Embryo Adoption Awareness and Services

The Embryo Adoption Awareness and Services program is administered by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This federal initiative is designed to expand public knowledge and understanding of embryo adoption as a viable family-building option while also supporting the infrastructure necessary to facilitate such adoptions. The program reflects a broader federal interest in promoting reproductive options and supporting individuals and families navigating fertility challenges through ethical and medically supported pathways. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is twofold: first, to increase public awareness of embryo adoption, and second, to provide medical and administrative services that support individuals who are adopting or donating embryos. Funded activities are expected to include outreach campaigns, educational initiatives, and direct service provision that assist prospective adoptive families and donors. Additionally, the program emphasizes collaboration with medical providers and facilities involved in embryo adoption processes, ensuring that both awareness and service delivery components are integrated. Funding under this program is distributed through grants, with an estimated total program funding of 1,900,000 dollars and approximately six awards anticipated. Individual awards are expected to range from 100,000 to 500,000 dollars. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, which lowers the barrier to entry for eligible applicants and allows organizations to focus resources on programmatic implementation rather than fundraising to meet match obligations. Funds are intended to support both awareness campaigns and the operational costs associated with embryo adoption services, though all expenditures must align with federal grant guidelines and allowable cost principles. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of organizational types. Public and private nonprofit organizations, including those with and without 501(c)(3) status, are eligible to apply. Government entities at the state, county, and local levels, as well as tribal governments and tribal organizations, are also eligible. Institutions of higher education, both public and private, may apply, along with certain for-profit organizations that are not classified as small businesses. Individuals are explicitly excluded from eligibility, and only organizations or agencies may submit applications. The application process requires electronic submission through the appropriate federal grants platform by the specified deadline. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast notice, applicants can expect to prepare standard federal grant materials, which typically include a project narrative, budget justification, and organizational documentation. The estimated application due date is June 30, 2026, with submissions required by 6:00 PM Eastern Time. The opportunity is currently in a forecasted stage, with an estimated posting date of June 1, 2026, at which point full application instructions and requirements will be made available. The anticipated award date and project start date are both September 30, 2026, indicating a relatively short review and decision-making period following application submission. The program does not specify whether it is recurring, and no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are noted in the forecast. For additional information or inquiries, applicants may contact Shenena Armstrong Merchant via email or phone. This contact is expected to provide clarification and guidance once the full funding announcement is released.