National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families

The Administration for Children and Families, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is planning to fund a National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families through a cooperative agreement. This initiative reflects the agency’s broader mission to improve the economic and social well-being of children, families, and communities. The Center is intended to strengthen the evidence base that informs federal and state policies related to employment, family stability, and public assistance programs, with a focus on promoting long-term self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on government support systems. The primary purpose of the funding opportunity is to establish a national research center that integrates policy-relevant research with practical application in human services programs. The Center will emphasize the dignity of work, economic independence, and stable family structures, including marriage and responsible fatherhood. It is expected to generate actionable insights that policymakers can use to refine programs such as child care support, workforce initiatives, and welfare systems. The initiative also seeks to identify inefficiencies or redundancies across programs to ensure more effective use of public funds. The funded entity will be responsible for implementing three core components. First, the Center will administer a fellowship program placing researchers within federal offices to provide direct policy support. Second, it will oversee a competitive extramural research grant program that funds studies aligned with agency priorities. Third, it will engage in knowledge dissemination activities, including hosting events and producing accessible policy materials for stakeholders across federal, state, tribal, and local levels. All funded activities must align with statutory authorities and explicitly exclude diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility related programming as outlined in agency policies. Funding will be provided through a single cooperative agreement with substantial involvement from the federal agency. The total estimated funding is approximately 2900000 dollars, with award amounts ranging between 2700000 and 2900000 dollars for a project period of five years. Recipients must demonstrate clear tracking and allocation of funds across allowable activities tied to specific funding sources. Cost sharing or matching is required, though specific ratios or amounts are not defined in the available materials. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes a wide range of domestic entities such as nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, institutions of higher education, public housing authorities, school districts, and both small and large businesses. However, individuals and foreign entities are explicitly excluded. Faith-based and community-based organizations that meet eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply. The open eligibility structure reflects the program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and large-scale research capacity. The application process is expected to require electronic submission through Grants.gov by the specified deadline. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast notice, applicants should anticipate standard federal requirements including project narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation. Applications must be submitted by 1159 pm Eastern Time on the due date. The anticipated timeline includes an estimated posting date in mid July, an application deadline in mid August, and award decisions in September, with project activities beginning shortly thereafter. The opportunity is currently in a forecast stage, meaning that detailed application instructions and requirements will be provided in a forthcoming official notice of funding opportunity. Applicants are encouraged to monitor updates and prepare organizational documentation in advance. The agency has provided a contact person for inquiries, indicating openness to communication during the pre-application phase. The program does not specify recurring funding cycles, suggesting that this may be a one-time or irregular opportunity tied to current policy priorities.

Align proposals closely with policy relevant research priorities focused on work economic self sufficiency and family stability