MCH Workforce Development and Training Center

The Maternal and Child Health Workforce Development and Training Center funding opportunity is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program is part of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s Division of MCH Workforce Development and is designed to strengthen the national maternal and child health workforce. The initiative responds to workforce shortages, gaps in formal public health training, and the need for improved capacity to implement Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant programs. By consolidating previous workforce development investments into a unified national center, the program aims to enhance training access, technical assistance, and workforce readiness across the United States. The primary purpose of this cooperative agreement is to establish a National MCH Workforce Development and Training Center that provides comprehensive training, technical assistance, and workforce development opportunities. The Center is expected to support both current and future MCH professionals, including state Title V leaders, staff, and partners. Activities include delivering intensive multi-month training programs, short-term leadership development opportunities, and self-paced online learning resources. The program emphasizes the use of adult learning principles, interdisciplinary collaboration, and tailored training approaches that address identified workforce skill gaps. It also requires the development of a scalable online learning platform and a centralized hub to provide free and accessible training resources. Funding for this opportunity is expected to total $1,970,000 annually, supporting one cooperative agreement award over a five-year project period from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2031. Applicants must adhere to federal cost principles and restrictions, including limits on indirect costs for training awards and compliance with applicable regulations under 2 CFR Part 200. There is no cost-sharing requirement, although voluntary contributions may be included but are not considered during merit review. Funds must be used for allowable activities aligned with workforce development, training delivery, technical assistance, and program evaluation, and cannot be used for unallowable or prohibited activities as defined in federal policy. Eligibility is limited to domestic public or nonprofit private institutions of higher education, including tribal colleges and universities. Applicants must designate a single Project Director who demonstrates leadership in maternal and child health public health and has expertise in curriculum development, workforce training, and MCH leadership competencies. The Project Director must dedicate at least 20 percent effort to the project. Individuals and organizations that do not meet these eligibility requirements are not permitted to apply. Applicants may submit only one application, and submissions exceeding the funding ceiling, missing eligibility criteria, or submitted after the deadline will not be considered. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov by July 8, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants must maintain active registrations with SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. Required application components include a project narrative, budget and budget narrative, training outline, work plan, staffing plan, organizational chart, and other supporting attachments. The project narrative must address program needs, proposed approach, training strategies, evaluation plans, and sustainability. Applications are subject to an initial eligibility review followed by a merit review based on criteria including need, response, evaluation, impact, organizational capacity, and budget justification. Applications are evaluated through a structured review process with a total of 100 possible points. Reviewers assess the strength of the proposed training programs, feasibility of implementation, quality of partnerships, and capacity to deliver measurable outcomes. Additional consideration is given to alignment with HRSA priorities, risk assessment, and availability of funds. The cooperative agreement structure involves substantial federal involvement, including technical assistance, review of materials, and collaboration throughout the project period. Key dates include the application deadline of July 8, 2026, with an expected project start date of September 1, 2026. The program is structured as a single funding cycle for a five-year period of performance, with annual budget periods and ongoing reporting requirements. Recipients must submit annual performance reports and comply with federal reporting systems such as the Discretionary Grants Information System. Program contacts include the HRSA Maternal and Child Health Bureau for programmatic inquiries and designated grants management staff for financial questions.

Align proposal strongly with review criteria including workforce impact measurable outcomes and feasibility of training programs; emphasize partnerships and demonstrate capacity for national reach and LMS development