National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program

The National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Children and Families, specifically the Family and Youth Services Bureau within the Administration on Children, Youth and Families. This federal initiative is designed to support a nationwide communication infrastructure that addresses the urgent needs of vulnerable youth populations, including those who are at risk of running away, currently homeless, or otherwise disconnected from stable support systems. The program operates under statutory authority from the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act and aligns with broader federal efforts to improve youth safety, stability, and long-term well-being. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the operation of a National Communication System that provides immediate, accessible assistance to youth and their families or guardians. This system is intended to function as a toll-free, nationwide service that delivers crisis intervention, prevention education, and referral services. The program aims to prevent youth from leaving home situations that may lead to homelessness, reconnect youth with family members or trusted guardians when appropriate, and guide individuals toward services that can address housing, safety, and emotional needs. The system must also support broader prevention education strategies to reduce the incidence of youth homelessness and runaway situations. Funding will be awarded through a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from the federal agency in the execution of the program. The anticipated award will support a single recipient over a three-year project period. Allowable uses of funds include the development, operation, and enhancement of communication platforms such as telephone hotlines, internet-based services, mobile applications, and other technology-driven systems. These platforms must be capable of reaching youth nationwide and providing timely, effective, and confidential assistance. While specific restrictions are not detailed in the forecast, recipients are expected to align expenditures with program objectives and federal guidelines governing cooperative agreements. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, various levels of government entities, tribal governments and organizations, and public housing authorities. However, individuals and foreign entities are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Priority consideration will be given to applicants that demonstrate experience in delivering communication services to vulnerable youth populations, particularly through technology-based platforms such as hotlines, mobile applications, and online systems. Faith-based and community organizations that meet eligibility requirements are also encouraged to apply. The application process is expected to follow standard federal submission procedures through Grants.gov, requiring applicants to prepare and submit a complete electronic application package by the stated deadline. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast, applicants should anticipate requirements such as project narratives, organizational capacity statements, budgets, and supporting documentation. Electronically submitted applications must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the due date. As a forecasted opportunity, additional guidance, including detailed application instructions and evaluation criteria, will be provided upon official posting. The timeline for this opportunity indicates an estimated posting date in late June 2026, with applications due in early August 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by late August 2026, with a project start date at the end of September 2026. The funding opportunity does not explicitly state whether it recurs annually, but given its programmatic nature, similar opportunities may be released in future cycles. Applicants are encouraged to monitor updates and prepare early to meet submission requirements once the opportunity is formally released. For further information, interested parties may contact the designated program officer, Tim D. Joyce, via email or telephone. As this is a forecast notice, applicants should be aware that details may be subject to change upon official release, and they should consult the final funding announcement for complete and authoritative guidance on eligibility, application requirements, and evaluation criteria.