Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations

The Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations grant opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Children and Families, specifically the Administration on Children, Youth and Families and the Children’s Bureau. This program is part of the federal government’s broader effort to strengthen child welfare systems and support kinship caregivers, who are relatives or close family friends caring for children when parents are unable to do so. The funding aligns with federal Title IV-E provisions, which emphasize evidence-based services and preventive interventions for children and families. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the implementation and rigorous evaluation of existing Kinship Navigator Programs. These programs are designed to connect kinship caregivers to services and supports that improve stability and outcomes for children in their care. The grant specifically aims to expand the number of programs that meet the evidence standards required by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse. By strengthening evaluation practices and demonstrating effectiveness, funded programs may qualify for ongoing federal reimbursement under Title IV-E. Funding will support a combination of service delivery and evaluation activities. Projects are expected to administer Kinship Navigator Program services, engage in collaborative planning with stakeholders, conduct thorough evaluations, and produce a final evaluation report demonstrating positive outcomes for kinship families. While the funding supports implementation, it places significant emphasis on evaluation rigor, meaning recipients must design and execute credible methodologies capable of meeting federal evidence standards. This includes data collection, analysis, and reporting over the course of the project. The opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from the federal agency during the project period. The estimated total program funding is 4,800,000 dollars, with individual awards ranging from 400,000 to 600,000 dollars. There are eight expected awards. A cost sharing or matching requirement is explicitly required, though the exact percentage or ratio is not specified in the available information. Projects are expected to span a three-year period, culminating in evaluation results that align with Clearinghouse criteria. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad but limited to organizational entities. Eligible applicants include state governments, local governments, tribal governments, tribal organizations, nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status, institutions of higher education (both public and private), small businesses, for-profit organizations, public housing authorities, and special district governments. However, individuals and foreign entities are explicitly excluded. Additionally, applicants that are not Title IV-E child welfare agencies must provide a formal letter of commitment from such an agency, confirming collaboration and intent to implement a qualifying Kinship Navigator Program. The application process is expected to open following the estimated posting date of June 16, 2026, with a projected application deadline of August 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Awards are anticipated by September 29, 2026, with project start dates beginning September 30, 2026. The funding opportunity is currently in forecast status, meaning applicants should prepare in advance but cannot yet submit applications. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are specified at this stage. Evaluation criteria are not detailed in the forecast, but given the program’s focus, applications will likely be assessed based on program design, evaluation methodology, collaboration with child welfare agencies, and the potential to meet Title IV-E evidence standards. Contact for this opportunity is Liliana Hernandez Chakrabarti, who can be reached via phone at 202-205-8086 or email at [email protected]. This funding opportunity represents a strategic investment in building the evidence base for kinship care services nationwide.

Ensure strong evaluation methodology capable of meeting Title IV-E Clearinghouse standards; demonstrate measurable outcomes for kinship caregivers and children; secure formal partnerships with child welfare agencies early in the process