Foster Parents Network Analytics Hub (HUB)

The Foster Parents Network Analytics Hub (HUB) is a federal funding opportunity offered by the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families and the Children’s Bureau. This initiative is part of the broader A Home for Every Child effort, which seeks to improve the availability and utilization of foster homes nationwide. The program is designed to strengthen foster care systems by enabling child welfare agencies to better understand and manage foster home capacity through advanced data analytics and evidence-based decision making. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish a national hub that enhances the ability of child welfare systems to collect, integrate, and analyze data related to foster home networks. The HUB will focus on transforming child-centered administrative data into foster home centered insights, allowing agencies to better understand recruitment, retention, placement stability, and capacity dynamics. The program emphasizes the development of longitudinal foster home records, integration of multiple data systems, and application of advanced analytic methods to generate actionable findings that can improve outcomes for children and families in the foster care system. Funding for this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement, with substantial federal involvement expected throughout the project lifecycle. The total available funding is 2500000 dollars, with one anticipated award ranging from 1500000 to 2500000 dollars for the first budget period. The project period spans five years, structured into five one year budget periods. Funds must be used for allowable activities such as data integration, analytic tool development, technical assistance, and dissemination of findings. Certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including construction, purchase of real property, and major renovations. Additionally, funds cannot be used for activities related to diversity equity and inclusion initiatives or to promote gender ideology, as specified in the funding policies. Eligibility for this program is limited to public or nonprofit institutions of higher education and public or nonprofit organizations engaged in research or child welfare activities. Individuals, for profit entities acting as sole proprietors, federal agencies, and foreign entities are not eligible. Faith based and community organizations may apply if they meet the eligibility criteria. There is no cost sharing requirement for this opportunity, although voluntary contributions may be included but will not influence the review process. Applicants must demonstrate strong organizational capacity, experience with child welfare data systems, and the ability to deliver training and technical assistance at a national level. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes two primary files along with standard federal forms. Applicants must provide a detailed project narrative, budget, and supporting documentation such as organizational capacity materials, third party agreements, and certifications. The project narrative must address objectives, methodology, evaluation plans, and alignment with agency priorities. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including objectives, approach, evaluation, organizational capacity, budget, and alignment with agency priorities, for a total of 110 points. The application deadline is August 10, 2026 at 1159 pm Eastern Time, with an expected project start date of September 30, 2026. Applicants must ensure registration with SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. The review process includes an initial screening for compliance followed by a merit based evaluation conducted by a review panel. Award decisions consider scoring results as well as factors such as geographic distribution and service to underserved populations. Throughout the project, the selected recipient will serve as a national resource by providing training, technical assistance, and dissemination of tools and findings. Required activities include building analytic capacity, standardizing data approaches, and supporting jurisdictions in implementing data driven strategies. Recipients must also comply with federal reporting requirements, including semiannual performance and financial reports. The HUB is expected to produce sustainable improvements in foster care system performance and contribute to national efforts to ensure safe, stable placements for children.

Focus on demonstrating advanced analytic capacity and experience with child welfare data systems; clearly align project with ACF priorities and measurable outcomes; ensure strong organizational capacity and detailed evaluation plan