ACF Congressionally Directed Community Projects 2026

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administers the Congressionally Directed Community Projects program as part of its broader mission to promote the economic and social well-being of children, families, and communities. This funding opportunity supports projects that have been specifically identified by Congress through the federal appropriations process. Unlike traditional competitive grant programs, this opportunity is non-competitive and is limited to organizations explicitly named in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The purpose of the application process is to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to document how awarded funds will be used in alignment with congressional intent. The primary objective of this funding is to support locally identified, high-impact research and demonstration projects that address community needs and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. Projects may include innovative service delivery models, infrastructure improvements, pilot initiatives, or capacity-building efforts. All funded activities must directly align with the purpose designated by Congress and contribute to priorities such as family stability, economic mobility, child well-being, and evidence-based service delivery. The program emphasizes accountability, measurable outcomes, and alignment with ACF’s mission and guiding principles. Funding for this program is predetermined by Congress, with a total expected program funding amount of $41,051,000 distributed across approximately 63 awards. Each recipient is allocated a specific funding amount, which represents full funding for a single 12-month project period. Applicants may not request more than the amount assigned to them. Funds must be used strictly within the project period and only for allowable activities. Certain costs are explicitly prohibited, including construction, real property acquisition, and activities unrelated to the congressionally defined purpose. Additionally, indirect costs may be claimed either through a negotiated rate or a 15 percent de minimis rate. A key requirement of this funding opportunity is cost sharing. While there is no statutory minimum, applicants must include some level of non-federal contribution, which may consist of cash or in-kind support from the organization or third parties. These contributions must be documented and will be incorporated into the official Notice of Award. Failure to meet committed cost-sharing obligations may result in a reduction of federal funding or other enforcement actions. The program also imposes salary limitations, adherence to federal cost principles, and strict compliance with financial management and reporting requirements. Eligibility for this program is highly restricted. Only organizations explicitly named in the 2026 appropriations legislation are eligible to apply. Individuals, foreign entities, and organizations not specified by Congress are not eligible to receive funds or act as replacement recipients. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed activities align with the congressional directive and must provide detailed documentation of organizational capacity, project plans, and compliance systems. Nonprofit organizations must also provide proof of legal status. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov by June 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applicants must complete standard federal forms and upload a single Project Narrative file that includes a project description and detailed budget justification. The narrative must outline project outcomes, implementation approach, timeline, organizational capacity, and oversight mechanisms. Additional requirements include documentation of third-party agreements, proof of nonprofit status, and plans for monitoring subrecipients if applicable. The application is reviewed for completeness, compliance, and alignment with federal requirements rather than competitiveness. Following submission, ACF conducts a multi-step review process, including initial screening, technical review, and risk assessment. Awards are issued only after all requirements are satisfied, and recipients receive a formal Notice of Award outlining terms and conditions. Post-award, recipients must adhere to federal regulations, submit semiannual performance and financial reports, and maintain compliance with all applicable policies. The program does not explicitly indicate recurrence, as it is tied to annual congressional appropriations, and future funding depends on subsequent legislative action.

Ensure strict alignment with congressionally identified purpose; provide detailed budget justification linked to activities; demonstrate compliance with federal regulations and oversight requirements