National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) 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 Program is a dedicated toll-free, U.S. 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...

In addition, public (state and local) and private non-profit entities, and coordinated networks of  such entities, are eligible to apply for a Runaway and Homeless Youth Program grant unless they are part of the juvenile justice system. (45 C.F.R. § 1351.11). 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 competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity. Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at and, subject to the protections and requirements of 45 CFR Part 87 and 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq., ACF will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character, affiliation, or exercise.

Chris Holloway christopher.holloway@acf.hhs.gov