Discretionary Grants

Discretionary grants are competitive grants usually awarded based on an application process.

Click a link below to learn more about a specific formula grant, or peruse the whole page.

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• 1890 Institution Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants
• Affordable Housing and Supportive Services Demonstration
• AmeriCorps & AmeriCorps Seniors
• Community Care Corps
• Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
• Full-Service Community Schools
• Housing Preservation Grants
• ICWA, Title II Grants to Indian Organizations for Off-Reservation Indian Child and Family Service Programs
• Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Grant Program
• LEGACY
• Lifespan Respite Care Program
• Mentoring for Children of Incarcerated Parents
• Mentoring for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Misuse
• National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative, Category III: Community Treatment and Services Centers
• Native Connections
• Older Adult Home Modification Grant Program
• Project AWARE
• Rural Health and Safety Education
• Social and Economic Development Strategies
• Statewide Family Network

1890 Institution Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants

Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Overview

The 1890 Institution Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants (1890 CBG) program was established to strengthen the capacity of 1890 land-grant institutions to provide quality education, conduct cutting-edge research, and offer extension activities. The program focuses on addressing key agricultural and related issues to enhance the quality of life for underrepresented communities.

Program funds are aimed at improving academic, research, and extension programs focused on food and agricultural sciences; increasing the number of students who pursue and complete undergraduate or advanced degrees in the food and agricultural sciences; and enhancing the quality of teaching, research, and extension at the 1890 land-grant institutions.

Eligible Activities:

Grants under this program can be used for:

• Education and Teaching: Developing new curricula, enhancing faculty development, improving student retention and graduation rates, and providing experiential learning opportunities
• Research: Conducting applied research on critical issues affecting agriculture and food systems, environmental science, and community health
• Extension: Offering community-based educational programs and services that address local needs in agriculture, health, nutrition, and youth development

How Funds are Distributed:

Funds are awarded on a competitive basis to eligible 1890 land-grant institutions in response to a yearly request for applications published by NIFA. Proposals are evaluated based on their potential impact, innovation, and alignment with the program’s goals. NIFA manages the application and review process and awards grants to institutions that demonstrate a strong potential to meet the program objectives.

Interested 1890 land-grant institutions can apply for one of three grant types:

1. Standard grants, in which project activities are undertaken principally by personnel of the 1890 land-grant institution
2. Collaborative grants, in which at least one partner organization collaborates on multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary work to address issues at a local, state, or national level, with only official partner organizations eligible for subgrants
3. Professional development grants for individual faculty members

Each grant type carries its own parameters. No match is required for 1890 CBG funds.

• Only the 19 historically Black universities that are existing 1890 land-grant institutions are eligible to be the primary recipient for 1890 CBG funds: Alabama A&M University; Alcorn State University, Mississippi; Central State University, Ohio; Delaware State University; Florida A&M University; Fort Valley State University, Georgia; Kentucky State University; Langston University, Oklahoma; Lincoln University, Missouri; North Carolina A&T State University; Prairie View A&M University, Texas; South Carolina State University; Southern University, Louisiana; Tennessee State University; Tuskegee University, Alabama; University of Arkansas Pine Bluff; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Virginia State University; and West Virginia State University. Interested kinship service providers should build relationships with their local 1890 land-grant institution and discuss the possibility of partnering for a collaborative grant. 

Where to Find More Information:

For more information about the 1890 Institution Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants Program and related opportunities, interested individuals and entities should refer to:

• NIFA Website: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture provides detailed information on the program, application guidelines, and deadlines on their official website at https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/1890-institution-teaching-research-extension-capacity-building-grants.
• 1890 Land-Grant Institutions National Program: Information about the 19 existing 1890 land-grant institutions is available at usda.gov/partnerships/1890s-program.

Example

In 2015, West Virginia State University received $600,000 from the 1890 Institution Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants Program to establish and pilot the Healthy Grandfamilies Project. The project seeks to address the high risk for chronic health conditions that grandparents serving as primary caregivers to their grandchildren experience in the state.

The Healthy Grandfamilies Project consists of nine facilitated workshops for grandparents raising grandchildren, delivered over six months and covering topics such as parenting, communication, health literacy & self-care, stress management, nutrition, and family response to addiction. In addition to workshops, participants receive up to six months of social work case management services, including a comprehensive intake assessment, advocacy services, and support accessing community resources.

Since receiving initial grant funding, the program has expanded statewide, with a county coordinator in all 55 West Virginia counties.

Affordable Housing and Supportive Services Demonstration

Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Agency: Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS)

Overview

The Affordable Housing and Supportive Services Demonstration (AHSSD) program is a federal initiative designed to strengthen the integration of affordable housing with supportive services for low-income individuals and families. By providing funds to Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and tribes that are funded by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and that own affordable housing units, the AHSSD program helps to build stable, sustainable communities. The program aims to improve housing stability, economic mobility, and overall well-being by providing comprehensive wraparound support services to residents of affordable housing.

Eligible Services

Funds from the AHSSD program can be used to provide a wide range of wraparound supportive services aimed at improving residents’ quality of life. At minimum, OCS requires all award recipients to expand or improve two of the following service areas:

• Educational opportunities for youth and adult residents
• Afterschool and/or summer programs for children and teen residents
• Early childcare, Head Start, Early Head Start, or other early childhood education programs/opportunities for young residents ages 0 to 5
• Older adult care services
• Mental health and alcohol and addiction services
• Services for residents with disabilities
• Self-sufficiency resources for residents
• Resources on future homeownership for residents
• Financial literacy training for residents
• Transportation services for residents
• Referrals and connections to resources to help meet concrete needs
• Healthcare services

Programs receiving funds are expected to center their programs on equitable service provision, including activities that value the lived experiences of residents and community members.

How Funds are Distributed

Funds for the AHSSD program are awarded through a competitive grant process. Interested applicants should respond when a notice of funding opportunity is published in the Federal Register and at grants.gov.

Eligible applicants include Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and tribes that were directly funded by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and that own affordable housing units.

Awards are provided for an 18-month project period. Grantees will be expected to provide at least 10% of total program costs in cash or in-kind.

Recipients may subgrant a substantial portion of the award funds to other community-based organizations to provide comprehensive wraparound services, though the awardee must “maintain a substantive role in the project.” Community-based organizations interested in participating in an Affordable Housing and Supportive Services Demonstration should contact their local CAA or Tribe.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the AHSSD program, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• Administration for Children and Families (ACF): Detailed information, relevant guidance, the most recent notice of funding opportunity, and up-to-date contact information is available at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/ahssd.
• Community Action Agencies: The Community Action Partnership maintains contact information for local CAAs at communityactionpartnership.com/find-a-cap/.

AmeriCorps & AmeriCorps Seniors

Agency: AmeriCorps (formerly Corporation for National and Community Service)

Overview

AmeriCorps is a federal program that engages individuals in public service to address critical community needs across the United States. Participants, known as AmeriCorps members, work with local organizations, nonprofits, schools, and public agencies to provide services in areas such as education, public health, disaster response, and environmental conservation. Through full-time or part-time service, members contribute to projects that aim to improve the quality of life in communities while gaining valuable skills and experience. AmeriCorps promotes civic engagement and fosters a culture of service, with members also eligible for education awards to further their own educational goals.

Community-based organizations can apply to receive funding and volunteer personnel for various programs and purposes. These volunteers conduct programmatic and capacity-building activities to support the efforts of grantees without taxing scarce program resources.

