Social Services grants for Researchers

This NOFO is modified. Changes are made to Step 1: Review the Opportunity and Step 2: Get Ready to Apply. The disqualifying factors section has been updated to clarify that applications from organizations currently funded by ORR to support Program of Initial Resettlement services will be disqualified, including organizations receiving PIR funding through subaward. The webinar description has been updated to include instructions on submitting questions in advance of the webinar. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), invites eligible applicants to submit applications to administer the Placement and Coordination (PC) program. ORR will provide funding to diversify providers of PC services through awards to eligible organizations not currently implementing the Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR). New providers will strengthen the national resettlement framework by contributing unique innovations and perspectives.PC providers will be responsible for administering services including the Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR) and Intensive Case Management (ICM) through one or more local service providers. Through PIR, PC providers will review refugee case profiles assigned by ORR, conduct outreach to identified U.S. ties, and confirm case placement locations. PC providers will either serve cases directly or place them with local resettlement providers (LRPs) in their network. After the refugee arrives, the LRP will assume responsibility for providing PIR services for 30 to 90 days after arrival in the United States, based on self-sufficiency needs of the case. Examples of services include airport pickup upon initial arrival, securing and furnishing housing, benefits applications, referrals, provision of cultural orientation, and provision of direct assistance. Through ICM, providers will serve individuals with significant vulnerabilities that create barriers to assimilation and self-sufficiency for a service period of six to 12 months, or 12 to 24 months for individuals with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities. Examples of services include regular case management discussions, psychosocial support, and connections to external sources of assistance.

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the OVC FY 2026 Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking. This opportunity supports jurisdictions in developing and expanding a multidisciplinary, collaborative task force approach to better respond to human trafficking through increased victim identification, service provision, and case investigations.

The Office of Community Services (OCS) announces the availability of funds for a Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot (DDDRP). OCS anticipates awarding approximately $29 million available through fourteen cooperative agreements to eligible Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) state associations, tribes that were funded directly by the CSBG in fiscal year (FY) 2025, and the CSBG-funded territories.The Diaper Distribution Demonstration Research Pilot (DDDRP) is a demonstration program, designed to evaluate the implementation and impact of the DDDRP program. Specifically, the purpose is to test the ability of CAAs and other non-profit community organizations to 1) deliver a continuous, sufficient supply of diapers to caregivers and children with low incomes, who are American citizens or eligible residents, and to 2) improve these families overall health and economic well-being. There are five areas for activities. 1. Establishing diaper distribution partnerships with local service organizations to operate and expand diaper distribution programs.2. Providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) to help diaper distribution partners expand and/or strengthen existing diaper distribution programs. 3. Working with diaper distribution partners to make bulk purchases and ensure economies of scale. 4. Referring families receiving diapers to appropriate services that promote family stability, employment, and economic self-sufficiency and mobility. 5.Participating fully in the federal evaluation of DDDRP.

The Resource Centers support efforts to prevent and respond to family, domestic, and dating violence by providing information, training, and technical assistance to individuals, organizations, government agencies, and communities.The National Resource Centers on Domestic Violence focus on strengthening services and knowledge in the field. One center provides training and technical assistance on domestic violence programs, research, and services for victims and their children. Another maintains a national resource library to collect, analyze, and share information on domestic violence, prevention strategies, and services for adult and youth victims.The National Indian Resource Center works with tribes and tribal organizations to improve responses to domestic violence and increase safety for Indian women. It also coordinates with federal partners that serve Native communities.Special Issue Resource Centers address key systems that impact victims of domestic violence. These centers provide training and technical assistance on responses within the justice system, child protective services, health care, and mental health systems. Additional centers focus on improving services and prevention efforts for racial and ethnic minority communities.Native-focused resource centers, including those serving Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native communities, build capacity among tribes, organizations, and service providers. They coordinate with the National Indian Resource Center and deliver culturally relevant prevention and education efforts.The National Resource Center to Expand Services for Children, Youth, and Abused Parents strengthens support for non-abusing parents and their children, including efforts to prevent or reduce foster care involvement.Sexual Assault Technical Assistance Centers support grantees in improving sexual assault prevention and response through specialized expertise and training.

