Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2017 ACF ACYF CY 1238
The National Communication System (NCS) for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program is a federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), specifically through the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) and the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB). Through this opportunity, FYSB plans to make a single competitive award using a cooperative agreement mechanism for a three-year project period. The selected organization would be responsible for operating a dedicated, toll-free national communication system designed to serve vulnerable, at-risk, runaway, and homeless youth, along with their families or legal guardians.
At its core, the NCS is meant to function as a nationwide, always-available access point for help. The program is expected to deliver information and referrals to appropriate local resources, provide crisis intervention support, and use prevention-oriented approaches to reduce the likelihood that young people run away or become homeless. A central goal is connecting youth to safe, practical supports as quickly as possible, whether that means reconnecting them with a parent or legal guardian when appropriate, or linking them to community-based services that can address immediate needs like shelter, counseling, safety planning, health care, or other stabilizing supports.
A key operational requirement emphasized in the description is availability and accessibility: the NCS must offer a neutral and confidential channel of communication that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. This around-the-clock coverage is intended to ensure that youth who are contemplating running away, currently on the street, or otherwise in crisis can reach help at any time. The emphasis on neutrality and confidentiality reflects the reality that many young people will only reach out if they feel safe, not judged, and not forced into a particular outcome. The program also supports family involvement where possible by enabling youth to re-establish contact with parents or legal guardians, while still prioritizing appropriate safety and the youth's circumstances.
Because this is a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant, the federal role is expected to be more hands-on than in a typical discretionary award. The NCS operator is expected to work closely and collaboratively with FYSB to carry out the federal mission of serving as the federally funded communication system for runaway and homeless youth. In practice, that generally means ongoing coordination with the agency on service expectations, implementation priorities, performance, and alignment with the broader Runaway and Homeless Youth program goals. The announcement notes that additional detail on required services would be provided in the full published notice.
From a funding and eligibility standpoint, the opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding in the Income Security and Social Services area, under CFDA 93.623. The estimated maximum annual amount listed is up to $1,600,000 (award ceiling), and FYSB anticipated making one total award. Eligibility is broad and includes many entity types such as state, county, and city governments; special district governments; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities; nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses, with an "others" category indicating there may be additional eligibility clarifications in the full notice.
The opportunity was created on May 10, 2017, with an original closing date of July 10, 2017, and electronic submissions were required by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. The funding opportunity number is HHS-2017-ACF-ACYF-CY-1238, and the official title is National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program.Apply for HHS 2017 ACF ACYF CY 1238
- The Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children Families - ACYF/FYSB in the income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.623.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 10, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 10, 2017 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 1159 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,600,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, 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, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the National Communication System (NCS) for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program?
The National Communication System (NCS) is a federally funded, dedicated, toll-free national communication system intended to serve vulnerable, at-risk, runaway, and homeless youth, as well as their families or legal guardians. It is designed to function as a nationwide, always-available access point where people can reach help, information, and referrals.
Which federal agency is offering this funding opportunity?
This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), through the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) and the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB).
What is the official funding opportunity title?
The official title is "National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program."
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is HHS-2017-ACF-ACYF-CY-1238.
What type of award will be made (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?
This opportunity is planned as a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant, meaning the federal role is expected to be more hands-on and collaborative during the project.
What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?
Based on the description provided, a cooperative agreement indicates that the selected organization is expected to work closely and collaboratively with FYSB. This generally involves ongoing coordination on service expectations, implementation priorities, performance, and alignment with broader Runaway and Homeless Youth program goals.
How many awards does FYSB expect to make?
FYSB planned to make a single competitive award under this opportunity.
What is the project period for the award?
The project period is three years.
What is the estimated maximum annual funding amount?
The estimated maximum annual amount listed is up to $1,600,000 (the award ceiling).
What is the program expected to operate or provide?
The selected organization would be responsible for operating a dedicated, toll-free national communication system. The NCS is expected to provide information and referrals to local resources, deliver crisis intervention support, and use prevention-oriented approaches to reduce the likelihood that young people run away or become homeless.
Who is the NCS intended to serve?
The NCS is intended to serve vulnerable, at-risk, runaway, and homeless youth. It is also designed to support families or legal guardians by enabling appropriate contact and connection to supports, while prioritizing safety and the youth's circumstances.
What kinds of support should the NCS help connect youth to?
The description highlights connecting youth to safe, practical supports as quickly as possible. Examples mentioned include shelter, counseling, safety planning, health care, and other stabilizing supports, typically through referrals and linkages to community-based services.
