Family Support Services Community Services Grant

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is offering funding through the Family Support Services Community Services Grant program to support organizations that connect individuals and families in need to critical community-based services. HHSC is the state agency responsible for administering health and human services programs in Texas, with a focus on improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. This grant opportunity is authorized through state appropriations legislation and reflects a continued investment in coordinated, community-based service delivery systems. The program is designed to enhance collaboration among service providers and improve access to support services for families in the greater Houston area. The primary purpose of this grant is to connect participants to community crisis pregnancy services, foster care outreach services, and a broader range of community supports. The program emphasizes navigation and coordination rather than direct service provision alone, requiring grantees to build strong partnerships across multiple sectors. The initiative is voluntary and free of charge to participants, and aims to improve child and family well-being through increased access to services, early intervention, and strengthened community networks. Funding is provided through state appropriations, with an estimated total program funding of 12,000,000 dollars for the full project period. Awards may be distributed to one or more grantees, with typical annual award amounts ranging from approximately 800,000 to 1,500,000 dollars per year. The project period is anticipated to span four years and nine months, beginning December 1, 2026 and extending through August 31, 2031, with the possibility of extension. Funds are distributed on a cost reimbursement basis, meaning grantees must initially cover expenses and then seek reimbursement for allowable, allocable, and reasonable costs incurred during the project period. Certain expenditures are prohibited, including lobbying, religious activities, construction, and entertainment-related costs. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that are physically located in Texas and have at least one year of experience connecting individuals to community services. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, financial stability, and experience managing similar programs. The program is limited geographically to specific counties within the greater Houston area, including Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, and several surrounding counties. Applicants may propose to serve one or multiple counties but must ensure full service availability across the selected area. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive proposal, including a narrative describing program design, a detailed budget using required templates, and multiple administrative forms. Applicants must also provide audited financial statements, board information, and documentation demonstrating organizational qualifications. Applications must be submitted electronically through the HHSC Online Bid Room or via physical delivery using specified formats. All required forms and exhibits must be completed and signed for the application to be considered responsive. Applications will be evaluated through a multi-step process including compliance screening, scoring based on experience, partnerships, and outreach strategies, and final selection based on state priorities and funding availability. HHSC may request clarifications or revisions during the review process. Successful applicants will enter into grant agreements and must comply with extensive reporting requirements, including quarterly performance reports, monthly financial submissions, and ongoing data entry into the Prevention and Early Intervention Reporting System. Key dates for this opportunity include a release date of May 4, 2026, a deadline for submission of questions on May 15, 2026, and a final application deadline of June 12, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Central Time. Awards are expected to be announced in November 2026. Questions regarding the application must be directed to the designated HHSC grant specialist via email. This funding opportunity does not explicitly indicate recurring cycles, and applicants should treat it as a single, competitive solicitation unless otherwise announced in the future.

Emphasize strong partnerships and community coordination strategies; clearly demonstrate past experience and capacity; align outreach and service delivery plans with evaluation criteria focusing on partnerships and communication; ensure all required forms and documentation are complete and compliant