Eligible Services

Multiple programs exist within AmeriCorps to meet the needs of different organizations and communities. Each program has its own set of eligible services and requirements.

AmeriCorps State and National

• Focus: Engages individuals in full-time or part-time service roles that address critical community needs, such as education, public health, disaster response, and environmental stewardship
• Who Can Use It: Nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community-based organizations that require additional workers to implement and expand their programs
• Utilization: Organizations receive grants to recruit, train, and manage AmeriCorps members who provide direct services to communities, such as tutoring students, building affordable housing, and responding to natural disasters

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America)

• Focus: Targets poverty alleviation by building the capacity of organizations to address the root causes of poverty, rather than providing direct services
• Who Can Use It: Nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations looking to develop sustainable solutions to poverty-related challenges
• Utilization: VISTA members help organizations with tasks such as fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and program development, with a goal of increasing the organization’s ability to serve low-income communities over the long term

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)

• Focus: A team-based, residential program where members engage in short-term, high-impact service projects that address critical needs, particularly in disaster relief, infrastructure improvement, environmental stewardship, and urban and rural development
• Who Can Use It: Nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations needing teams of volunteers to carry out hands-on service projects
• Utilization: NCCC teams are deployed to complete various projects, such as rebuilding homes after disasters, clearing trails in national parks, and constructing community gardens, often in collaboration with local partners.

AmeriCorps Seniors

The AmeriCorps Seniors program engages older adults in volunteer service through three distinct programs. Each program leverages the experience and commitment of senior volunteers to meet the specific needs of vulnerable populations.

Foster Grandparents

• Focus: Mentoring, tutoring, and emotional support for individual children and youth with special or exceptional needs, with volunteers typically working with at-risk children in schools, hospitals, youth centers, or early childhood education programs
• Who Can Use It: Schools, nonprofits, and public agencies that work with children can utilize Foster Grandparents to enhance their services, particularly for children who need extra support academically or socially.
• Volunteers: Participants are generally low-income individuals aged 55 and older, and they receive a small stipend for their service that is tax-free and that does not impact eligibility for public benefits

Senior Companions

• Focus: Companionship and assistance to older adults who need help with daily tasks and wish to live independently, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation among seniors and providing respite to family caregivers
• Who Can Use It: Organizations like nonprofits, health care providers, and community centers that serve older adult populations can utilize Senior Companions to provide essential social support and assistance.
• Volunteers: Like Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions are typically low-income seniors aged 55 and older, and they receive a small stipend for their service that is tax-free and that does not impact eligibility for public benefits

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

• Focus: A wide range of volunteer opportunities for older adults, allowing them to choose how and where they want to serve; activities can include anything from disaster response and environmental conservation to tutoring to supporting veterans.
• Who Can Use It: A broad range of organizations, including nonprofits, local governments, and faith-based organizations, can recruit RSVP volunteers for diverse roles based on their needs.
• Volunteers: RSVP is open to all adults aged 55 and older; unlike Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions, RSVP volunteers typically do not receive a stipend, but they may receive insurance, mileage reimbursement, or similar resources.

How Funds are Distributed

To obtain support through the AmeriCorps program, organizations follow a structured application process. Interested nonprofit and public agencies should respond to a notice of funding opportunity with a proposal for how AmeriCorps members will be utilized to address critical community needs. Awardees will receive funding to recruit, train, and manage AmeriCorps members.

The requirements and benefits differ between different AmeriCorps programs. Some programs have a matching requirement or a requirement that the awardee contribute to the living allowance for any volunteers. Other programs do not have a match requirement but do require awardees to provide for various in-kind needs like office space, training, meals, supplies, tools, and housing for volunteers.

Most AmeriCorps programs are awarded for a three-year period, though the NCCC program is awarded on a per-service basis, with projects ranging from weeks to months, depending on the nature and scope of the project. Some programs allow for a continuation or renewal after the initial three-year period.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the AmeriCorps program, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS): Detailed information is available at americorps.gov.

Example

Family Education and Support Services in Washington State received support from the AmeriCorps VISTA program for a two-year project to bring in new staff to build capacity for their kinship navigator program. VISTA members developed tools to assess the needs and challenges of the families serviced by the navigator. They also developed marketing materials and held community events to raise awareness of the value and needs of kinship families in the community. While VISTA members did not perform direct service, they were able to organize, secure, and compile a directory of available local resources and services for kin families.

Community Care Corps

Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Agency: Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Overview

The Community Care Corps program provides funding to community-based organizations for volunteer programs that assist family caregivers, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. The program is designed to encourage self-sufficiency and enhance overall well-being and quality of life for these populations by offering volunteer assistance with non-medical care and support services. This initiative helps to alleviate the burden on family caregivers and enhance the well-being of those in need of care.

Eligible Services

Community Care Corps funds can be used to support a wide range of volunteer services designed to assist caregivers, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. These services may include, but are not limited to:

• Respite Care: Providing temporary relief for family caregivers through volunteer assistance
• Companionship: Offering social interaction and companionship to reduce isolation and loneliness
• Household Assistance: Helping with light housekeeping, meal preparation, and other daily tasks
• Transportation: Assisting with transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and community activities

The list of eligible services that can be provided by volunteers has been left intentionally broad to avoid “limiting imagination on how to best assist older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers.”

How Funds are Distributed

Funds for the Community Care Corps program are awarded through a competitive grant process. Community-based organizations—including nonprofits; state, county, and local government entities; faith-based organizations; institutions of higher education; Tribal governments and organizations; and local aging services organizations—can apply for funding to implement volunteer programs. Grants are awarded based on the strength of the proposal, the demonstrated need in the community, and the organization’s capacity to effectively manage and sustain the program.

Grant recipients are permitted up to 6 months to prepare the program for implementation in the final 12 months of the 18-month grant period.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the Community Care Corps program, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• Administration for Community Living (ACL): Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at acl.gov.
• Community Care Core Website: More information is available at the official website of the cooperative that runs the Community Care Corps at communitycarecorps.org.   

Note

Only four rounds of Community Care Corps grants have been awarded as of the publishing of this primer. While no grantees focused explicitly on kin families, many focused on respite services and other support services for older adults, including activities that would allow them to age in place. Kin-serving organizations could apply directly for Community Care Corps funds or partner with other respite agencies to provide respite services that help older kin caregivers remain stable while caring for children.

Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program

Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Agency: Rural Development

Please note that this program is also offered in the Loans and Loan Guarantees category of federal funding.

Overview

The Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program provides grants and low-interest direct loans to public entities, community-based nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in rural communities to develop essential community facilities. According to the USDA, an essential community facility is “a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings.” Grantees can use these funds to construct, expand, or improve a wide range of community facilities.

Eligible Services

Funds from the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program can be utilized to acquire, build, or upgrade essential community facilities, buy equipment, or cover related project costs. Examples of essential community facilities include:

• Community support facilities, like childcare centers, community centers, and transitional housing
• Public safety facilities, including fire stations, police stations, emergency response centers, and equipment to ensure community safety
• Educational facilities, like libraries, museums, and private schools
• Utility equipment, including telemedicine or distance learning equipment
• Local food systems, like community gardens, food pantries, community kitchens, and food banks
• Health care facilities, including hospitals, clinics, dental offices, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities

How Funds are Distributed

Funding is provided in the form of direct loans, grants, or a combination of loans and grants. All funding decisions are made through a competitive process. Eligible entities include public bodies, nonprofit community-based organizations, and federally recognized tribes located in rural areas with populations of 20,000 or fewer.