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the OVC FY 2026 Housing Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking. This opportunity will fund organizations that provide housing and associated support services to victims of human trafficking as defined by 22 U.S.C. § 7102(11). The primary focus of this program is to provide rapid rehousing (i.e., transitional housing and supportive services that assist human trafficking victims in moving as quickly as possible into permanent housing and achieving stability).

The intent of the National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share grant program is to advance solutions to the economic, health, and environmental challenges faced by communities. This year’s program focuses on advancing community tree resource utilization, which can reduce waste and create value by turning wood generated from pruning, removals, storm events, and pest or disease outbreaks into useful products. These products may include lumber, slabs, furniture, flooring, biochar, or other materials that strengthen local economies, reduce disposal costs, and improve community resilience. The program seeks practical, creative, and replicable projects that help communities establish or expand wood‑utilization efforts. Competitive proposals will demonstrate how the project supports existing community forestry plans, applies industry‑recognized safety and tree‑care standards, and delivers clear economic, environmental, or workforce benefits. Projects should outline anticipated wood products, partnerships with professional or industry organizations, and opportunities for job creation, training, or certification. This program is intended for communities and their partners seeking to improve the management and use of their urban and community forests. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other community‑based partners. Projects must conform to laws and authorities in Section 9 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act ([16 U.S.C. 2105] Urban and Community Forestry Assistance) as amended.  

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the OVC FY 2026 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking. This opportunity will develop, expand, and strengthen victim service programs for victims of human trafficking, as defined by 22 U.S.C. § 7102(11).

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the OVC FY 2026 Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking. This opportunity will fund projects to enhance the availability, quality, and delivery of services to assist minor victims of human trafficking as defined in 22 U.S.C. § 7102(11).

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: Project promoters, public authorities, and investors have a better understanding of the capital market demand and supply dynamics that underlie investments in projects fostering the transformation of neighbourhoods [1] in line with the New European Bauhaus (NEB). Increased investments towards NEB-aligned projects for the sustainable [1] and inclusive [1] transformation of neighbourhoods. Scope: Increased investment in projects for the transformation of neighbourhoods in line with the New European Bauhaus (NEB) may be hindered due to a discrepancy between the demand and supply of capital in terms of size, diversity, returns, and risk. Small-scale NEB-aligned projects typically encounter large, short-term oriented, and highly risk-averse investment funds, which seek investment opportunities able to absorb large amounts of funding, driven by present legislation [4] . Place-based impact investing is an approach that can contribute to investments in NEB-aligned neighbourhood projects by providing risk-adjusted financial returns while creating local social, cultural, aesthetic [5] and…

The Office of Community Services (OCS) will award approximately $18.57 million in Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary funds to Community Development Corporations (CDC) to enhance job creation and business development for individuals with low income. Projects should be well-planned, financially viable, and innovative. CED awards will be made as part of a broader strategy to address objectives such as decreasing dependency on federal programs, chronic unemployment, and community deterioration in urban and rural areas. CED projects are expected to actively recruit individuals with low incomes to fill the positions created by CED-funded development activities, to assist those individuals in successfully maintaining employment, and to ensure that the businesses and jobs created remain viable for at least one year after the project period. CED projects can be non-construction or construction projects. In states with current projects, OCS encourages applicants to target rural and underserved areas.Furthermore, OCS encourages potential applicants to explore how proposed projects can be aligned and/or integrated with other OCS-funded programs and priorities to more comprehensively address the needs of rural and urban communities with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and substance-use disorder, as well as communities experiencing persistent poverty, as identified by US Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service.

The Evaluations of Practices for Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention program supports partnerships between CCDF Lead Agencies and research organizations to identify promising strategies to prevent fraud and waste and examine how well these efforts work. A key goal of this program is to share promising practices with other states, territories, and Tribes and to guide child care policy decisions and program improvement efforts to improve program integrity and reduce waste and fraud, including through improved data systems.Projects must be conducted through partnerships between CCDF Lead Agencies (i.e., states, territories, or Tribes) and researchers from institutions of higher education, state agencies, research organizations, and/or other organizations with expertise in policy research. Partnership teams are expected to work collaboratively throughout all phases of the project to ensure that the research addresses CCDF Lead Agency priorities and aligns with ACF priorities. These collaborations should be mutually beneficial, provide high-quality evidence to inform policy decisions, and build capacity for policy-relevant research. Partnerships will also strengthen the field"s ability to produce and use rigorous research to inform child care policies. Teams are expected to participate in a research consortium, attend ACF-sponsored meetings, and share research findings.

