Kinship Navigator Programs: Replication and Tribal Adaptation

The Kinship Navigator Programs: Replication and Tribal Adaptation funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Children and Families, specifically the Children’s Bureau. This program is rooted in federal efforts to strengthen families and improve outcomes for children involved in or at risk of entering the child welfare system. It aligns with national priorities that emphasize family stability, prevention of foster care entry, and support for kinship caregivers, who are often relatives or close family friends raising children outside traditional parental arrangements. The initiative builds upon the Family First Prevention Services Act and existing Title IV-E program guidance to expand access to evidence-based services for kinship families. The primary purpose of this grant is to increase the availability and implementation of evidence-based Kinship Navigator Programs in communities where such services are not currently accessible. Applicants must either replicate an existing approved model or adapt one for tribal communities, ensuring alignment with requirements established in Program Instruction PI-18-11. These programs are intended to help kinship caregivers access a range of services, including legal assistance, benefits enrollment, and community-based supports. The opportunity is divided into two priority areas: state replication and tribal adaptation, and applicants must select one track per submission. Tribal consortia are encouraged to apply to broaden the reach of culturally appropriate services. Funding under this opportunity is structured to support a three-year project period, divided into three one-year budget periods. The program anticipates awarding approximately ten grants, with a total funding pool of five million dollars. Individual awards range from one hundred fifty thousand dollars to five hundred thousand dollars for the first budget period. Recipients are required to contribute a twenty five percent cost share, which may include both cash and in-kind contributions, though in-kind support is limited to fifty percent of the non-federal share. Funds may not be used for construction, real property acquisition, or major renovations, and must comply with federal cost principles and restrictions. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal child welfare agencies, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education. Non-agency applicants must demonstrate formal partnerships with Title IV-E child welfare agencies through letters of support. The program requires strong collaboration with community-based organizations, particularly those experienced in serving kinship families. Individuals, foreign entities, and federal agencies are not eligible. Faith-based organizations may apply if they meet eligibility criteria and comply with program requirements. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov, following completion of SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations. Applications must include a comprehensive project narrative, budget, and supporting documentation such as letters of support, organizational capacity materials, and partnership agreements. The project narrative must address planning and implementation phases, evaluation strategies, and alignment with federal priorities. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including purpose and need, approach, evaluation, organizational capacity, budget, and alignment with agency priorities. Bonus points may be awarded for certain conditions such as tribal participation or alignment with specific initiatives. The application deadline is August 7, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time, with an expected project start date of September 30, 2026. The program includes a structured timeline with a planning phase of up to six months followed by an implementation phase focused on service delivery and evaluation. Recipients must submit semiannual performance and financial reports and comply with all federal regulations, including those outlined in 2 CFR Part 200. Contact information for program inquiries includes an official email and phone support line provided by the Children’s Bureau. This funding opportunity is not explicitly stated as recurring, and applicants should treat it as a single-cycle competitive grant.

Align proposal closely with ACF priorities and evidence based Kinship Navigator models demonstrate strong partnerships and readiness for implementation ensure detailed evaluation and sustainability plans