Loans are available with a fixed interest rate set by USDA and are available for up to the lesser of the useful life of the essential community facility or 40 years.

Grants are provided on a graduated scale, with eligible grantees able to receive a maximum of 15-75% of their proposed project costs based on the size of the community served and the median household income. For instance:

• A project in a rural community with under 20,000 residents and a median household income below the higher of the poverty line or 90% of the state’s nonmetropolitan median household income would be able to receive a maximum of 15% of proposed project costs.
• A project in a rural community with under 5,000 residents and a median household income below the higher of the poverty line or 60% of the state’s nonmetropolitan median household income would be able to receive a maximum of 75% of proposed project costs.

The application for the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program is open year-round, pending fund availability. Applicants should begin the process by contacting their local Rural Development office to discuss the particulars of the proposed project.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture: Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program.

USDA Rural Development Local Offices: Contact information for state and local housing programs is available through the USDA’s website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/browse-state.

Full-Service Community Schools

Department: U.S. Department of Education

Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE)

Overview

The Full-Service Community Schools program provides funding to local educational agencies (LEAs), schools run by the Bureau of Indian Education, and community-based organizations to develop and expand community schools that offer comprehensive academic, social, and physical and mental health services to students and their families. School staff and administrators; stakeholders; and local nonprofit, private sector, and public organizations partner to deliver integrated, accessible, and effective wraparound services to children and their families. The program aims to improve educational outcomes by addressing the holistic needs of students; creating stronger connections between schools, families, and communities; and providing access to essential resources that support student success both inside and outside the classroom.

Eligible Services

Funds from the Full-Service Community Schools Program are used to deliver comprehensive wraparound services designed to meet the diverse needs of students and their families. These services may include:

• Integrated Student Supports: Offering health care, mental health services, and social services on school premises to address the physical and emotional well-being of students
• Expanded Learning Opportunities: Providing afterschool programs, summer learning initiatives, early childhood education, and enrichment activities that enhance academic achievement and personal development, as well as activities to prepare youth for careers and postsecondary education
• Family and Community Engagement: Engaging families in their children’s education through workshops, parenting classes, and family literacy programs, as well as creating opportunities for community involvement in schools
• Collaborative Leadership and Practice: Developing partnerships among schools, community organizations, and local agencies to coordinate services and ensure that students and families have access to a broad range of resources

How Funds are Distributed

Funds for the Full-Service Community Schools program are awarded through a competitive grant process. To be eligible for grants under this program, applicants must be a consortium of:

1. (i) One or more LEAs; or
   (ii) The Bureau of Indian Education; and
2. One or more community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, or other public or private entities.

Awardees will be required to coordinate at least three existing services and two additional services. Interested entities can apply for a project period of up to five years. Applicants must provide non-federal matching funds, either in cash or in-kind. The amount of non-federal matching funds required is evaluated on a case-by-case basis as part of the application process.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the Full-Service Community Schools program, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• U.S. Department of Education: Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-birth-grade-12/school-community-improvement/full-service-community-schools-program-fscs.
• State Education Agencies: Contact information for state education programs, which can connect interested parties with LEAs, is available through the Department of Education’s website at ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
• Coalition for Community Schools: Offers resources to start a community school and apply for funding, including a series of webinars on the application process for this grant program and more at communityschools.org.

Note

While no programs funded under the Full-Service Community Schools program included kin-specific programming in their applications, several programs, including ones in New Mexico, Texas, and Kentucky, have specifically identified children in kinship families as high-need populations to be targeted for support.

Housing Preservation Grants

Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Agency: Rural Development (RD)

Overview

The Housing Preservation Grants program provides funding to states and local government entities, federally recognized tribes, and nonprofit organizations to assist renters and homeowners with low and very low incomes in the repair and rehabilitation of their housing. The program aims to improve the quality of housing in rural areas, ensuring that residents have safe and decent living conditions. Grantees can support eligible recipients by providing grants, low-interest loans, or other comparable assistance for housing repair and rehabilitation. Additionally, under certain circumstances, grantees can utilize Housing Preservation Grant funds to act as a contractor and furnish authorized housing preservation and replacement services.

Eligible Services

Awardees use the majority of Housing Preservation Grant funds to provide financial assistance directly to beneficiaries to support housing repair and rehabilitation activities. A smaller portion of funds is used by grantees themselves to repair and rehabilitate properties for beneficiaries. This can include:

• Home Repairs: Addressing structural issues; repairing or replacing roofs; and fixing plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
• Weatherization: Improving energy efficiency and housing safety through insulation, window replacements, and other weatherization measures
• Accessibility Modifications: Installing ramps, handrails, and other modifications to make homes accessible for older adult residents and individuals with disabilities
• Health and Safety Improvements: Removing hazardous materials such as lead paint and asbestos, and addressing other health and safety concerns
• Overcrowding alleviation: Making additions to a dwelling when necessary to address overcrowding or to remediate health hazards

Funds can also be used to help rental properties repair or rehabilitate rural rental housing, provided that the rental property owners agree to make units available for families with low and very low incomes.

Services can only be provided in eligible areas, including rural areas and towns with 20,000 or fewer people and on federally recognized tribal lands.

How Funds are Distributed

Funds for the Housing Preservation Grants Program are awarded through a competitive grant process. Applications are accepted annually through a notice in the Federal Register. Applicants are required to detail whether they are operating a homeowner assistance program, a rental assistance program, or a cooperative assistance program. Applicants must also provide information about how they would choose beneficiaries and other details about how the program would be run. Once awardees are selected and receive funds, they distribute the funds to homeowners with low incomes and owners of rental properties occupied by residents with low incomes.

Awardees can act as a contractor to directly perform repairs if:

1. They can demonstrate that doing so would result in cost savings;
2. There is a process for third-party review;
3. A consumer protection process is established; and
4. The grantee’s accounting system clearly delineates administrative and contractor costs.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the Housing Preservation Grants program, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture: Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/housing-preservation-grants.
• USDA Income and Property Eligibility Site: The USDA maintains a website to help determine if properties are located in a rural area at https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/.
• USDA Rural Development Local Offices: Contact information for state and local housing programs is available through the USDA’s website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/browse-state.

Note

Kin-serving organizations in rural areas can apply directly for Housing Preservation Grant funds or can partner with local housing-focused organizations to help identify and support kin caregivers who could benefit from the program.

ICWA, Title II Grants to Indian Organizations for Off-Reservation Indian Child and Family Service Programs

Department: U.S. Department of the Interior
Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

Overview

The Grants to Indian Organizations for Off-Reservation Indian Child and Family Service Programs authorized under Title II of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) provide funding to support tribal organizations in establishing and delivering child and family services to stabilize families and tribes, prevent removals, and keep children safely with their families. The program supports services that prevent the breakup of Indian families, ensure Indian children are removed from the custody of an Indian custodians only as a last resort, and promote the cultural continuity of Indian tribes.

