The National Center for Child Traumatic Stress - Category 1 grant is a forecasted opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The purpose of this initiative is to support the establishment and ongoing operation of a National Center dedicated to addressing child traumatic stress. This center will be responsible for leading a collaborative network, supporting the development and dissemination of trauma-informed resources and policies, and coordinating national efforts in child trauma education and training.
SAMHSA envisions the National Center as a pivotal hub within a broader National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). The awardee will be expected to maintain and enhance the network's structure, coordinate information sharing across stakeholders, and ensure national reach in educational and policy efforts surrounding child trauma. The funding is intended to support a wide range of activities that foster improved outcomes for children and adolescents who have experienced traumatic events.
The grant is forecasted with an estimated total program funding of $8,000,000 and anticipates one award. Details on the ceiling or floor of individual awards are not specified at this stage, and there is no matching or cost-sharing requirement. The grant will be issued as a discretionary federal award, under Assistance Listing 93.243 for Projects of Regional and National Significance.
Eligibility is restricted to domestic public and private nonprofit entities, allowing broad access to potential applicants including nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and other qualifying bodies. The grant is intended for a national scope, and no geographic restrictions are indicated.
Although the application package is not yet released, the estimated posting date is February 27, 2026. Key dates such as the final application deadline, award notice, and project start date remain unspecified. As a recurring federal opportunity, prospective applicants should anticipate the grant to be part of an ongoing series and monitor SAMHSA for updates on the opening of the application window.
For further inquiries, interested parties may contact Raphaelle Richardson at 240-276-1137 or via email at raphaelle.richardson@samhsa.hhs.gov. Regular monitoring of Grants.gov and SAMHSA channels is advised to stay informed on the official Notice of Funding Opportunity and additional requirements as they become available.
