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National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program

Agency: Administration for Children & Families - ACYF/FYSB

Assistance Listings: 93.623 -- Basic Center Grant

Last Updated: July 21, 2026
​​The Division of Runaway and Homeless Youth will award one cooperative agreement on a competitive basis for a period of three years to operate the National Communication System (NCS) for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program. The NCS is a dedicated toll-free, US national communication system that provides information, referral services, crisis intervention, prevention approaches, and other supportive services to vulnerable, at-risk, and runaway and homeless youth, and their families or legal guardians. The purpose of the NCS is to a) prevent youth from running away and becoming homeless, b) link...

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Education

  • Independent school districts
  • Private institutions of higher education
  • Public and state institutions of higher education

Government

  • Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
  • County governments
  • State governments
  • Public and Indian housing authorities
  • City or township governments
  • Special district governments

Nonprofit

  • Other Native American tribal organizations
  • Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
  • Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3)

Miscellaneous

  • Other

Additional information

In accordance with section 331 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Act, priority will be given to applicants demonstrating experience in providing communication services to vulnerable youth, youth at-risk, runaway and homeless youth, including telephone, Internet, mobile applications, and other technology-driven services. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible for awards under this funding opportunity.

Grantor contact information

Description

Tim D. Joyce timothy.joyce@acf.hhs.gov

Email

timothy.joyce@acf.hhs.gov

timothy.joyce@acf.hhs.gov

Documents

File nameDescriptionLast updated
HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CY-0160_2.pdf
HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CY-0160 (2).pdf
Jul 21, 2026 07:12 PM UTC

Link to additional information

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Closing: August 19, 2026

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on the listed application due date.

Application process

This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates.

Award

$1,800,000

Program Funding

1

Expected awards

$1,000,000

Award Minimum

$1,800,000

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CY-0160

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

Yes

Funding instrument type:

Cooperative agreement

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

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Category of Funding Activity:

Income security and social services

Category Explanation:

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History

Version:

1

Posted date:

July 21, 2026

Archive date:

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