National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families

The National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families is a forecasted federal funding opportunity administered by the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This initiative is designed to establish a centralized research center that advances evidence-based policymaking related to employment, economic self-sufficiency, and family stability. The funding opportunity aligns with broader federal priorities focused on strengthening workforce participation, reducing dependency on public assistance, and promoting stable family structures through rigorous research and policy engagement. The primary purpose of the Center is to generate actionable, policy-relevant research and to strengthen collaboration between researchers and policymakers in human services programs. The Center is expected to address key areas such as work participation, earnings, family formation, child well-being, and the effectiveness of public programs. Through these efforts, the funded entity will contribute to improving both federal and state-level policy design and implementation, ensuring that programs better support individuals and families in achieving long-term economic stability. Funding will support three core activity areas. First, the Fellowship Program will place in-residence fellows within ACF and other HHS offices to provide direct research expertise. Second, the Center will administer an extramural research grant program, distributing funds to support timely and policy-relevant studies aligned with ACF priorities. Third, the Center will engage in dissemination and communication activities, including hosting events and producing accessible materials that translate research findings into actionable insights for policymakers across federal, state, tribal, and local levels. All funded activities must be directly attributable to allowable uses defined by the funding sources, and expenditures will be subject to federal monitoring and compliance requirements. The opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from the funding agency in the execution of the project. A single award is anticipated, with an estimated total program funding amount of 1,500,000 dollars and a project period of five years. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage a national research initiative, administer subawards, and coordinate complex stakeholder engagement efforts. Cost sharing or matching is required, though specific details regarding the match amount are not provided in the available materials. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of domestic entities including state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, and for-profit organizations. However, individuals and foreign entities are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are permitted to apply. This broad eligibility framework reflects the federal intent to attract a diverse pool of capable applicants with experience in research, program administration, and policy engagement. The application process will require electronic submission through federal systems, with applications due by July 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The opportunity is currently in a forecast stage, with an anticipated posting date of June 1, 2026. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are specified in the available information. Following submission, applications will undergo a merit review process, and an award is expected to be issued by September 15, 2026, with a project start date of September 30, 2026. Applicants should be prepared to provide detailed proposals outlining their research agenda, organizational capacity, and plans for managing the Center’s required activities. The funding opportunity does not explicitly indicate recurring cycles, suggesting it may be a one-time or infrequently issued initiative tied to specific federal priorities. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor official announcements and prepare in advance for the anticipated release. For additional information or inquiries, applicants may contact Amelia Popham at the Administration for Children and Families via phone or email.

Ensure strong alignment with federal policy priorities and demonstrate capacity to manage multi-component national programs