Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Capacity Building Grant

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) of Washington State has announced the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) Capacity Building Funding Opportunity, designed to support organizations offering innovative and community-driven strategies to prevent child abuse and neglect. Administered through DCYF’s Partnership, Prevention, and Services Division, this opportunity emphasizes building internal evaluation capabilities within selected organizations while strengthening child abuse prevention efforts through primary and secondary services. This funding opportunity invites Letters of Intent (LOIs) from eligible community-based organizations operating in Washington State, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local governments, public and private schools, and Tribal Nations or recognized American Indian organizations. The funding cannot be used to support home visiting programs, as those are already funded separately by DCYF. Organizations that received CBCAP Capacity Building funding in fiscal year 2023–2024 or later are not eligible; however, those who last received such funding before June 30, 2023, are still considered eligible to apply. Organizations that have received other CBCAP-related funding (e.g., for Perinatal Mental Health or Family Resource Centers) remain eligible. The funding structure offers up to $47,500 for the first year, with potential renewals of up to $60,000 per year for the second and third years, depending on federal allocations and the organization’s standing. Awards are issued annually, and renewal is contingent upon performance and milestone achievement. DCYF anticipates funding three new contracts for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. All funded organizations will be required to attend a program orientation webinar during July or August 2026. To apply, organizations must submit a Letter of Intent by March 27, 2026, using the official CBCAP LOI tool. Submissions must meet eligibility and programmatic criteria, including alignment with primary or secondary prevention strategies, geographic focus on Washington State families, and a demonstration of program innovation or expansion. DCYF will review submitted LOIs and notify up to eight organizations by April 17, 2026, inviting them to submit full applications. Final applications are due May 29, 2026, with selected grantees announced on June 22, 2026. Programs funded through this opportunity must align with the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework and are required to deliver either primary prevention (broad-based community services) or secondary prevention (targeted support for at-risk families). Tertiary prevention services, which support families already engaged with the child welfare system, are not eligible. Applicants are expected to deliver the majority of programming directly, with subcontracting limited to under 50% of the total contract and budget, and requiring DCYF’s prior approval. Selected organizations must actively participate in program evaluation, technical assistance, and learning activities facilitated by evaluation coaches provided by DCYF. These efforts are designed to increase each program’s capacity to collect, interpret, and apply data. Funded organizations will submit quarterly and annual reports, attend peer-learning sessions, and collaborate on evaluation milestones. Programs that meet evaluation capacity standards will receive financial incentives up to $2,500 per contract term, while those that do not meet these expectations may be subject to improvement plans or disqualified from renewal. All questions regarding this funding opportunity must be submitted by May 15, 2026, via email to [email protected]. Additional resources, including the application guidance, budget template, and Q&A documentation, are available on the DCYF funding opportunities website. This grant opportunity prioritizes impactful programming that meets demonstrated community needs and supports the holistic development of families in Washington State.

Proposals should clearly show how the program meets a community need and aligns with protective factors. Prioritize clarity and innovation.