FamilyFirst Services Training and Implementation Grant

The North Dakota FamilyFirst Services Training and Implementation Grant is administered by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services through its Children and Family Services Section. The grant is designed to expand the availability of evidence-based prevention services under the state’s federally approved Family First Title IV-E Prevention Services Plan, which aligns with the federal Family First Prevention Services Act. This legislation enables states to fund services that prevent children from entering foster care by strengthening families and addressing risks such as mental health challenges, substance use, and inadequate parenting supports. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development, expansion, and sustainability of service providers capable of delivering approved evidence-based programs within North Dakota communities. These services are intended to reduce child abuse and neglect, improve family functioning, and ensure children can remain safely in their homes. The grant specifically targets both new providers seeking to establish services and existing providers aiming to expand capacity, geographic reach, or service offerings. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with trauma-informed care principles and the state’s prevention plan. Funding is structured to offset costs associated with training and implementing approved service models. Eligible expenses include professional training delivered by approved providers, travel costs related to training, staff wages during training participation, startup operational costs for new providers (limited to two months), outreach and promotional materials, and necessary technology or equipment to support service delivery. The grant provides tiered funding based on staffing levels, with awards capped depending on the number of personnel trained. Eligibility is limited to entities legally operating in North Dakota that have demonstrated experience delivering human services to children and families. Applicants must commit to implementing at least one approved evidence-based service in a community where there is a documented unmet need. Both new and existing providers must outline their service plans, staffing strategies, training approach, and anticipated service capacity. The application requires detailed organizational information, a project narrative, service area identification, staffing projections, and a comprehensive budget narrative supported by a standardized worksheet. The application process involves submitting a completed application form (Attachment A) along with a budget worksheet (Attachment B) via email to the designated program administrator. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis to determine completeness, eligibility, and alignment with identified service needs. Approval is contingent upon both meeting program criteria and the availability of funding. Once awarded, grantees must adhere to strict reporting and operational requirements, including monthly progress reports, reimbursement requests, and timely enrollment in the state’s provider system. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through March 1, 2027, or until the total program funding of $400,000 has been fully allocated. Funds must be expended by June 30, 2027. Grantees are expected to begin service delivery within six months of receiving funding and maintain approved provider status for at least 12 months. Failure to meet these requirements may result in repayment of grant funds. This grant is a one-time funding opportunity and is not renewable, reinforcing its focus on building sustainable service capacity within the state.

Ensure clear demonstration of unmet service need in proposed area and strong alignment with trauma informed and evidence based practices as approval depends on these factors