Eligible Services

Tribal organizations receiving funds from this program have a degree of flexibility to offer services designed to protect and support Indian children and their families. These services may include:

• Family Assistance, including daycare and afterschool care, employment support, respite care, and homemaker services (such as general housekeeping, grocery shopping, and laundry) to support family stability
• Mental Health, including the provision of counseling services to children and families to help strengthen and stabilize Indian families and the operation and maintenance of facilities for that purpose
• Legal Assistance, including guidance and legal representation for Indian families involved in state child welfare proceedings
• Caregiver Support, including services needed to regulate, maintain, and support Indian foster and adoptive homes

How Funds are Distributed

Funds for the Grants to Indian Organizations for Off-Reservation Indian Child and Family Service Programs are awarded through a competitive grant process. Funds for the program are not guaranteed every year and must be appropriated by Congress on a year-to-year basis. Interested organizations should respond to the annual funding opportunity posted in the Federal Register and on grants.gov.

Tribal organizations (as defined under 25 U.S.C. 5304(l)) and tribal consortia are eligible to receive grants under this program. There is no match requirement for Grants to Indian Organizations for Off-Reservation Indian Child and Family Service Programs. 

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the Grants to Indian Organizations for Off-Reservation Indian Child and Family Service Programs, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA): Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at bia.gov.

Example

In 2021, the Rhode Island Indian Council was awarded $200,000 to establish a kinship program. The program provides various supports through a Native lens, including parenting education, discussion groups led by Native clinicians and artisans, and legal advocacy.

Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Grant Program

Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Overview

The Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) grant program provides funding to establish, sustain, and improve programs for promoting, intervening in, and treating infant and early childhood mental health. Programs funded under IECMH target infants and children up to 12 years of age who have been diagnosed with or are considered at risk for a mental illness. Multigenerational services that support the caregiving relationship are considered a core goal of IECMH.

Eligible Services

Funds from the IECMH grant can be used to support a range of mental health services for young children. According to statute (42 U.S. Code § 280h–6), grantees can provide:

• Age-appropriate mental health promotion and early intervention services or mental illness treatment services, which may include specialized programs, for eligible children at significant risk of developing, showing early signs of, or having been diagnosed with a mental illness, including a serious emotional disturbance. Such services may include social and behavioral services as well as multigenerational therapy and other services that support the caregiving relationship.
• Training for health care professionals with expertise in infant and early childhood mental health care with respect to appropriate and relevant integration with other disciplines such as primary care clinicians, early intervention specialists, child welfare staff, home visitors, early care and education providers, and others who work with young children and families.
• Mental health consultation to personnel of early care and education programs (including licensed or regulated center-based and home-based child care, home visiting, preschool special education, and early intervention programs) who work with children and families.
• Training for mental health clinicians in infant and early childhood specialties in promising and evidence-based practices and models for infant and early childhood mental health treatment and early intervention, including with regard to practices for identifying and treating mental illness and behavioral disorders of infants and children resulting from exposure or repeated exposure to adverse childhood experiences or childhood trauma.
• Age-appropriate assessment, diagnostic, and intervention services for eligible children, including early mental health promotion, intervention, and treatment services.

How Funds are Distributed

Funds are awarded annually through a competitive grant process managed by SAMHSA. Eligible entities include human services agencies and nonprofit organizations that:

1. Are accredited by appropriate state agencies to provide mental health promotion, intervention, or treatment services or employ licensed mental health professionals with specialized training in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of infant and early childhood mental health; and
2. Provide infant and early childhood mental health services that are evidence-based or that have been scientifically demonstrated to show promise but would benefit from further applied development.

Projects funded under the IECMH grant program can typically be funded for up to five years with awards of up to $500,000 per year per award. Recipients must provide non-federal matching funds (in cash or in-kind) of not less than 10% of the total amount of the grant.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the Infant Early Childhood Mental Health grant program, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at https://www.samhsa.gov/early-childhood-mental-health-programs/iecmh-grant-program.

Example

Family Service in San Antonio, TX received a grant through the Infant Early Childhood Mental Health program to develop a program to embed trauma-informed principles into the child welfare system. The program will work by providing training to Child Protective Services staff to help them understand the impact of trauma on children and prepare them to effectively refer families for trauma-informed treatment. It will also offer specialized trauma-informed treatment for children under the age of 12 and establish and develop a network of trauma-informed foster and kinship care providers who are trained and equipped to offer intensive, trauma-informed foster care to children assessed as having early signs of psychiatric disorders.

LEGACY

Department: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Program Office: Office of Housing

Overview

The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program is a federal initiative designed to address the housing needs of adults aged 62 and older with very low incomes. The program provides funding to nonprofit organizations to develop affordable rental housing with supportive services.

Following the passage of the LEGACY (Living Equitably: Grandparents Aiding Children and Youth) Act in 2000, the program has had two appropriations to fund the construction and development of housing units for intergenerational families, which are defined as families including at least one child and the child’s grandparent or other relative who is a head of the household and aged 62 or older.

Eligible Services

The LEGACY program supports the development of housing for older adults raising children. Supported activities may include:

• Construction and Development: Capital advances to finance the construction or acquisition of affordable housing units tailored specifically for the needs of older adults
• Rehabilitation of Existing Properties: Capital advances to finance the rehabilitation of existing properties to make them suitable for intergenerational families, including making accessibility improvements, upgrading aging infrastructure, or repurposing buildings for residential use

Housing projects are meant to be designed with services in mind. Applicants are expected to demonstrate that they are able to offer robust and varied support services to meet the needs of families in which children are being raised by an older adult. These services may include:

• Individualized case management
• Support groups
• Mental health services
• Before-school and afterschool activities
• Tutoring
• Safe and accessible transportation
• Recreational activities

How Funds Are Distributed

LEGACY funds are distributed through a competitive application process, as part of larger Section 202 funding during years when intergenerational appropriations are made. Interested nonprofit organizations should look for notices of funding opportunity published in the Federal Register and at grants.gov.

LEGACY funding for intergenerational housing through the Section 202 program is provided through capital advances and project rental assistance contracts, both of which are subject to appropriations from Congress.

• Capital Advances: Nonprofit organizations can apply for capital advances to finance the construction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of supportive housing units. These funds do not need to be repaid as long as the housing remains available to older adults with very low incomes for at least 40 years. Capital advance funds are strictly designated for physical development costs and cannot be used for operating expenses or supportive services.
• Project Rental Assistance Contracts (PRACs): PRAC funds cover the difference between the tenant’s rent payments (capped at 30% of their income) and the operating costs of the housing project. These funds can be used to cover a variety of operational costs, including the salaries of staff managing the property (including a service coordinator to help residents navigate available services), maintenance cost, utilities, and other necessary expenses, but they cannot cover supportive services.

Intergenerational housing can be funded under the LEGACY program on its own or as part of a larger Section 202 project. In the case of mixed 202-LEGACY housing projects, the greater of five units or 20% of PRAC-assisted units must be designated for intergenerational units. These units must:

• Have at least two separate bedrooms;
• Be equipped with design features appropriate to meet the physical needs of older adults; and
• Be equipped with design features appropriate to meet the physical needs of children, as needed.

To be eligible for LEGACY funding, proposals will need to:

• Demonstrate the need for intergenerational housing in the community, including by conducting and sharing the results of an assessment conducted in consultation with local child welfare agencies, caregiver support groups, Area Agencies on Aging, and supportive service providers;
• Show how the project’s design will help both older adults and children;
• Detail services and other supports that will be offered to support children being raised by older adults; and
• Demonstrate that the project sponsor or its partners have experience in owning, operating, developing, or managing intergenerational housing.

Nonprofits are encouraged to collaborate with other organizations, including health care providers, social service agencies, and state and local government agencies, to offer comprehensive services to residents.