Is the NCS required to be available at all times?
Yes. A key operational requirement emphasized is that the NCS must be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States.
What does "neutral and confidential" communication mean for the NCS?
The NCS is expected to offer a neutral and confidential channel of communication. The description emphasizes this because many young people are more likely to reach out if they feel safe, not judged, and not forced into a particular outcome.
Is the NCS intended to help prevent youth from running away or becoming homeless?
Yes. In addition to crisis support and referrals, the NCS is expected to use prevention-oriented approaches aimed at reducing the likelihood that young people run away or become homeless.
Does the NCS involve reconnecting youth with parents or legal guardians?
A central goal described is connecting youth to safe supports quickly, which can include reconnecting them with a parent or legal guardian when appropriate, while prioritizing safety and the youth's circumstances.
What is the funding category and program area?
The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding in the Income Security and Social Services area.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 93.623.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is described as broad and includes: state, county, and city governments; special district governments; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities; nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. An "others" category is also noted, suggesting there may be additional eligibility clarifications in the full notice.
Is this opportunity competitive?
Yes. The description states that FYSB plans to make a single competitive award.
When was the opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on May 10, 2017.
What was the original application closing date?
The original closing date was July 10, 2017.
What was the submission deadline time zone and exact cutoff time?
Electronic submissions were required by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date.
Were electronic submissions required?
Yes. The description specifies that electronic submissions were required.
Where can applicants find more detail about required services?
The description notes that additional detail on required services would be provided in the full published notice.
What is the core purpose of the NCS described in this opportunity?
The core purpose is to serve as a nationwide, always-available access point for help for runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth, including crisis intervention, information and referrals to local resources, and prevention-oriented support, delivered through a dedicated toll-free national communication system.
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| Regional Partnership Grants to Increase the Well-Being of, and to Improve the Permanency Outcomes for, Children Affected by Substance Abuse Apply for HHS 2017 ACF ACYF CU 1229 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF ACYF CU 1229 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - ACYF/CB Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Regional Partnership Grants to Increase the Well-Being of, and to Improve the Permanency Outcomes for, Children Affected by Substance Abuse in American Indian/Alaska Native Communities Apply for HHS 2017 ACF ACYF CU 1230 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF ACYF CU 1230 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - ACYF/CB Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Basic Center Program Apply for HHS 2017 ACF ACYF CY 1239 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF ACYF CY 1239 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children Families - ACYF/FYSB Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Centers for Independent Living Training and Technical Assistance Grant Apply for HHS 2017 ACL AOD ILTA 0228 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACL AOD ILTA 0228 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,409,490 |
| Transitional Living Program and Maternity Group Homes Apply for HHS 2017 ACF ACYF CX 1233 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF ACYF CX 1233 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children Families - ACYF/FYSB Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $194,726 |
| Strengthening Coordinated Transportation Systems for People with Disabilities and Older Adults Apply for HHS 2017 ACL CIP DNTC 0233 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACL CIP DNTC 0233 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Innovations in Nutrition Programs and Services Apply for HHS 2017 ACL AOA INNU 0235 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACL AOA INNU 0235 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Head Start and/or Early Head Start Grantee - Norwalk, Weston, Westport, Wilton, and New Canaan in Fairfield County, Connecticut Apply for HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R01 1275 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R01 1275 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,589,872 |
| Head Start and/or Early Head Start Grantee - The Cities of Newport News and Hampton, Virginia Apply for HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R03 1276 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R03 1276 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $4,309,383 |
| Head Start Grantee - Queens County, New York Apply for HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R02 1278 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R02 1278 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $746,416 |
| Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Grantee - Green Lake, Fond Du Lac, Waushara, Winnebago, Dodge, Jefferson, Portage, Waupaca, and Wood Counties, Wisconsin Apply for HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R12 1279 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R12 1279 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,777,457 |
| Head Start and/or Early Head Start Grantee - St. Landry Parish, Louisiana Apply for HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R06 1258 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R06 1258 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $7,641,447 |
| Head Start and/or Early Head Start Grantee - Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Holmes, Montgomery, and Webster Counties, Mississippi Apply for HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R04 1254 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R04 1254 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $8,596,404 |
| Head Start and/or Early Head Start Grantee - Clay, Randolph, and Talladega Counties, Alabama Apply for HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R04 1256 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R04 1256 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,988,075 |
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