National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families

The National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families grant opportunity is offered by the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Office of Family Assistance. This federal initiative is designed to establish a national research center that advances policy-relevant research focused on economic self-sufficiency, the dignity of work, and family stability. The funding reflects the agency’s broader mission to strengthen human services systems and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities through evidence-based policymaking and research dissemination. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to improve federal and state policies by generating rigorous research and fostering collaboration between researchers and policymakers. The funded center will support three major components: a fellowship program placing scholars within federal agencies, a competitive extramural research grant program, and knowledge dissemination activities. These efforts are intended to address issues such as employment, earnings, family formation, child well-being, and reducing reliance on public assistance. The initiative emphasizes translating research into actionable insights for policymakers across federal, state, tribal, and local levels. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement with an expected total of 2.9 million dollars for the first year and a five-year project period consisting of annual budget cycles. Only one award is anticipated, with funding ranging between 2.7 million and 2.9 million dollars for the initial budget period. The award includes multiple statutory funding sources, one of which requires a cost-sharing contribution. Specifically, recipients must contribute at least one percent of the portion funded under Social Security Act section 1110, calculated proportionally to the federal request. Allowable uses include research activities, fellowships, grant administration, and dissemination, while restrictions prohibit construction, real property acquisition, major renovations, and certain policy-restricted activities. Eligibility for this opportunity is broadly defined as unrestricted, allowing most organizational entities to apply, including nonprofits, academic institutions, and other organizations, while excluding individuals, federal entities, and foreign entities. Faith-based and community organizations are eligible if they meet the criteria. Applicants must demonstrate strong organizational capacity, experience managing large research initiatives, and the ability to oversee fellows and subawards. The program requires compliance with federal regulations, financial oversight standards, and alignment with ACF priorities related to work, family stability, and evidence-based practices. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes two primary files along with standard federal forms. Applicants must prepare a project narrative, budget, and supporting attachments such as organizational documentation, alignment attestations, and proof of eligibility. The application deadline is August 31, 2026, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants must also maintain active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. The review process involves an initial eligibility screening followed by a merit-based evaluation using criteria such as program design, expected outcomes, organizational capacity, and alignment with agency priorities. Awards are expected to begin on September 30, 2026, with ongoing performance and financial reporting required on a semiannual basis. The cooperative agreement structure ensures substantial involvement from ACF, including participation in research prioritization, fellow placement, and dissemination activities. Contact information for program inquiries includes Amelia Popham at Amelia.Popham@acf.hhs.gov and 202-401-5322, with grants management support provided by Telina Bennett-Reed. Overall, this opportunity represents a significant federal investment in advancing research that informs policies supporting employment, family stability, and economic independence.

Ensure strong alignment with ACF priorities; demonstrate measurable outcomes and policy relevance; provide clear management plan for fellows and subawards; justify budget with detailed calculations