Where to Go for More Information

For more details on the Section 202 program, including how to apply for funding, visit the HUD website or contact your local HUD Office of Multifamily Housing. Additionally, you can refer to the following resources:

• HUD’s Section 202 Program Page: Provides an overview of program requirements, funding opportunities, and application guidance at hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/mfinfo/section202ptl.
• NLIHC Section 202 Overview: Offers insights into recent funding levels, policy discussions, and the broader impact of the program at nlihc.org.

Example

Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago received funding in the first LEGACY appropriation to open Roseland Village Apartments in 2011. The building, part of a larger senior living complex, contains 10 three- and four-bedroom units for older adults raising their grandchildren. The building offers supportive services for children in grandfamilies and ample public spaces to help children and older adult residents build community.

Lifespan Respite Care Program

Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Agency: Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Overview

The Lifespan Respite Care Program provides funding to state agencies to support the development and enhancement of community-based respite care services for family caregivers of individuals of all ages. The program aims to reduce caregiver stress, improve family stability, and enhance the quality of life for caregivers and care recipients. By offering planned and emergency respite care, the program helps ensure that caregivers have the opportunity to rest, recharge, and continue providing essential care to their loved ones.

Eligible Services

Funds from the Lifespan Respite Care Program are used by state agencies to develop and enhance sustainable respite care systems in the state. Funding is provided to meet five key objectives.

1. Expansion and enrichment: Boosting respite services within states
2. Coordination and circulation: Enhancing dissemination and coordination of these services
3. Streamlined access: Facilitating ease of access to these programs
4. Gap fulfillment: Identifying and addressing any existing service gaps
5. Quality improvement: Enhancing the overall quality of present respite services

While states have discretion in determining activities to meet these objectives, activities usually include:

• Conducting a community needs assessment and related activities to expand support to underserved populations
• Reaching out to family caregivers about available services and engaging with community-based organizations 
• Training for staff and volunteers
• Developing information systems to allow caregivers to find and access services
• Creating person-centered respite options, such as voucher programs; training resources for caregivers; and additional services to help caregivers improve their physical and mental health

How Funds are Distributed

Funds for the Lifespan Respite Care Program are awarded through a competitive grant process. Interested agencies should respond when a notice of funding opportunity is posted on grants.gov.

To be eligible for funds, agencies must do at least one of the following:

• Administer the state’s Older Americans Act or Medicaid program
• Be designated by the Governor to administer this program

Grantees must be or work with the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Center/No Wrong Door System and must collaborate with a public or private statewide respite care organization or coalition.

Grants are typically awarded for three- to five-year program periods. Awardees will be expected to contribute 25% of the project cost in cash or in kind. While community-based organizations are not eligible for direct funding under the program, state agencies can subcontract public and private entities to carry out the required or optional activities.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the Lifespan Respite Care Program, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• Administration for Community Living (ACL): Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/lifespan-respite-care-program.
• ARCH National Respite Network: Resources to understand and implement lifespan respite services, including lifespan respite trainings and resources,  best practices webinars, a report on key accomplishments of grantees, and other resources are available at archrespite.org.
• State Respite Coalition and Lifespan Respite Contacts: ARCH National Respite Network maintains a list of state contacts at https://archrespite.org/ta-center-for-respite/state-respite-coalition-contacts/.

Example

The Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services offers the Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program, which seeks to provide temporary relief to the primary caregivers of individuals with a documented disability or medical condition. In 2024, the program expanded to help cover the cost of respite child care and recreational camps for kinship families. It reimburses up to $595 per kinship family through June 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.

Mentoring for Children of Incarcerated Parents

Department: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)

Overview

The Mentoring for Children of Incarcerated Parents program provides funding to nonprofits, independent school districts, federally recognized tribal governments, and tribal organizations, to promote family engagement and community connectedness and to support health by establishing supportive mentoring relationships. These relationships are intended to enhance the well-being, resilience, and long-term success of children who face the unique challenges associated with having an incarcerated parent.

Eligible Services

Funds from the Mentoring for Children of Incarcerated Parents program can be used to provide culturally and developmentally or age-appropriate one-on-one, group, community, or school-based mentoring services. Mentoring services are meant to reach children impacted by parental incarceration, particularly in areas with high rates of incarceration.

Programs are meant to offer outreach and engagement services to broker connections between youth, their families and communities, and correctional institutions. Grantees will be expected to recruit and train mentors tied to the communities they serve, facilitate regular mentoring sessions, plan community events for participants, offer resources for contact and visitation with incarcerated parents for children and their caregivers, and provide continued support for children prior to and following visitation with incarcerated parents. Program funding is intended to focus on program design and creating new mentoring matches, but funding can be used to support existing mentorship relationships.

How Funds are Distributed

Funds for the Mentoring for Children of Incarcerated Parents Program are awarded through a competitive grant process. Applicants should respond to a notice of funding opportunity posted yearly in the Federal Register and on grants.gov. Grants are awarded for a period of 36 months.

Organizations looking to receive funding under this program must demonstrate that they have been operational for at least one year. Applicants will be required to describe how their program will incorporate and maintain meaningful partnerships with youth and families.

Awardees are permitted to subgrant a portion of their award to partner organizations, provided they are named in the application.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the Mentoring for Children of Incarcerated Parents Program, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP): Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at ojjdp.ojp.gov.
• Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring: OJJDP directly refers interested entities to MENTOR’s research-informed and practitioner-approved standards for quality mentoring services, available at mentoring.org/resource/elements-of-effective-practice-for-mentoring/.

Note

Kin-serving organizations can apply to run their own mentoring programs or can apply as a partner to a local mentoring organization to aid in recruiting and supporting kin families or developing kin-specific mentoring practices.

Mentoring for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Misuse

Department: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)

Overview

The Mentoring for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Misuse Program provides funding to support mentoring services for youth affected by misuse of opioids and other substances. The program aims to prevent and reduce delinquency, substance abuse, and other problematic behaviors by establishing supportive mentoring relationships. These relationships are intended to enhance the well-being, resilience, and long-term success of youth who have been affected by substance misuse in their families or communities.

Eligible Services

Funds from the Mentoring for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Misuse program can be used to provide high-quality, evidence-based one-on-one, group, or peer mentoring services. Mentoring services are meant to reach youth affected by misuses of opioids and other substances, including:

• Youth who are currently misusing or dependent on substances;
• Youth at risk for misusing substances; and
• Youth with family members who are currently misusing or dependent on substances.

OJJDP allows two categories of projects:

1. Mentoring Strategies for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Misuse (Project Sites) – Projects funded under this category provide direct mentoring services as part of a prevention, treatment, recovery, and supportive approach for youth in the above three categories.
2. Statewide and Regional Mentoring Strategies for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Misuse – Projects funded under this category focus on broad-based efforts to expand the capacity of mentoring programs for youth in the above three categories in targeted regions across the country. 

How Funds are Distributed

Funds for the Mentoring for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Misuse Program are awarded through a competitive grant process. Applicants should respond to a notice of funding opportunity posted yearly in the Federal Register and on grants.gov. Grant award periods range from 12 to 36 months.

Projects funded under categories 1 and 2 have different eligibility requirements.

• To be eligible for a Project Sites grant, organizations must have been in existence for at least 3 years and must be directly delivering a structured mentoring program model.
• To be eligible for a Statewide and Regional Mentoring Strategies for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Misuse grant, an applicant must be a state; federal recognized tribal government; national organization (i.e., must have active affiliates in at least 45 states); or a mentorship organization with statewide reach. Two or more eligible entities can also apply.

