Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Monday, September 14, 2026

Office of Community Services Division of Community Discretionary and Demonstration Programs

Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACF-OCS-EDA-0024

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 45

Application review 46

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 62

Before you begin 3

Modifications 65

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 Monday, September 14, 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)

Office of Community Services

Division of Community Discretionary and Demonstration Programs

Addressing diaper needs of low-income eligible residents who are parents and their children by expanding existing diaper distribution services through a robust network of program partners.

Have questions?

See Contacts and Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACF-OCS-

EDA-0024

Federal assistance listing:

93.647

NOFO version:

Original

Key dates

Application submission deadline:

September 14, 2026

Expected project start date:

September 30, 2026

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

Summary The Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot (DDDRP) is a demonstration program that is designed to evaluate the implementation of expanded diaper distribution services.

The purpose is to test the ability of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and other nonprofit community organizations to:

• Deliver a regular, sufficient supply of diapers to caregivers and children with low incomes, who are eligible residents.

• Improve these families’ overall health and economic well-being.

• There are five areas for activities:

◦ Establishing diaper distribution partnerships with local organizations to operate and expand diaper distribution programs.

◦ Providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) to help diaper distribution partners expand or strengthen existing diaper distribution programs.

◦ Working with diaper distribution partners to buy diapers in bulk to stretch funding further.

◦ Referring families who receive diapers to helpful services that promote family stability, employment, and economic self-sufficiency and mobility.

◦ Participating fully in the federal evaluation of DDDRP.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

Funding details Type: Cooperative agreement

Expected total program funding: $29 million

Total expected awards: 14

Minimum award amount (award floor): $500,000

Maximum award amount (award ceiling): $2,000,000

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

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6

Eligibility Eligible applicants The following types of organizations are eligible to receive direct awards from DDDRP:

• Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) state associations.

• CAAs

• Tribes and territories that were funded directly by CSBG in FY 2025.

• CSBG-funded territories.

If a state does not have a CSBG state association or the CSBG state association is not willing to apply for funding, a CAA from the state may apply with the support of a majority of all the CAAs in the state. Only one application from a CAA in the state will be accepted.

See Additional eligibility documentation for a list of eligible organizations and eligibility documentation requirements for submissions from an individual CAA.

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 to receive awards under this funding opportunity.

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

We won’t consider an application that:

• Requests funding above the award ceiling.

• Is submitted after the deadline.

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

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

Applications from organizations that are not:

• CSBG state associations, tribes that were funded directly by CSBG in FY 2024, or CSBG-funded territories.

OR

• Individual CAAs that do not demonstrate project support from the majority of all CAAs in the state as described in Additional eligibility documentation.

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

Cost sharing This program requires you to contribute 9% of the project’s total cost under the authority of section 1110 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1310. You can calculate this cost-sharing requirement in two ways:

Method 1: Start with the federal share.

Calculation: Multiply the federal share by 9 and divide that product by 91.

For example: ($109,200 x 9) / 91 = $10,800.

Method 2: Start with the total project cost.

Calculation: Multiply the total project cost by 9%.

For example: $120,000 x 9% = $10,800.

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.

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

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

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

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8 https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title11/1110.htm

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

Post-award requirements

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

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

Statutory authority This program is funded under the authority of section 1110 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1310.

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-45/part-97 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:48%20section:1469a%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title48-section1469a)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:48%20section:1469a%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title48-section1469a)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?jumpTo=true&edition=prelim&req=%28title%3A+section%3A1310+edition%3Aprelim%29+OR+%28granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title-section1310%29&f=treesort&num=6&hl=false#sourcecredit

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

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Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10 https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values 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.

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 Purpose The purpose of DDDRP is to test the ability of CAAs, local service agencies, and other local nonprofit organizations to provide a regular, sufficient supply of diapers to eligible residents with low incomes.

You will use the funding to help eligible residents with low incomes by:

• Expanding ongoing diaper distribution programs.

• Ensuring, in coordination with DDDRP partners, that program participants receive a consistent supply of diapers on a regular basis.

DDDRP advances ACF’s priority of promoting quality early learning environments and improved child outcomes. By providing families with a reliable supply of diapers and diapering essentials, the program supports the health, well-being, and healthy development of infants and toddlers. DDDRP partners also connect families to coordinated services and resources, including early childhood education and care programs, helping to strengthen family stability and promote school readiness.

