HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CY-0160: National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program
Closed
This grant is closed. Who won this program's grants before is below, and similar open grants are at the end of the page. It is in our archive of Administration for Children & Families - ACYF/FYSB notices from 2026.
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.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed July 21, 2026. Checked November 7, 2026.
- Award ceiling$1.8 million
- Award floor$1.0 million
- Total funding$1.8 million
- Expected awards1
- Cost sharingRequired
- Funding typeCooperative Agreement
Other notices with this title
| Notice | Posted | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| HHS-2023-ACF-ACYF-CY-0009 | April 10, 2023 | Closed June 9, 2023 | Closed |
Key dates
| Posted | July 21, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | August 19, 2026 |
Who can apply
This opportunity was open to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments and tribes.
All 13 applicant types the notice lists
- 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.
Is this a realistic fit?
- Past Basic Center Grant awards averaged $458,035; this notice allows up to $1.8 million per award.
- Most of the program's money (99% over five years) went to nonprofits.
- The notice requires cost sharing or matching funds, so you must contribute part of the project cost.
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.
Who has won Basic Center Grant grants before
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Basic Center Grant (93.623) awarded $299 million across 653 grant awards, an average of $458,035 per award.
| Recipient | State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Collaboratory Inc | Pennsylvania | 2 | $9.3 million |
| National Runaway Switchboard | Illinois | 2 | $7.8 million |
| The Children's Center, Inc | Texas | 13 | $4.0 million |
| 180 Degrees Inc | Minnesota | 8 | $3.8 million |
| Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. | Florida | 7 | $3.8 million |
Applying now
This notice no longer takes applications. Agencies often post the same opportunity again under a new number, so check the program's notices on Grants.gov and the similar open grants below.
The notice on Grants.gov keeps its full text and attachments, which is useful for planning a resubmission.
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.
Similar open grants
- Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Small Research Grant (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
- OVC and OVW FY 2026 Victim Services for Angel Families Program – Invited Notice of Funding Opportunity
- Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
- Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
- Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant
- HEAL Initiative: Pain Research Enhancement Program (PREP) (R15 Clinical Trial Optional)