​​​​​​​​​​​Whole Family Services in Communities

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), through its Economic and Employment Services (EES) division, has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Whole Family Services in Communities program. This grant opportunity is funded by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant under ALN 93.558. It seeks to fund a comprehensive initiative aimed at strengthening families across Kansas through intergenerational, integrated service delivery. The purpose of the grant is to support whole-family stability, enhance protective factors for children, and reduce intergenerational poverty through access to supportive services. DCF plans to allocate $15 million annually to this initiative, with the initial award period covering July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. One grant will be awarded to a nonprofit organization that is capable of delivering services statewide, either directly or through subawards. The funding may be renewed for up to two additional one-year periods, and award amounts may increase by up to 10% based on satisfactory performance against predefined metrics. The program is designed to support families with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level by offering case management, employment support, financial literacy education, and connections to other essential services. Emphasis is placed on measurable outcomes, including adult job attainment and retention, and child welfare prevention. Funding is limited to allowable TANF uses and must comply with federal regulations, including restrictions on administrative and indirect costs. TANF funds may not be used for land or building purchases, vehicle acquisitions, or medical services. Allowable costs include personnel, travel, equipment, supplies, and other costs directly tied to service provision. Indirect costs are capped at 10%, and administrative costs must not exceed 15%. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, requiring grantees to submit detailed monthly reports for incurred expenses. Eligible applicants include Kansas-based state and local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, and colleges. Applicants must demonstrate a proven history of providing case management and employment services to low-income families, and they must operate a structure capable of delivering services statewide. Applications must also include verification of a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Kansas tax clearance, debarment status, 501(c)(3) or (4) certification, insurance documentation, and audited financials or equivalent records. Applicants are also required to complete DCF's online grant training and submit a certificate of completion. The grant application includes a comprehensive submission process. All applications must be received electronically by January 2, 2026 at 2 p.m. CT. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference scheduled for October 17, 2025. Proposals must contain a program abstract, detailed program narrative, budget request and narrative, a logic model, and multiple signed forms and verifications as outlined in the application checklist. The program narrative should include a problem statement, project design, implementation plan, organizational capacity overview, and evaluation framework. Applications will be reviewed by a DCF Grant Review Panel based on a 100-point scoring system, with considerations including underserved populations, geographic distribution, past performance, and alignment with strategic priorities. DCF's independent evaluator will support the selected grantee in defining and tracking performance metrics. Performance will be measured through a scorecard approach, incorporating indicators such as job retention, earnings, participant experience, and reduction in barriers to success. Ongoing reporting, including monthly status and financial reports, is required. DCF may also request additional data to comply with changing state and federal requirements. The initiative prioritizes collaboration with individuals with lived experience in DCF-supported programs. The successful grantee will recommend individuals to participate on DCF’s Family Voice Council to help inform program delivery. Ultimately, this grant seeks to transform how Kansas supports vulnerable families by funding a coordinated, data-informed, and outcome-oriented model of service delivery rooted in empowerment, accessibility, and family-led decision-making.

Emphasize employment metrics and capacity for statewide service delivery.