The evaluation is expected to measure the extent to which the DDDRP improved the well-being of families receiving diapers. An evaluation accompanying the program will study the implementation of the DDDRP and the impact of additional funding for diapers on participating families’ health and economic wellbeing.

Background The American Public Health Association reports that one in three families in the United States with diaper-age children report having an unmet diaper need.

“Diaper need” means not having enough diapers on a regular basis to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry, and healthy.

Objectives and program outcomes Funding will strengthen existing diaper distribution programs. Enrolled families will be able to receive:

• Enough diapers on a regular basis.

• Referrals to services that promote family stability, employment, economic self-sufficiency and mobility.

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

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values#:~:text=Priorities-,Promoting%20Quality%20Early%20Learning%20Environments%20and%20Improved%20Child%20Outcomes,-ACF%20recognizes%20that https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values#:~:text=Priorities-,Promoting%20Quality%20Early%20Learning%20Environments%20and%20Improved%20Child%20Outcomes,-ACF%20recognizes%20that https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6893346/

You will be expected to report on the progress of short and intermediate outcomes in your quarterly reports.

Short-term and long-term outcomes should align with long-term outcomes.

The federal evaluation may use this information as part of the implementation and impact evaluation.

Short-term outcomes

• Diaper needs are met for all diapered children enrolled in pilot programs.

◦ This means that enrolled participants receive enough diapers each month to keep their infant or toddler clean, dry, and healthy.

• Decreased rates of missed days for children enrolled in child care.

• Increased organizational capacity to provide diaper distribution services.

• Increased agency capacity to provide diapers and diapering supplies.

Intermediate outcomes

• Increased efficiency of diaper distribution programs. Examples include:

◦ Reduced costs.

◦ Reduced wait times for families between diaper giveaways.

• Individual/family reductions in certain health risks (e.g., diaper rash, bladder infections) and avoidable emergency department visits related to improved health of mothers, caretakers, and children.

• Increased rates of children enrolled in child care.

• Increased participation in training and higher education by those on the DDDRP caseload.

Long-term outcomes

• Community reductions in certain health issues (e.g., diaper rash, urinary tract infections) and avoidable emergency department visits, related to improved health of mothers, caretakers, and children.

• Increased stability and sustainability of organizational diaper distribution programs.

• Reduced economic stress.

• Improved maternal and caretakers’ health and well-being (e.g., anxiety, depression).

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13

Activities Your diaper distribution project will reflect the following scope for activities:

• The ability to provide a consistent supply of diapers to families for at least one year. You should include a maximum of four implementation diaper distribution partners.

You will be required to design and implement your diaper distribution project so that it reflects the following principles:

• Distributing enough diapers and diapering supplies on a regular basis to enrolled families.

• Distribution to each enrolled family must be at least once every month, with regular, ongoing contact with enrolled families.

• Prioritizing distribution to children under the age of 5.

Programs must also:

• Aim to meet the average diaper needs of enrolled families.

• Have a strategy for estimating how many diapers families will need during a specific period of time (i.e., over the course of 1 month).

• Take into consideration the changing sizes and needs of children from month-to-month and adjust diaper supply orders accordingly.

• Not function as “one-time” or “drop-in” distribution centers.

◦ Funding should nearly or entirely eliminate families’ diaper need for their period of enrollment.

Areas of activity There are five areas of activity for the DDDRP.

You will be required to implement projects that have a thorough plan for value-added activities in each of the following five areas:

Building relationships with diaper distribution partners The objective of these partnerships is to improve the capacity to provide comprehensive diaper distribution services to families with low incomes.

Unless you are working as a tribe, you must partner with up to four diaper distribution partners, including:

• At least one CAA.

AND

• One local social service agency or other nonprofit community organization with experience operating diaper distribution and related programs.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14

These partner organizations will work with you to expand or strengthen diaper distribution programs as part of the pilot project.

Diaper distribution partners will play an essential role in every part of the project, from planning the design to implementation.

Maintaining clear, accountable, and effective relationships with diaper distribution partners is key.

Previous cohorts of recipients have provided feedback that consistently defining, delivering, and monitoring diaper distribution activities across multiple partners and sites can be challenging. Partnerships with fewer numbers of partners may be easier to manage successfully. It is recommended that you include no more than four diaper distribution partners.

Partnerships must be documented through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that delineate the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of all involved parties, and address the purpose and scope of partnerships. The MOUs should reflect shared goals and define each partner’s contributions to achieving these objectives, including how you will monitor performance for accountability.

