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National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program

Administration for Children & Families - ACYF/FYSB Nonprofit eligible

Looking for human services funding? Administration for Children & Families - ACYF/FYSB is accepting applications for this award from nonprofits and other eligible applicants, with applications due Aug 19, 2026. It provides awards up to $1M–$1.8M.

Go to the Grants.gov listing
Deadline
Aug 19, 2026
Award amount
Up to $1M–$1.8M
Expected awards
1
Posted
Jul 21, 2026
Opportunity number
HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CY-0160
CFDA
93.623

Opportunity description

​​The Division of Runaway and Homeless Youth will award one cooperative agreement on a competitive basis for a period of three years to operate the National Communication System (NCS) for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program. The NCS is a dedicated toll-free, US national communication system that provides information, referral services, crisis intervention, prevention approaches, and other supportive services to vulnerable, at-risk, and runaway and homeless youth, and their families or legal guardians. The purpose of the NCS is to a) prevent youth from running away and becoming homeless, b) link youth with a family member or guardian, and/or an available resource that can provide and/or assist the youth in acquiring needed services, and c) increase prevention education to reduce runaway incidents and youth homelessness.​

Who can apply

  • Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
  • Private institutions of higher education
  • Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
  • State governments
  • County governments
  • City or township governments
  • Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
  • Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
  • Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
  • Special district governments
  • Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
  • Independent school districts
  • Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

In accordance with section 331 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Act, priority will be given to applicants demonstrating experience in providing communication services to vulnerable youth, youth at-risk, runaway and homeless youth, including telephone, Internet, mobile applications, and other technology-driven services. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible for awards under this funding opportunity.

Funding

Award floor
$1M
Award ceiling
$1.8M

Agency contact

Administration for Children & Families - ACYF/FYSB

Tim D. Joyce timothy.joyce@acf.hhs.gov

timothy.joyce@acf.hhs.gov

How to apply

This award is administered through the federal Grants.gov system. Review the complete instructions and verify the deadline on the official page before starting your submission.

Official Grants.gov listing

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