Applications Due:  August 1, 2016, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

Description: The Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families’ (ACYF), Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) announces a 24 month demonstration project period to implement, enhance, and/or support a framework or model to promote the effective transition from homeless youth to self-sufficient young adults. The target populations are LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness between the ages of 16 to 21 and young adults who have left foster care after the age of 18 up to age 21, but may need alternative housing and services. Based on an assessment of community needs, prospective applicants may choose which population to serve or serve both.

The following intervention strategies are the suggested approach for projects to design supportive activities to promote self-sufficiency among homeless youth and/or young adults:

I. Implement screening and assessment tools that will guide identification, assistance, and referral for delivery of appropriate services, and that are conducted in a manner that protects youth safety and that allows for voluntary, affirming self-disclosure.

II. Provide comprehensive services, using a comprehensive youth services model, designed to help young people who are homeless transition to self-sufficiency.

III. Provide safe, stable, and appropriate shelter.

Funding Title: Transitional Living Program Special Population Demonstration Project: LGBTQ Runaway and Homeless Youth and Young Adults Who Have Left Foster Care After Age 18

Agency Name: Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families- Family and Youth Services Bureau

Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2016-ACF-ACYF-LG-1185

 Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement

Express Language for Legal Aid: 

No, but collaboration with legal services is highlighted in two areas:

• Under Project Framework section on page 6:“Social Support and Relationship Capacity Building: Program model must include strategies for helping youth build protective factors such as connections with schools, employment, health care, legal services, appropriate family members and other caring adults…”

• Under Approach section on page 28:“Continuum Service Linkages:  Projects must coordinate with system of care providers… Service linkages must include, but are not limited to…. Legal assistance…”  

Target Population: Parents who owe child support arrears and would normally be scheduled for a contempt action

Expected Number of Awards: 8

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes

Estimated Total Program Funding: $5,000,000

Award Ceiling: $625,000

Award Floor: $250,000

How to Apply: For information on applying for grants, please visit “How to Apply for a Grant” on the ACF Grants Page at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/howto.

Current Closing Date for Applications: by August 1, 2016, 11:59 p.m. ET

Eligible Applicants:

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

In accordance with Section 343 of the Runaway Homeless Youth Act, the Secretary may make grants to States, localities, and private entities (and combinations of such entities). In selecting eligible applicants to receive grants under this Funding Opportunity Annoucement, priority will be given to applicants who have experience working with runaway and homeless youth as required by the RHY Act. Additionally, ACF ensures that the applicants selected represent diverse geographic regions of the United States. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity announcement. Faith-based organizations are encouraged to review the ACF Policy on Grants to Faith-Based Organizations at: http: //www.acf.hhs.gov/acf-policy-on-grants-to-faith-based-organizations. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this announcement.

 Link to Full Announcement: Here

Contact Information: If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact ACF Applications Help Desk: app_support@acf.hhs.gov

Categories: Children, Department of Health and Human Services, Education Organizations, Government Organizations, Homeless, Housing, LGBT, Non-profit Organizations, Public Housing Organizations, Small Businesses, Subgrant Possibilities, Victims of Crime