Developing effective MOUs

After award, you will craft MOUs that clearly outline the terms of diaper distribution partnerships, including the following key components:

• Description of award and activities: MOUs should include a brief overview of the DDDRP initiative and specify:

◦ Project plans.

◦ Timelines.

◦ Objectives.

◦ Expected contributions.

◦ Roles and responsibilities of each subrecipient.

◦ Activities each subrecipient will perform, when these activities will occur, and the criteria for measuring success and accountability.

• Budgetary information: You must provide guidance on budget allocations for staff time, administrative costs, and allowable expenses associated with the pilot program.

◦ Estimations should be made in collaboration with subrecipients to ensure realistic budgeting, while adhering to federal cost principles.

• Allowable costs: Costs must be reasonable and necessary for the grant’s success, as defined by federal regulations.

◦ Unallowable costs include organized fundraising and construction expenses.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15

• Communication: MOUs should include a plan for regular communication and coordination between the you and the subrecipient.

• Local family engagement: Partners should incorporate family engagement into MOUs.

◦ Engagement with eligible residents from the targeted communities is strongly encouraged in the design and implementation phases of the project.

◦ Families with low incomes must be central to program development.

• Economic mobility: Partners should provide and track referrals to services that support family stability, work, self-sufficiency, economic mobility, high quality early care and learning as outlined in Agency Priorities.

• Evaluation: Full participation in the federal evaluation is required as a part of this program.

◦ All MOUs should include a clear commitment to engaging fully in the federal evaluation, which may include following protocols for random assignment to receive or not receive program services.

The MOU helps clearly explain what is expected and provides a framework for communication and reporting so that all parties understand their roles and responsibilities.

Strengthening diaper distribution programs You and your diaper distribution partners (e.g., CAAs, local social service agencies, and other nonprofit organizations) will be responsible for growing and strengthening the existing network of diaper distribution programs in your state or region(s) of focus, ensuring that enrolled families have both:

• Enough diapers on a regular basis.

• Referrals to services that promote family stability, employment, economic self-sufficiency and mobility.

You will be responsible for working with your diaper distribution partners to establish a diaper distribution implementation strategy that:

• Welcomes new families, who are eligible residents, and maintains family enrollment in the diaper program.

• Facilitates referrals to services that promote family stability, employment, and economic self-sufficiency and mobility

• Estimates enough diapers, meaning the number of diapers required to meet family diaper need monthly.

• Ensures diapers are provided to enrolled families on a regular, (e.g., monthly) basis.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 16

• Ensures adequate diaper sizes are provided.

• Ensures diapers are of sufficient quality.

You will be responsible for working with your diaper distribution partners to refer eligible residents to support services.

Through this partnership, you will:

• Set clear expectations for staff and partners to refer families to established support service agencies.

• Determine if residents are eligible for these services.

• Establish an approach for referring eligible residents to these providers.

• Establish a frequency for referring families to social-service providers at the time of enrollment.

• Track referrals to such agencies, including the date they were made, and whether the family acted upon referrals and received services.

Building infrastructure You will strengthen and expand three different kinds of infrastructure as a part of your pilot program to purchase diapers in bulk and distribute them.

Physical infrastructure

You will:

• Assist your diaper distribution partners in the bulk purchase and efficient transportation of diapers and diapering supplies for the diaper distribution programs.

• Work with your diaper distribution partners to plan and coordinate diaper logistics according to the needs and resources of your service area, maximizing efficiency, effectiveness (including cost), and reach.

• Make the best use of economies of scale.

• Work with your diaper distribution partners to ensure there is sufficient physical space to store diapers and related supplies.

Staffing infrastructure

You will increase the capacity for the diaper distribution program to:

• Place and receive diaper orders.

• Break down diaper boxes.

• Repackage and deliver diapers to families

• Provide diapers each month to enrolled families.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 17

Data infrastructure

You will ensure partner organizations have enough staff and data collection capacity to:

• Collect and track service receipt data for individual children and their caregivers (as opposed to household only), including date of receipt of supplies and how many supplies each family receives.

• Provide referrals to services that support family stability, work, self-sufficiency, economic mobility, high quality early care and learning.

• Administer federal evaluation materials to enrolled families.

• Report up on program outcomes at established intervals (i.e., on a quarterly basis).

Tribal recipients will work within their tribal government and/or tribal jurisdiction to coordinate bulk purchasing and efficient transportation of diapers and diapering supplies for diaper distribution programs.

