Title IV-E Prevention Accelerator Grants

The Title IV-E Prevention Accelerator Grants program is administered by the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Administration of Children, Youth and Families and the Children’s Bureau. This federal funding opportunity is designed to support state, territorial, and tribal child welfare agencies in accelerating the implementation of prevention services authorized under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. The program builds on the Family First Prevention Services Act, which aims to reduce the need for foster care placements by strengthening families through evidence-based prevention services. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to address persistent barriers that have limited the uptake of Title IV-E prevention services, including inadequate infrastructure, limited provider readiness, insufficient data systems, and complex reimbursement processes. Despite expanded authority under federal law, prevention services currently account for a small percentage of overall Title IV-E spending. This grant seeks to increase that share by enabling agencies to rapidly design, implement, and sustain prevention programs that can be reimbursed under Title IV-E. Award recipients are expected to implement one or more Clearinghouse-rated prevention services and build the operational systems necessary to support long-term sustainability. Funding under this opportunity totals 7500000 dollars, with approximately 10 awards anticipated. Individual awards range from a minimum of 300000 dollars to a maximum of 750000 dollars. The project period is 18 months, during which recipients must complete all activities and fully obligate funds. Allowable uses include developing claiming infrastructure, expanding provider networks, establishing referral pathways, enhancing data and reporting systems, and supporting evaluation and dissemination activities. Certain costs are prohibited, including construction, real property acquisition, major renovations, and unrelated data infrastructure investments. Eligibility is limited to state, territorial, or tribal government agencies responsible for Title IV-E child welfare programs. Applicants must submit proposals through Grants.gov and maintain active registrations in both SAM.gov and Grants.gov systems. Each eligible agency may submit only one application. There is no cost-sharing requirement, though voluntary contributions may be included but will not influence review outcomes. Applications must be submitted electronically unless an exemption is granted, and must meet strict formatting, content, and submission requirements outlined in the notice. The application process requires submission of two primary files along with standard federal forms. The first file includes the project narrative, budget, and supporting documentation, while the second file contains attachments such as organizational capacity information and third-party agreements. The project narrative must address program objectives, implementation strategies, evaluation plans, organizational capacity, and sustainability. Review criteria include objectives and need, approach, evaluation and knowledge sharing, organizational capacity, budget justification, and alignment with agency priorities. Applications are due by August 17, 2026 at 1159 pm Eastern Time. The anticipated project start date is September 30, 2026. The review process includes an initial eligibility screening followed by a merit-based evaluation conducted by a panel of reviewers. Awards are subject to federal funding availability and risk assessment of applicants. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award outlining funding amounts, terms, and conditions. Recipients must submit quarterly performance and financial reports and comply with federal regulations governing grant management. Overall, this program is intended to drive systemic change in child welfare by enabling agencies to move from planning to implementation of prevention services. By strengthening infrastructure, improving coordination with other funding streams, and expanding access to evidence-based services, the program aims to reduce the number of children entering foster care and improve long-term outcomes for families. The initiative also emphasizes knowledge sharing and national collaboration to ensure that lessons learned can benefit jurisdictions across the country.

Focus on demonstrating implementation readiness strong data systems and clear sustainability within 18 months; align closely with ACF priorities and evaluation criteria