Organizations looking to receive funding under this program must demonstrate that they have established a formal relationship with a licensed or accredited public or private substance use treatment organization. Applicants will be required to describe how their program will incorporate and maintain meaningful partnerships with youth and families.

Awardees are permitted to subgrant a portion of their award to partner organizations, provided they are named in the application.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the Mentoring for Youth Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Misuse Program, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP): Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at ojjdp.ojp.gov.
• Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring: OJJDP directly refers interested entities to MENTOR’s research-informed and practitioner-approved standards for quality mentoring services, available at mentoring.org/resource/elements-of-effective-practice-for-mentoring/.

Note

Kin-serving organizations can apply to run their own mentoring programs or can apply as a partner to a local mentoring organization to aid in recruiting and supporting kin families or developing kin-specific mentoring practices.

National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative, Category III: Community Treatment and Services Centers

Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Overview

The National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI), Category III: Community Treatment and Services (CTS) Centers, is a federal program that provides funding to local organizations and service providers to improve access to and quality of trauma- and grief-focused care for children, adolescents, and their families who have experienced traumatic events. The initiative aims to enhance the capacity of community-based organizations to deliver evidence-based and culturally relevant treatments and services to children and families affected by trauma. The ultimate goal is to mitigate the impact of trauma, promote resilience, and support the long-term mental health and well-being of children.

Eligible Services

Recipients awarded funds must do the following:

• Provide Trauma-Focused Treatment: Implement evidence-based and/or evidence-informed therapeutic interventions specifically designed to address the needs of children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. This includes screening, assessment, care management, therapeutic support, and prevention services. Services can be provided in a variety of settings and should be culturally and linguistically responsive to the communities they serve.
• Coordination and Partnerships: Establish partnerships with child-serving systems like schools, health care providers, child welfare agencies, and other community organizations to create a coordinated and comprehensive approach to trauma care.
• Training and Capacity Building: Provide training and professional development for mental health providers to enhance their ability to identify and respond to complex trauma and its impact on child development.
• Community Outreach and Education: Conduct outreach activities to raise awareness about the effects of trauma on children, the accessibility of trauma-informed services in the community, and participation in those services.
• Adaptation and Development: Collaborate with Treatment and Service Adaptation Centers, funded under Category II of NCTSI, on the development and adaptation of trauma-focused interventions for youth.

Additionally, awardees have flexibility to do the following:

• Conduct activities to address disparities and promote equity and inclusion in trauma-focused services
• Develop and implement recovery programs
• Offer mental health services to address grief and trauma experienced by youth who have undergone conversion therapy
• Provide tobacco cessation services
• Support required activities with language services (interpretation, translation, accommodation, accessibility, etc.)
• Conduct data analysis about populations over- and under-served
• Establish and execute outreach and referral processes that reflect the diversity of the community

How Funds are Distributed

Funds for the NCTSI Category III program are awarded through a competitive grant process. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofit entities, Indian tribes and tribal organizations that demonstrate the capacity to provide trauma-informed services to children and families. Applicants are encouraged to partner with organizations that serve underserved, diverse populations and carry appropriate credentials. To demonstrate capacity, three requirements must be met:

• An organization that provides direct mental health services must be included in each application, though they need not be the applicant.
• All organizations that provide mental health services and are included in the application must offer official documentation attesting that they have provided relevant services for, at minimum, the preceding two years
• All organizations that provide mental health services and are included in the application must comply with local and state requirements for licensure, accreditation, and certification. 

NCTSI Category III grants are offered for a project period of up to five years, with awards of up to $600,000 per year. There is no match requirement for this program.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI), Category III: Community Treatment and Services (CTS) Centers program, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at samhsa.gov.
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): Resources and tools for trauma-informed care and additional support for organizations implementing trauma services at nctsn.org/.

Note

Serving as a lead organization for a CTS center is beyond the ambit of most local kin-serving organizations. Given that kin families are an underserved population, kin-serving organizations should consider partnering with larger mental health organizations to provide kin-focused services as part of a larger proposal.

Native Connections

Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Overview

Native Connections, also known as the Tribal Behavioral Health program, is an initiative designed to support tribal communities in identifying and addressing mental health needs and substance use among Native youth aged 24 and under. The primary goal of the Native Connections grant is to build a culturally responsive network of systems, services, and partnerships to reduce suicidal behavior; promote mental health and wellness; address substance use; and mitigate the impacts of trauma, including historical trauma, within Native communities.

Eligible Services

Awardees must complete the following required activities:

• Community Needs Assessment (First 4 Months): Conduct an assessment to identify existing local strategies, resources, and areas needing improvement related to suicide prevention, mental health promotion, and substance misuse for AI/AN youth
• Community Readiness Assessment (First 6 Months): Evaluate the Tribe’s preparedness to tackle suicide and substance misuse among AI/AN youth, considering community awareness, leadership support, and prevailing attitudes
• Strategic Action Plan (First 9 Months): Develop a strategic plan based on the assessments, focusing on three tiers:
  • Tier 1: Universal prevention to reduce risks and promote resilience
  • Tier 2: Targeted interventions for at-risk youth
  • Tier 3: Focused interventions for those not reached by earlier efforts
• Postvention Protocols: Create or update culturally sensitive protocols for responding to crises like suicide and substance misuse, including first response roles, crisis management, and follow-up care
• Community Involvement: Ensure tribal community members are involved in all project decisions, from planning to evaluation
• Youth Advisory Board: Establish a board of youth to guide the project and ensure their input is considered in decision-making

While the Native Connections grant does allow for a portion of the funds to be used for direct services, the primary focus is on capacity building, planning, coordination, and developing the infrastructure necessary for these services. Most of the funding is expected to go towards activities that support the overall goals of building community capacity and infrastructure. This includes activities such as:

• Training and Capacity Building: Preparing staff and community members to deliver services
• Program Development: Creating new programs or expanding existing ones
• Evaluation and Planning: Assessing community needs and readiness and developing strategic plans

Direct service delivery is often integrated into these broader activities, particularly in the context of pilot programs or initial implementations that demonstrate the effectiveness of the planned interventions.

How Funds Are Distributed

The Native Connections grant is offered annually on a competitive basis. Interested applicants should respond to a notice of funding opportunity published on grants.gov. Federally recognized tribes, tribal organizations, Urban Indian organizations, and tribal consortia are eligible to apply.

The Native Connections grant provides funding for up to five years, with annual awards typically as high as $250,000. There is no match required.

Where to Find More Information

For more detailed information on the Native Connections Grant, including application guidelines and deadlines, you can visit the SAMHSA website or contact the Tribal Affairs Office at SAMHSA. Additionally, you can explore resources like:

• SAMHSA Native Connections Program Page: Provides an overview of the grant, eligibility criteria, and application process at samhsa.gov/native-connections.
• SAMHSA Tribal Training and Technical Assistance Center: A resource for guidance and support on implementing grant-funded programs in tribal communities at samhsa.gov/tribal-ttac.

Older Adult Home Modification Grant Program

Department: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Agency: Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes

Overview

The Older Adult Home Modification Grant Program (OAHMP) provides funding to nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and public housing authorities to run comprehensive home modifications, repairs, and renovations to help older adults with low incomes age in place. The program aims to enhance the safety, accessibility, and functionality of homes for older adults, allowing them to maintain their independence and live comfortably in their communities.