Verifying Eligibility for Services

You must provide information to describe how you will verify eligibility for diaper services, including verification of eligible resident status.

Providing Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) You must provide diaper distribution partner organizations with T/TA related to the efficient and effective operation and expansion of diaper distribution programs.

Areas of T/TA related to program logistics may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cost-effective diaper purchasing.

• Effective diaper delivery practices.

• Data tracking.

• Management and organization.

• Organizational and programmatic capacity-building efforts.

• Program quality.

• Expanding diaper distribution partnerships and increasing collaboration.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 18

Evaluation You will work closely with ACF’s federal evaluation contractor(s) to evaluate this federal diaper distribution pilot. The evaluation is expected to measure the extent to which the DDDRP improved the well-being of families receiving diapers.

You will follow all evaluation protocols established by ACF and its designee contractor(s). Fully participating in a federal evaluation may include:

• Supporting and complying with special data collection requirements.

• Providing additional administrative data on program participation or service receipt.

• Facilitating on-site meetings and observations, including interviews with program and diaper distribution partner managers and staff, as well as participants and other activities.

In addition, the federal evaluation may include:

• An evaluation of the DDDRP’s implementation.

• Longitudinal tracking of individual participant service provision and program participation via recurring data collection program and participant outcomes associated with DDDRP.

• An examination of ongoing diaper distributions as an anti-poverty strategy.

• An assessment of the effectiveness of DDDRP.

You will fully and actively support the federal evaluation and work with and encourage your partner organizations to do the same.

You can provide training and other support to your diaper distribution partners to ensure their full participation and to maximize participation in the program (e.g., survey completion).

You should ensure dedicated staff time for data management and coordination between diaper distribution partners and ACF federal evaluation lead.

Note: Consistent with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, (44 U.S.C.

3501-3521), under this NOFO, the Office of Community Services (OCS) will not conduct, or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information covered by such Act, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. ACF will obtain OMB approval under PRA prior to collecting or requesting the collection of any information from more than nine individuals or entities.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 19

DDDRP support of ACF priorities DDDRP advances ACF’s priorities of promoting quality early learning environments and improved child outcomes by addressing diaper needs, which directly impacts child health. DDDRP also promotes work and self-sufficiency by providing diapers and contributing to the economic stability of the family. Previous experience administering similar projects.

Bonus points will be awarded to organizations that have:

• Previous experience administering a diaper distribution program with the infrastructure to provide diapers on a regular and consistent basis to enrolled families (e.g., no less than monthly).

• Previous experience participating in a research or evaluation project, or experience with longitudinal tracking of individual participant service provision and program participation via recurring data collection program and participant outcomes.

Cooperative agreement— Description of ACF’s involvement The responsibility for the control, direction, or performance of the project will be shared by OCS and the recipient. Through this cooperative agreement, OCS will maintain substantial involvement, working alongside recipients as an active partner throughout project implementation.

OCS program involvement will include the following:

• Providing program guidance and input, as appropriate;

• Approving all work plans and schedules;

• Reviewing and providing feedback on the activities, documentation, procedures, measures, and tools established and implemented for accomplishing the goals of the cooperative agreement throughout the duration of the initiative;

• Reviewing and providing feedback on activities, procedures, tools, measures, products, and written materials prior to external communication and dissemination on an ongoing basis;

• Providing support for recipients in meeting the requirements of the federal evaluation; and

• Participating in the presentation of results in publications.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 20

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:

◦ General policies Appropriation of funds.

◦ General policies 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.

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Step 1: Review the Opportunity 21 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-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72

Program-specific limitations and policies Eligible Residents: For purposes of this NOFO, eligible residents must be lawfully present in the United States. Individuals lawfully present in the United States include:

• U.S. Citizens.

• Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR/Green Card holder).

• Asylee.

• Refugee.

• Paroled into the U.S.

• Granted an employment authorization document, also called a work permit or I-766.

• Individual with non-immigrant status including workers visas (such as H1, H-2A, H-2B), student visas, U-visa, T-visa, and other visas.

• Deferred Action Status.

• Cuban/Haitian entrant.

• Conditional entrant granted before 1980.

• Battered spouse, child, or parent.

• Victim of trafficking and their spouse, child, sibling, or parent.

• Special Immigrant Visa holders from Iraq or Afghanistan.

• Granted Withholding of Deportation or Withholding of Removal, under the immigration laws or under the Convention against Torture (CAT).

• Violence Against Women Act Self-Petitioners.

