Community and Faith-Based Facilitation for Foster Care Recruitment Grant Program

The Community and Faith-Based Facilitation for Foster Care Recruitment grant is administered by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth as part of a pilot initiative designed to develop new models for recruiting foster families across the state. The program reflects Ohio’s broader effort to address gaps in foster care placement capacity, particularly for children and youth who are more difficult to place, such as older youth, sibling groups, and children with complex behavioral or medical needs. By leveraging trusted community and faith-based organizations, the department aims to build localized, sustainable recruitment networks that can increase the number and diversity of foster caregivers. The purpose of this grant is to fund nonprofit organizations that can convene, coordinate, and lead collaborative recruitment efforts within their communities. Selected organizations are expected to design and implement engagement strategies that mobilize both faith-based institutions and community partners to identify, inform, and support prospective foster families. The program emphasizes relationship-based outreach and culturally responsive engagement, recognizing that local organizations often have established trust and influence that can improve recruitment outcomes. Funding for the grant is capped at 47000 dollars per award and is intended to be all inclusive, covering all costs associated with program implementation. Once awarded, the full grant amount is disbursed following submission of a detailed engagement plan. However, continued access to the funding is contingent upon compliance with program requirements, including participation in monthly meetings with the department and submission of regular progress reports. Failure to meet these obligations may result in repayment of funds, reinforcing accountability for performance and outcomes. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with valid 501(c) status that are registered with the Ohio Secretary of State. Applicants must also complete and submit a Standard Affirmation and Disclosure Form in accordance with state executive orders, and must provide a fully completed application without altering any required terms or conditions. The program specifically targets community-based and faith-based organizations capable of coordinating multi-organization efforts and demonstrating the capacity to manage outreach initiatives at the local or regional level. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive proposal via email, including organizational information, program design responses, targeted population details, recruitment goals, and a description of how funding will be used. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are exhausted. As a result, timeliness and completeness of submission are critical factors in consideration. The performance period for the grant runs through June 30, 2027, beginning upon execution of the agreement by the Department of Children and Youth. During this period, grantees must implement their engagement strategies, coordinate with partner organizations, and provide monthly updates detailing progress, challenges, and outcomes. These reporting requirements ensure continuous monitoring and allow the department to assess the effectiveness of different recruitment models developed through the pilot. As of the current funding cycle, the available funding has been fully allocated, and the opportunity has transitioned to a waitlist status. Organizations may still submit applications to be placed on the waitlist in the event that additional funding becomes available. However, inclusion on the waitlist does not guarantee funding. The final deadline for waitlist submissions is July 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time, after which no additional applications will be accepted for this cycle.

Submit early due to first come first served funding structure and ensure all sections are complete without modification as incomplete applications may be rejected