and circumstances.

• Strengths-based engagement: Strategies for identifying and building on the strengths, resiliency, and existing supports of youth and their families when discussing solutions and referrals.

Services focused on human trafficking You must train project staff to screen and identify youth who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing human trafficking or exploitation.

You must integrate human trafficking prevention and intervention strategies.

Human trafficking of children and youth Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of a person to perform labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Per 22 U.S.C. 7102(11), the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 as amended, human trafficking (severe forms of trafficking in persons) means:

• Sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age.

• The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.

Youth who are missing from foster care, are experiencing homelessness, or have unstable housing are at a higher risk of experiencing human trafficking, particularly at times when they are struggling to access resources to meet basic needs. Individuals who exploit children often fulfill these needs to build trust and create dependency as a precursor to trafficking. These children may be coerced into engaging in sex acts or compelled labor for shelter, food, clothing, and other basic needs.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 17

Screening for trafficking concerns Your NCS project staff must be trained to utilize standardized screening tool(s) that are validated and evidence-and trauma-informed to identify trafficking concerns and evaluate youth needs throughout the service relationship. You may elect to use one or multiple tools, but the tools must be able to identify youth who have experienced labor and/or sex trafficking and assess for common indicators and risks for human trafficking.

It is best practice to screen for trafficking concerns during the youth’s initial call on the hotline, any time a youth calls the hotline, and any time trafficking is suspected. Even in situations when a youth may not exhibit obvious indicators for trafficking, the recipient should utilize a validated universal screening approach and incorporating screening protocols at various stages, in addition to identifying trafficking concerns. This practice will also help mitigate early signs of risk and prevent trafficking before it occurs or re-occurs.

While screening is an initial step in identifying trafficking concerns, it can elicit unintended trauma responses. Therefore, it is imperative for you to first address the youth’s basic needs (food, sleep, safety and safety planning, comfort, etc.) before any screening occurs. It is also important for you to consider each individual youth’s experience, cognition, mental health, and the effects of trauma when assessing their responses prior to and during screening and intake. See table below for acceptable screening tools.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 18

Table: Validated Screening Tools for Human Trafficking of Children and Youth

Tool identifier In-depth

Short/ rapid

Demographic Environment

Commercial Sexual Exploitation- Identification Tool

X Ages 10+; sex trafficking only

Multiple settings, including child welfare and juvenile justice systems, schools, homeless youth shelters, health care and mental health settings

Human Trafficking Screening Tool

X X Ages 18–24; sex trafficking only

Runaway and Homeless Youth system settings

Quick Youth Indicators for Trafficking

X Youth who are homeless;

sex trafficking and labor trafficking

Service provider setting

Rapid Appraisal for Trafficking

X Ages 18+; sex trafficking and labor trafficking

Health care setting

Short Screen for Child Sex Trafficking

X Ages 12–18; sex trafficking only

Health care setting

Source: National Advisory Committee on the Sex Trafficking of Children and Youth in the United States, Best Practices and Recommendations for States [PDF], (2020)

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 19 https://www.westcoastcc.org/cse-it/ https://www.westcoastcc.org/cse-it/ https://www.westcoastcc.org/cse-it/ https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/pdf/257786/Pretesting.pdf https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/pdf/257786/Pretesting.pdf https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190740918307540 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190740918307540 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34667976/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34667976/ https://journals.lww.com/pec-online/Fulltext/2018/01000/A_Short_Screening_Tool_to_Identify_Victims_of.8.aspx https://journals.lww.com/pec-online/Fulltext/2018/01000/A_Short_Screening_Tool_to_Identify_Victims_of.8.aspx https://nofos.simpler.grants.gov/nofos/www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/otip/nac_report_2020.pdf https://nofos.simpler.grants.gov/nofos/www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/otip/nac_report_2020.pdf

Services for victims of trafficking As disclosures may happen during screening and/or at any point during time of service, you must develop protocols for response to disclosures. The protocols must include but not be limited to assessment for trafficking-specific case management, safety planning, referrals and follow-up for clinical and therapeutic support, mentorships, and medical services. Youth who have experienced human trafficking have unique needs that must be considered when screening and assessing for service needs, interventions, and community referrals. All interventions must be centered around the youth’s voice to ensure the youth is an active participant in their care and decision-making for services, and safety planning must be at the center of all support. Further, if it is determined to be in the youth’s best interest, the youth’s caregiver and/or relevant family members may be brought in for parts of the service planning efforts; however, this should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Trafficking-specific education and outreach You are required to integrate human trafficking content throughout program education and outreach activities. All approaches and materials must be trauma-informed, person-centered, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to age, developmental and cognitive abilities, and other relevant factors. For education and outreach resources see reference websites.

Outreach You must include information on human trafficking in all outreach activities. Outreach materials must provide audience-appropriate information about human trafficking, including how to identify potential trafficking schemes, how to seek help, and how to access available services and resources. You must ensure that outreach activities include information on referral options, including the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Mandatory reporting Human trafficking of children (labor and sex trafficking) is now defined under “child abuse and neglect” in the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, Pub. L. 93-247.

Therefore, if an NCS project staff identifies potential concerns of human trafficking, you are required to comply with all federal, state, tribal, and local mandated reporting requirements in the same way your organization reports abuse and neglect within that jurisdiction (child welfare, law enforcement, etc.)