According to HUD, the program is based around two core principles:

“first, as people age, their needs change, and they may need adaptations to their physical environment to live safely at home; second, for any intervention to have the highest impact, the individual’s personal goals and needs must be a driver in determining the actual intervention.”

Eligible Services

Funds from the OAHMP can be used to perform low-cost, low-barrier, high-impact home modifications and limited repairs. These services may include, but are not limited to:

• Accessibility Improvements: Installing ramps, handrails, grab bars, and other modifications to improve mobility and access
• Bathroom Modifications: Upgrading bathrooms with walk-in showers, raised toilets, and other features to enhance safety and usability
• Kitchen Modifications: Adjusting kitchen layouts and appliances to make them more accessible and easier for older adults to use
• Limited Home Repairs: Conducting essential repairs such as fixing structural issues, improving lighting, and eliminating tripping hazards to ensure a safe living environment

Home modification services must be accompanied by a consultation with a licensed occupational therapist to ensure the modifications will be sufficient to help the client age in place. This takes place under a four-step process.

1. An occupational therapist conducts an initial interview and assesses the home for any safety hazards.
2. The occupational therapist creates a work order.
3. Home modifications are completed by a licensed contractor.
4. The occupational therapist conducts a follow-up assessment and inspection and helps the client understand how to safely and properly use the home modifications and adaptive equipment. If additional home modifications are needed, the occupational therapist will create a new work order. 

How Funds are Distributed

Funds for the Older Adult Home Modification Grant Program are awarded through a competitive grant process. The application opportunity is published in the Federal Register and at grants.gov.

Grants are awarded for a 36-month project period. The program does not require any cost sharing. Awardees will be required to cooperate fully with a Congressionally mandated evaluation and other research or evaluation sponsored by HUD.

Awardees can subgrant a portion of OAHMP funds to partner organizations. The role, relationship, and expected cost of the subgrant must be included in the application.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the Older Adult Home Modification Grant Program, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• Department of Housing and Urban Development: Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at hud.gov.
• Program Evaluation: The interim results of the Congressionally mandated evaluation of the first cohort of awardees is available at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/Evaluation-of-the-HUD-Older-Adult-Home-Modification-Grant-Program-Cohort-1-Interim-Report.html.

Note

Kin-serving organizations can apply directly for funds or can partner with an organization with experience providing housing services. Together, they can identify and support kin caregivers through the OAHMP process.

Project AWARE

Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Overview

Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) funds efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues among school-aged youth, offer training for school staff, and promote access to mental health services for children and adolescents. The program seeks to build and expand the capacity of state and local educational agencies to connect students with effective mental health services and supports, thereby fostering a safe and supportive school environment. Through Project AWARE, schools can identify and address the mental health needs of students, reduce stigma, and promote overall student well-being.

Project AWARE programs focus on collaboration between:

• State Education Agencies (SEAs);
• Local Education Agencies (LEAs);
• Tribal Education Agencies (TEAs);
• State Mental Health Agencies (SMHAs);
• Community-based behavioral health providers;
• School personnel;
• Community organizations;
• Families; and
• School-aged youth.

Eligible Services

Funds from Project AWARE can be used to support mental health services and activities designed to promote healthy social and emotional development. These services may include:

• Mental Health First Aid Training: Providing training for school staff, educators, and community members to recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges in children and adolescents
• Early Identification and Intervention: Implementing programs that screen and identify students who may be at risk for mental health issues and providing early interventions to prevent the escalation of these issues
• Access to Mental Health Services: Enhancing the availability of school-based mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and referrals to community-based mental health providers
• Family and Community Engagement: Engaging families and community stakeholders in efforts to promote mental health awareness and support for students, ensuring a comprehensive approach to student wellness
• School Climate Improvement: Developing and implementing strategies to create a positive and supportive school climate that fosters student resilience and reduces the risk of mental health crises

How Funds are Distributed

Funds for Project AWARE are awarded through a competitive grant process. At minimum, every Project AWARE grant must:

• Develop a partnership between the SEA, the SMHA, at least one LEA, and at least one community-based behavioral health provider;
• Conduct a needs assessment to identify current mental health needs and gaps in services;
• Develop, within six months of receiving an award, a comprehensive plan for implementation that details services offered, systems for referral, workforce capacity building, emergency response, and school safety and violence prevention programs;
• Develop, within two years of receiving an award, a sustainability plan including changes in policy to maintain or expand services after federal funding is complete;
• Establish an advisory board consisting of key professional stakeholders as well as family members and youth; and
• Build relationships with families, community groups, and local businesses to facilitate expansion of and access to community resources.

Eligible entities include:

• States
• Political subdivisions of states (counties, cities, towns)
• Tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal consortia
• Education Organizations (SEAs, LEAs, TEAs)
• Community-based public or private nonprofit behavioral health providers
• Community-based public and private nonprofit organizations

Projects are funded for a five-year program period. There is no match requirement for this program.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about Project AWARE, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at https://www.samhsa.gov/school-campus-health/project-aware.
• State Education Agencies: Contact information for state education programs is available through the Department of Education’s website at ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.

Note

Given the size of the kinship population, it is unlikely that a program focused solely on kin families would be awarded a Project AWARE grant. Kin-serving organizations can play an important role as part of a Project AWARE partnership, by offering tailored programming to meet the unique mental health needs of kin families, along with outreach and navigation services.

Rural Health and Safety Education

Department: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Overview

The Rural Health and Safety Education (RHSE) program aims to enhance the quality of life in rural areas by supporting health education programs that address critical health issues. The program focuses on developing and implementing educational projects that improve health literacy, enhance health care delivery, and promote wellness among rural populations.

The RHSE program provides grants to land-grant institutions and other eligible institutions to develop innovative educational programs that address specific health and safety needs in rural communities. These programs are designed to address a wide range of issues, including chronic disease prevention, mental health, substance use, and access to health care services.

Eligible Activities

Grants under this program fund community-based outreach education programs focused on one of three issues, as defined in statute:

1. Individual and family health education programs with specified contents
2. Rural health leadership development education programs to assist rural communities in developing health care services and facilities and to assist community leaders and public officials in understanding their roles and responsibilities
3. Farm safety education programs to provide information and training to farm workers, timber harvesters, and farm families

During years in which NIFA solicits applications for individual and family health education, eligible services are defined as health education and capacity-building programs that provide individuals and families living in rural areas with:

• Information about the value of good health at any age;
• Information to increase an individual’s or a family’s motivation to take more responsibility for their own health;
• Information regarding rural environmental health issues that directly impact human health;
• Information about and access to health promotion and educational activities; and
• Training for volunteers and health services providers concerning health promotion and health care services for individuals and families in cooperation with state, local, and community partners.

How Funds are Distributed

Funds are awarded competitively based on proposals submitted by eligible institutions, which include 1862, 1890, and 1994 land-grant colleges and universities.

No match is required for RHSE funds.

Only land-grant institutions are eligible to be the primary recipient of RHSE funds, but they can subgrant to other organizations for services necessary to the project. Interested kinship service providers should contact their local land-grant institution to discuss the possibility of partnering. 

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the Rural Health and Safety Education program and related opportunities, interested individuals and entities should refer to:

• NIFA Website: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture provides detailed information on the program, application guidelines, and deadlines at nifa.usda.gov.
• Land-grant institutions: More information on land-grant institutions is available at nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/how-we-work/partnerships/land-grant-colleges-universities.

