# National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/hhs-2026-acf-acyf-cy-0160-national-communication-system-for-runaway-and-homeless-youth/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362072

> Administration for Children & Families - ACYF/FYSB offered grants of up to $1.8 million (at least $1.0 million) to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments and tribes. It expected to make one award worth $1.8 million in total. Applications closed on August 19, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CY-0160 |
| Agency | Administration for Children & Families - ACYF/FYSB |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | August 19, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $1.8 million |
| Award floor | $1.0 million |
| Expected awards | 1 |
| Total funding | $1.8 million |
| Cost sharing | required |
| Assistance Listings | 93.623 |

## Who can apply

- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

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.

## What the grant funds

​​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 youth with a family member or guardian, and/or an available resource that can provide and/or assist the youth in acquiring needed services, and c) increase prevention education to reduce runaway incidents and youth homelessness.​

## Questions people ask

### Is HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CY-0160 still open?

No. It closed on August 19, 2026.

### Who can apply for National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program?

Administration for Children & Families - ACYF/FYSB accepted applications from nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments and tribes. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program?

Closed August 19, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $1.8 million each. About $1.8 million in total for one award.

### Who has won Basic Center Grant grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Youth Collaboratory Inc, National Runaway Switchboard, The Children's Center, Inc. The program made 653 awards worth $299 million in that time.