MCH Workforce Development and Training Center

The MCH Workforce Development and Training Center grant opportunity is a forecasted federal funding initiative led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). It supports efforts to strengthen the maternal and child health (MCH) workforce across the United States. This initiative aligns with HRSA’s mission to enhance health outcomes and access to quality services, particularly for vulnerable populations, by building a skilled public health infrastructure that is equipped to address complex MCH issues. The grant aims to fund a single cooperative agreement with an estimated total program funding of $1,970,000. The purpose of this funding is to support a national training and technical assistance center that will develop and provide workforce development opportunities for MCH professionals. The center will serve as a national resource for Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Program leaders, staff, and related professionals. It is expected to enhance the capabilities of current and future MCH professionals through targeted training, dissemination of best practices, and technical assistance initiatives. Key activities funded by this grant will include designing and delivering training programs, providing technical assistance tailored to state Title V programs, and developing strategies to address emerging MCH challenges. The Center is expected to work closely with stakeholders to identify workforce needs, support professional development, and promote equitable MCH outcomes across jurisdictions. Though specific spending rules are not itemized, allowable costs are likely to align with cooperative agreement norms, including staffing, training material development, and outreach activities. There is no matching or cost-sharing requirement associated with this opportunity, making it more accessible to eligible entities. Eligible applicants include domestic institutions of higher education—both public and nonprofit private institutions—as well as Native American tribal governments and organizations that are nonprofit higher education institutions. The definition of “domestic” encompasses all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa, among others. The eligibility parameters are governed by 42 CFR § 51a.3(b), ensuring participation from a broad spectrum of educational and tribal organizations focused on health workforce development. Applications are to be submitted electronically and must be received by May 26, 2026, no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The estimated posting date is March 27, 2026, allowing a two-month window for application preparation. Awards are expected to be announced on August 2, 2026, with the performance period beginning on September 1, 2026. As this is a forecasted opportunity, no pre-application steps such as a letter of intent or concept paper are currently required. The grant will be issued as a cooperative agreement, indicating that substantial involvement by HRSA staff is anticipated throughout the performance period. Given that this program is designed to support national MCH workforce development on an ongoing basis, and the notice suggests annual funding cycles, the grant is expected to recur annually. Entities interested in applying should monitor HRSA updates and Grants.gov for the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) once released. The primary point of contact is the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s Division of Maternal and Child Health Workforce Development, which can be reached at 301-443-2170 or via the MCHB Grants email inbox.