Children's Justice Act (CJA) Grant Program 2026

The Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF), under the leadership of Governor Katie Hobbs, has released the Request for Grant Applications RFGA-CJA-GOYFF-010125-00 for the Arizona Children’s Justice Act Grant Program. GOYFF is a cabinet-level agency responsible for administering state and federal grant programs while coordinating statewide efforts related to child well-being, substance abuse prevention, human trafficking, sexual and domestic violence, and juvenile justice. The agency works with multiple stakeholders across government, nonprofit, and tribal sectors, emphasizing trauma-informed approaches and sustainable solutions. The Arizona Children’s Justice Act Grant Program is a formula-based initiative authorized under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) and administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Administration on Children, Youth and Families. The purpose of the program is to improve the handling of child abuse and neglect cases, particularly those involving sexual abuse, exploitation, or fatalities, while reducing trauma to child victims. Special emphasis is placed on cases involving children with disabilities or serious health concerns. The program also seeks to strengthen multidisciplinary coordination for investigations and prosecutions, ensuring procedural fairness while supporting the development of child and family advocacy centers. This funding opportunity is available to Arizona-based entities, including nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, local, county, or state government entities, tribal nations and communities, and partnerships among these groups with an identified fiscal agent. Projects funded under this grant must focus on system reform and process improvement in addressing child abuse and neglect. Activities may include enhancing county child abuse investigation protocols, providing mandatory reporter training, improving collaboration through multidisciplinary teams, and supporting the functioning of advocacy centers. However, the grant may not be used for prevention or treatment services, as it is strictly limited to systemic reform efforts. The funding cycle will provide approximately $180,000 in total, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $50,000. Awards will be granted for a 12-month contract period, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional 12-month periods, subject to federal appropriations, compliance, and performance reviews. Funds are federal and governed by Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200 regarding allowable costs. Some expenses, such as incentives and food (outside of travel allowances), are not permitted. While there is no formal match requirement, applicants may include matching contributions in their proposals, which will be considered a program strength during evaluation. Applications must be submitted electronically through the State of Arizona’s eCivis grants management system. The application deadline is October 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM (Phoenix time), with award announcements anticipated on December 12, 2025. A non-mandatory virtual pre-application conference will be held on September 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with registration closing the same day at 10:00 AM. Required application components include an executive summary, needs and resources analysis, strategies and approaches, project implementation plan, collaborative elements, sustainability plan, budget, and required exhibits and attachments. Applicants must also provide proof of SAM.gov registration, nonprofit status (if applicable), financial audits or statements, and indirect cost agreements if relevant. Applications will be evaluated on a 1,000-point scale, with emphasis on scope of work, implementation planning, collaborative partnerships, sustainability, goals and measurable objectives, and budget alignment. Particular priority will be given to applicants that demonstrate strong collaboration with child protection stakeholders, including the Arizona Department of Child Safety and forensic medical examiners, preferably supported through formal agreements. The required point of contact for this solicitation is Shane Richardson, Procurement Manager, who can be reached at procurement@az.gov. This grant represents a key opportunity for Arizona organizations to strengthen child welfare responses and improve justice outcomes for abused and neglected children.