Example

From 2014 to 2016, Purdue University’s School of Nursing and College of Health and Human Services (HHS) Extension received RHSE funds to provide trauma-informed parenting classes to kin caregivers in rural Indiana. Faculty members from the School of Nursing and Extension Educators—masters-prepared educators embedded year-round in local rural counties—implemented a curriculum created by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

Over the course of two to four days, the program utilized eight modules to enhance kin caregivers’ psychological well-being, strengthen caregiver-child bonding and nurturing, and improve the overall family environment. This curriculum was designed to aid caregivers in understanding various child behaviors resulting from past trauma, such as hoarding food, exerting control, displaying externalizing behaviors, and other potentially harmful behavior patterns.

Social and Economic Development Strategies

Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Agency: Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Overview

The Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) program, including Social and Economic Development Strategies for Alaska (SEDS-AK), provides funding to support community-driven projects that promote social and economic development and self-governance in Native American communities. The program aims to strengthen Native American communities through culturally specific strategies to foster economic development, meet social service needs, enhance cultural preservation, and improve community infrastructure. Funds are used to address local needs and priorities, ultimately contributing to the well-being of Native American tribes, and to enhance the governing capacity of tribal and Alaska Native Village governments.

Eligible Services

Funds from the SEDS and SEDS-AK programs can be used to support activities designed to enhance social and economic development and governance in Native American communities. These services may include:

Social Development

• Mental Health: Individual and group counseling, mentorship, substance abuse treatment, and peer support programs
• Strengthening Child and Family Well-Being: Culturally relevant parenting skills, early childhood education, youth leadership and development, cultural connectedness, and tutoring
• Nutrition and Health: Programs to improve the quality of and access to health care and education programs focused on healthy eating and habits
• Community Safety and Security: Community-based initiatives to reduce crime and incidences of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP), assistance programs for elders and people with disabilities, and programs designed to reduce human trafficking

Economic Development

• Asset building: Financial education and other asset-building strategies
• Workforce Development: Partnerships with tribal colleges, workforce development agencies, social service providers, and employers to develop workforce training programs; programs to teach technical skills or help individuals secure credentials and experience
• Agriculture: Sustainable farming projects focused on local and commercial distribution
• Entrepreneurship: Business incubators and the development of Native community financial development institutions

Governance

• Administrative capacity building: Developing or amending tribal constitutions, by-laws, codes, policies, and procedures to improve the infrastructure of tribal governments; procedures addressing family and child welfare issues; and training for tribal government leaders

How Funds are Distributed

Funds for the SEDS and SEDS-AK programs are awarded through a competitive grant process. Eligible applicants include tribes, tribal Consortia, Alaska Native villages, Native nonprofit organizations, community-based Indian organizations, and tribal colleges and universities. Applicants that are not federally- or state-recognized tribes, Alaska Native village governments, or public government agencies must provide documentation that representatives of Native American communities occupy a majority of board seats. 

Eligible entities can apply for 12-, 24-, or 36-month project periods. Awardees will be required to contribute 20% of the total project cost, which can include in-kind or cash contributions.

Applications should be submitted in response to a yearly notice of funding opportunity published in the federal register and on grants.gov.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about SEDS and SEDS-AK, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• Administration for Native Americans (ANA): Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at acf.hhs.gov/ana.
• Notice of Funding Opportunity: Detailed information is available in the Notice of Funding Opportunity from 2024, which is available at https://www.anapacific.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hhs-2024-acf-ana-na-0050-SEDS.pdf.

Example

Ileihno Bopachemihn, Inc., the Tribal Oak Tree Foster Family Agency of Sacramento, CA received a SEDS grant in 2017 focused on increasing the number of approved resource families for American Indian and Alaska Native children in Sacramento and Los Angeles Counties. The program supported the operation of an ICWA-compliant temporary housing facility with culturally relevant support services for AI/AN youth alongside in- and out-of-state collaborations with tribes to secure kinship placements and recruit AI/AN foster placements.

Ileihno Bopachemihn, Inc. also received SEDS funding in 2023 for a program focused on developing Native therapists and therapeutic services to address the specific needs of Native youth in foster care and their families.

Statewide Family Network

Department: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Overview

The Statewide Family Network (SFN) program is a federal initiative designed to support family-controlled organizations to improve their capacity to engage with caregivers raising children, youth, and young adults with serious emotional disturbances (SED) and co-occurring disorders. A family-controlled organization is an organization whose board of directors is composed primarily (more than 50%) of family members who are caregivers for children and youth with SED. 

The SFN program aims to strengthen the voice of families in mental health care and to ensure that families are actively involved in shaping the services that affect them. According to SAMHSA, the goals of the SFN program are to:

• Enhance family/caregiver participation, voice, leadership, and empowerment statewide to effect systems change and improve the quality of mental health services;
• Facilitate access to evidence-based and promising family/caregiver peer delivered practices;
• Enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities related to mental health services for family/caregiver peer support providers across the state;
• Emphasize and build family/caregiver leadership within family/caregiver-controlled organizations, in communities across the state, and through partnerships and collaboration with allied stakeholders;
• Build the capacity and sustainability of statewide family/caregiver networks; and
• Increase family-to-family connectedness and reduce family feelings of isolation.

Eligible Services

Funds from the SFN program are focused on building organizational capacity to serve children with SED, their families, and their caregivers. This includes the following required activities:

• Supporting and advocating for individual families raising children with SED
• Holding workshops that address the needs of families and caregivers of children with SED, including the unique needs of underserved caregivers
• Establishing respite care programs for families and caregivers of children with SED
• Conducting public awareness programs to educate the community about the needs of families and caregivers of children with SED
• Recruiting, educating, empowering, supporting, and training families and caregivers of children with SED to engage in policy, planning, and implementation activities
• Developing and implementing statewide evidence-based peer support programs for families and caregivers of children with SED
• Engaging families in the development of programs to improve access to family-centered, trauma-informed, evidence-based practices, including:
  • Peer support
  • Wellness
  • Crisis response
  • Workforce development
  • Collaboration across family-serving organizations

Additionally, programs can engage in the following allowable activities:

• Technical assistance and training for family-driven and youth-guided recovery support organizations
• Information and referral services
• Collaboration with other statewide mental health networks
• Collaboration with government education agencies to establish SED screening and school-based mental health services
• Collaboration with medical organizations to establish SED screening programs and protocols

How Funds are Distributed

Funds for the Statewide Family Network program are awarded through a competitive grant process. Eligible applicants should respond to the notice of funding opportunity posted annually to the Federal Register and grants.gov.

Eligible applicants include family-controlled, nonprofit organizations that have a board of directors composed of more than 50% family members who have primary responsibility for raising a child or adolescent with a serious emotional disturbance. Lead organizations are expected to partner with other organizations in the community to deliver services. Grants will only be provided in states where there is not currently an active SFN award.

The grant period for the SFN program is up to three years. There is no match requirement for the SFN program.

Where to Find More Information

For more information about the Statewide Family Network program, interested individuals and entities should look to:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Detailed information, relevant guidance, and up-to-date contact information is available at samhsa.gov.
• National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (NFFCMH): As a key partner in this initiative, the NFFCMH provides additional resources and support for family-run organizations involved in the SFN program.
• Existing Statewide Family Networks: ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center has published a list, prepared by SAMHSA, of existing Statewide Family Network programs, available at archrespite.org/library/statewide-family-networks/.

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