FY2026 Runaway Homeless Youth Training, Technical Assistance, and Capacity Building Center (RHYTTAC)

The Runaway Homeless Youth Training, Technical Assistance, and Capacity Building Center (RHYTTAC) is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Children and Families, specifically the Administration on Children, Youth and Families and its Family and Youth Services Bureau. This program is part of a broader federal effort to support vulnerable youth populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness or instability. The funding is delivered through a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement by the federal agency in guiding program implementation and outcomes. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to establish and operate a national center that provides training, technical assistance, and capacity building support to existing recipients and subrecipients of Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) grants. The center is expected to strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of programs serving runaway and homeless youth by equipping providers with tools, knowledge, and best practices. This includes developing training products that can be delivered both in person and virtually, ensuring accessibility and adaptability across diverse service environments. Funded activities include the development and dissemination of evidence-based and evidence-informed practices addressing the needs of runaway youth, homeless youth, and youth at risk of homelessness. The awardee will also provide targeted technical assistance to RHY-funded organizations to help them respond to emerging challenges and improve service delivery. Additionally, the center will play a coordinating role, fostering collaboration among RHY grantees and partner organizations nationwide to enhance collective impact and information sharing. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad but clearly defined. Applicants may include nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, private and public institutions of higher education, Native American tribal organizations (excluding federally recognized tribal governments), and other eligible entities such as statewide or regional nonprofit organizations. For-profit entities, individuals, and foreign organizations are explicitly excluded. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility criteria are permitted to apply. Collaborative applications from combinations of eligible entities are also allowed, reflecting an emphasis on partnership and regional or national reach. The application process is expected to be conducted electronically through federal grant submission systems, with a firm deadline for submission. Applicants must prepare a comprehensive proposal that outlines their approach to delivering training and technical assistance, their capacity to manage a national-level program, and their strategies for coordination and dissemination. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in the forecast, federal cooperative agreements of this type typically assess organizational capacity, program design, and alignment with federal priorities. The estimated application due date is August 3, 2026, with awards anticipated by August 28, 2026, and a project start date of September 30, 2026. The total estimated funding for the program is 2.5 million dollars, with a single award expected. A cost-sharing or matching requirement is indicated, though the specific terms are not detailed in the forecast. Interested applicants may contact the program representative via phone or email for additional information. As a forecasted opportunity, applicants should monitor for the official notice of funding opportunity, which will provide full application instructions, evaluation criteria, and compliance requirements.