The purpose of the Specialized Services for Abused Parents and Their Children is to expand the capacity of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence service programs and community-based programs to prevent future domestic violence. This is done by addressing the needs of children who have been exposed to family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence in an appropriate manner. Required activities include providing direct counseling; providing developmentally and age-appropriate services to victims and their children; providing advocacy on behalf of victims and their children; and supporting non-abusing parents in their roles as caregivers and in meeting social, emotional, and developmental needs of their children. Where appropriate, services may also work with a non-abusing parent and child together.Optional activities include providing early childhood development and mental health services; coordinating with and providing technical assistance to community-based organizations that serve victims or exposed children and providing additional services and referrals to services for children. These may include childcare, transportation, educational support, respite care, supervised visitation, or other necessary services.

The purpose of the Culturally Specific Services for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program is to provide culturally specific services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Objectives include services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence to address emergent needs resulting from a public health emergency and other public health concerns and support for organizations to promote strategic partnership development and collaboration in responding to the impact of public health concerns on survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.Optional activities include providing legal advocacy, job training and employment services, and identifying secure and safe affordable temporary or permanent housing.

Goal: Encourage outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural tourism that expands access to and awareness of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and fosters economic development of communities.ObjectivesNPS Chesapeake Gateways is offering this competitive grant opportunity to strengthen a community's ability to offer or enhance outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural tourism that connects visitors and residents to the Chesapeake Bay watershed as detailed in the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998.Through this grant opportunity, NPS Chesapeake Gateways will:Enhance outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural tourism in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.Support projects that link outdoor and heritage tourism to economic impact.Celebrate gateway communities that welcome and invite locals and visitors to explore authentic Chesapeake Gateways Places and stories through outdoor recreation and natural, historical, and cultural experiences.Grant ThemeChesapeake Gateways is a network of places that provide opportunities to explore outdoor recreation and authentic natural, historical, and cultural experiences of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Included in this network are diverse recreational, natural, cultural, historical, and recreational sites, trails, museums, parks, wildlife refuges, interpretive and orientation facilities, and associated programs. These places, and Chesapeake Gateways as a whole, serve as entry points and the key guide for experiencing the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

This NOFO is modified. Changes are made to Step 1: Review the Opportunity. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) provides temporary housing and care for children who arrive in the United States alone. These are children who are under 18 years old, don't have legal permission to be in the U.S., and don't have a parent or legal guardian in the U.S. who can take care of them. ORR runs the Home Study and Post-Release Services Program to help these children. Before placing a child with a sponsor, ORR carefully checks potential homes to make sure they're safe and appropriate. After placement, ORR provides ongoing support to help children and their sponsors succeed. This support helps children adjust to living with their sponsor, connect with their community, stay safe and healthy, and navigate the immigration court process. The goal is to make sure children are placed in safe homes and have the support they need to thrive while their immigration cases move forward.

The ROSS Rapid Response Program (RRP) awards one-time assistance via a cost-reimbursable grant for service coordination and limited direct services for residents of HUD-assisted housing. The RRP utilizes a simplified application process to promote local leadership and flexibility in addressing urgent social needs caused by unanticipated emergencies. Examples of these emergencies can include but are not limited to: • Natural disasters (e.g., wildfires or hurricanes) • Public health crises (e.g., gun violence, community-level contamination or environmental hazards) • Economic disruptions (e.g., closure of a major employment center that employs residents at the target site)

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving. AmeriCorps helps make service a cornerstone of our national culture. This funding announcement is an opportunity for communities to apply for funding to engage adults ages 55 and older in tackling the community’s most pressing needs through the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program. This is an open competition across all states and territories. 

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving. AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits. After successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.