Child Support Enforcement Demonstrations and Special Projects

To provide federal funds for information dissemination and technical assistance to states, training of federal and state staff to improve state child support programs, and research, demonstration, and special projects of regional or national significance relating to the operation of child support programs.

This funding is available to all organizations that meet the program eligibility requirement.

This funding is available to all organizations that meet the program eligibility requirement. Beneficiaries vary depending on funding topics, which change to meet agency policy and research goals. Topics are usually related to research related improving child support programs funded under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act.

When appropriate, applicants should present written evidence of other agencies' willingness to cooperate when the project involves their cooperation or the utilization of their facilities or service.

All grants must follow the program requirements and restrictions outlined in the funding opportunity announcement and follow all of the standard terms and conditions for ACF grant awards.

Project and budget periods vary according to the funding topic. For multi-year projects, support beyond the first year is contingent upon acceptable evidence of satisfactory progress and availability of funds.

Supplemental descriptive information is available from: Administration for Children and Families, Child Support Enforcement Program, 5th floor, 330 C. Street SW., Washington, DC 20201. Applications may be submitted to this address or via grants.gov. See the actual program announcement for details. The application shall be executed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization and to assume for the agency or organization the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant. The application must clearly indicate whether the application submitted is in response to a funding opportunity announcement and must reference the announcement number for which the application is to compete. Applications are reviewed and evaluated by a review panel of not less than three knowledgeable people. Written assessment of each application is made.

1) Program Design; 2) Program Management; 3) Evaluation Design; and 4) Budget and Budget Justification.

Official notice of approved grant applications is made through issuance of a Notice of Grant Award. This provides the amount of funds awarded, the purpose of the award, the term and conditions of the award, the budget period for which support is given, the total project period for which support is contemplated, and the total grantee participation.

From 60 to 120 days. Generally, solicited grants will be acted upon within 90 days.

Project and budget periods vary according to the grant topic. Projects of a longer duration will be considered if unique circumstances warrant. If projects are approved for a period longer than 12 months, funding will be provided in discrete 12-month increments, or "budget periods." Funding beyond the first 12- month budget period is not guaranteed. Future funding will depend on the grantee's satisfactory performance and the availability of future appropriations.

There are no formal appeals procedures. If an application for a grant is disapproved, the reasons for disapproval will be fully stated, applicants may request the reasons for disapproval. In the case of unsolicited proposals, applicants are free to resubmit applications with attention to the changes suggested by the reasons for disapproval in the future. If an applicant is not awarded a grant, the applicant can request a written response that will address: (1) Weak and deficient areas of the proposal; (2) impact of weaknesses or deficiencies in not being selected; and (3) factors that were the basis of the selection of the successful grantee.