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 20 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhumantraffickinghotline.org%2Fen&data=05%7C02%7CResa.Matthew%40acf.hhs.gov%7Ca53d76e0955a4d79da6c08de9bbd0e4c%7Cd58addea50534a808499ba4d944910df%7C0%7C0%7C639119433458782008%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pkGZhg%2FZKZTv5CgyRvTMB%2F46UboS9EFq9BCkQ6Qrt6U%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhumantraffickinghotline.org%2Fen&data=05%7C02%7CResa.Matthew%40acf.hhs.gov%7Ca53d76e0955a4d79da6c08de9bbd0e4c%7Cd58addea50534a808499ba4d944910df%7C0%7C0%7C639119433458782008%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pkGZhg%2FZKZTv5CgyRvTMB%2F46UboS9EFq9BCkQ6Qrt6U%3D&reserved=0

Referral database You must develop, maintain, and continually update a comprehensive referral resource database that supports effective crisis response, service coordination, and referrals for youth and families. You must have technical and operational capacity to maintain an accurate, current, and accessible resource locator that supports hotline, text, chat, and digital service delivery.

The resource database will be used to facilitate timely and appropriate referrals and support communication among service providers at the local, state, tribal, and national levels.

Cooperative agreement — description of ACF’s involvement A cooperative agreement is an award instrument used when we anticipate substantial involvement between the awarding office and the grant recipient during performance of the expected project. It extends beyond normal oversight and stewardship responsibilities and functions.

A FYSB Federal Project Officer (FPO) will collaborate with your organization by:

• Providing approval for enhancements and changes to the work plan and budget during the project period.

• Being actively involved in the development of long-term strategies for project implementation.

• Participating in meetings and conferences you host.

• Participating in focus groups or listening sessions regarding NCS services, partner participation, and youth input and feedback, as appropriate.

• Communicating changes to performance expectations, FYSB policies, and providing appropriate technical assistance to implement those changes.

• Supporting efforts to evaluate NCS services.

• Consulting on current and proposed new data collection elements.

In addition, FYSB will review:

• Resumes for key project staff.

• List of names, expertise, and locations (including city, county, and state) of individuals, organizations, and agencies in your referrals database.

• All policies, procedures, and protocols used or created for handling both urgent and non-urgent calls, emails, and online communications to the NCS.

• Guidelines regarding required training for NCS personnel.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 21

• Content on the NCS program web portal.

• Plans regarding how you will make use of volunteers in the NCS program, if applicable. The plan will include recruitment processes, volunteer protocols (including expected time to be donated to the NCS program), and volunteers’ required training.

• Marketing plans, awareness campaigns, annual reports, and data collections on services offered and delivered through the NCS.

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

300. These regulations replace those in 45 CFR 75.

General policies

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

• Support beyond the first budget period will depend on:

◦ Appropriation of funds.

◦ Satisfactory progress in meeting your project’s objectives.

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

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

◦ Funding more applicants.

◦ Extending the period of performance.

◦ Awarding supplemental funding.

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

◦ DEI- or DEIA-related research.

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

◦ Any efforts that promote a “discriminatory equity ideology.” To the extent permitted by law, including any relevant court orders, ACF will also not allow funds awarded under this NOFO to support any services or activities that inculcate or promote gender ideology.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 22 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

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.

• Pre-award.

• Costs for renovation of existing structures may not normally exceed 15% of the federal award. Costs for acquisition are not allowable by statute.

• Fundraising including campaigns, endowments, gifts, and similar expenses.

• Distribution of sterile needles or syringes.

• Abortions. See Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Public Law No. 117-328, div. H, tit. V, 506-507 for exceptions.

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 23 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72 https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ260/PLAW-116publ260.pdf https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ260/PLAW-116publ260.pdf 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 24 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 26

Get registered 27

Learn more 27

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 cannot 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 26 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 27 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 29

Application contents and format 31

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

Step 3: Build Your Application 29

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

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B) 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 30

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: 95 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 31

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 32

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.

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.

The organization must demonstrate and provide specific plans that reflect:

• An understanding of the scope and nature of services.

• The demand for services.

• The capacity to provide high-quality responses to youth, families, and those seeking support from the NCS.

• The ability to provide uninterrupted services in all circumstances.

Step 3: Build Your Application 33

Program implementation plan

A detailed plan describing how you will implement all of the components outlined in the program description, including the:

• Communication system.

• Crisis intervention model.

• Referral database.

• NCS web portal, prevention, and community education activities.

• Evaluation, data analysis, and reporting.

Communications system

You must describe your proposed approach for operating the communication system.

The approach must demonstrate your capacity to operate a toll-free hotline and multiple online and digital communication platforms, including text and chat, in a way that is accessible, responsive, secure, and aligned with the communication preferences of young people.

You must address how your proposed communication system will support youth and families seeking crisis support, referrals, and information related to RHY experiences and associated circumstances. The description of your communication system must include all elements listed in Step 1, Program Description, Project requirements.

Crisis intervention model

You must describe your proposed crisis intervention approach for delivering hotline services that effectively support youth and families experiencing crisis related to RHY circumstances. The approach must demonstrate your capacity to provide youth-centered crisis intervention services as described in Step 1, Program Description, Project requirements.

• Emergency response and crisis protocols You must describe the emergency response and crisis intervention protocols that will be implemented to address high-risk or imminent situations. This description must include:

◦ Procedures for assessing risk and determining when emergency intervention is required.

◦ The ability to conference in or directly connect youth to local runaway and homeless youth shelters, emergency services, or other appropriate community resources.

◦ Protocols for supervisory consultation and escalation when necessary.

You must also describe strategies for minimizing operational challenges that may impact service delivery.

Step 3: Build Your Application 34

Services focused on human trafficking

You must include your strategy to train all project staff to conduct standardized screening to identify youth who are experiencing or at risk of…