• Member of a federally-recognized Indian tribe or American Indian born in Canada.

• Citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau who are living in one of the U.S. states or territories (referred to as Compact of Free Association, or COFA migrants).

• Lawful Temporary Resident.

• Temporary Protected Status.

• Deferred Enforced Departure.

• Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification.

• Family unity beneficiary, including those who are under section 1504 of the Legal Immigration and Family Equity Act Amendments.

If there are other immigration statuses or classifications that an applicant believes should be considered lawfully present, please list them in your application or if after award, to your ACF program officer.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 22

We do not allow the following costs under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO):

• Construction.

• Purchase of real property.

• Major renovation.

• Pre-award.

Funding provided through the DDDRP may be used primarily for the provision of diapers and diapering supplies, with up to 15% of awarded funds allowable for activities such as coordinating services, facilitating enrollment of applicants who are eligible residents, and conducting data collection.

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 eligibility requirements of this NOFO.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 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 Use the Project Narrative Attachment form.

Component Included in page limit?

Table of contents Yes

Project summary Yes

Project narrative Yes

Line-item budget and budget narrative Yes

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

Component Included in page limit?

ACF priorities alignment attestation No

Indirect cost agreement Yes

Legal proof of nonprofit status Yes

Additional eligibility documentation No

Organizational capacity supporting information (including organization chart) Yes

Third-party agreements Yes

Letters of support 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: 75 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.

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.

Step 3: Build Your Application 32

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

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

In it, you must:

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

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

• Use cross-referencing rather than repetition.

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

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

Purpose and need

Geographic location

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

Need for assistance

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

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

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

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

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

Objectives

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

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.

Step 3: Build Your Application 33

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

There are five areas of activity for DDDRP. Describe a thorough plan for each activity as described in the program description section.

Building relationships with diaper distribution partners

• Describe a plan to build relationships with Diaper Distribution Partners.

• For non-tribal applicants, demonstrate that you will partner with at least one Community Action Agency (CAA) and one local social service and/or other nonprofit community organization with experience operating diaper distribution programs.

• Include draft MOUs that reflect key components listed in the Program Description.

Strengthening diaper distribution programs

• Describe how the proposed project will strengthen diaper distribution programs.

• Demonstrate how the project will build and strengthen the existing network of diaper distribution programs in your state or region.

• Address how the project will accomplish the following:

◦ Provide consistent distribution of quality diapers in the correct sizes to enrolled families.

◦ Provide services to enrolled families, on a consistent basis for at least twelve months.

◦ Refer families to services that promote family stability, employment, and economic self-sufficiency and mobility, as outlined in Agency Priorities.

◦ Identify methodology for estimating diaper need for participating families on a consistent basis.

▪ For example, a matrix may be established using child’s age in months multiplied by an identified number of diapers per day needed at that age.

▪ The number of diapers needed per day should be based on data and referenced in the description.

Building infrastructure

• Describe how the project will strengthen and expand the types of infrastructure as outlined in the Areas of Activity section of the Program Description.

◦ Physical Infrastructure: Describes facilities for bulk purchasing, warehousing, and distribution logistics.

Step 3: Build Your Application 34

◦ Staffing Infrastructure: Describes sufficient staffing for family enrollment, order management, outcomes assessments, and monthly distributions.

◦ Data Infrastructure: Describes capabilities to adhere to federal reporting standards and coordinate data collection efforts across subrecipients to ensure high quality reporting.

▪ Capabilities include aggregating data across subrecipients without duplicating individuals or families served, as well as longitudinal data collection from beneficiaries to track outcomes for children, caregivers, and families enrolled in the program – and for those not enrolled in the program.

▪ Capacity to report information on program implementation, participant characteristics, and participant outcomes, including tracking:

⁃ Supplies distributed, unduplicated numbers of beneficiaries and families served, and referrals to services by type.

⁃ Expenditures on diapers, diapering supplies, diaper storage and transportation, personnel and benefits, staff travel, and indirect costs.

⁃ Child, caregiver, and family structure characteristics on the same individual children and their caregivers over time (as opposed to household only).

⁃ Changes in family diaper need, improvements in child diaper health.

Verifying eligibility for services

You must provide information to describe how you will verify eligibility for diaper services, including verification of eligible resident status.

Providing Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA)

Demonstrate your capacity and plans to deliver T/TA to diaper distribution partner organizations as outlined in Program Description.

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.

Step 3: Build Your Application 35

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…