The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is offering a funding opportunity under the Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) program to expand culturally responsive parenting supports for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) families. The initiative aligns with DCYF's broader mission to engage communities with services that reflect their cultural values and strengths. This opportunity recognizes the importance of culturally specific parenting approaches as a means to build family resilience, reduce child welfare involvement, and strengthen the well-being of Native children and families.
Positive Indian Parenting is a structured eight-session program developed by the National Indian Child Welfare Association. It draws on traditional Indigenous child-rearing methods, including storytelling, community support, positive discipline, and the use of praise. The curriculum also addresses the historical trauma related to boarding schools and forced assimilation, aiming to empower AI/AN families to reclaim and affirm their parenting traditions. Services may be delivered in group settings, through telehealth, or in-home visits to meet families where they are.
The funding is targeted toward Federally Recognized Tribes, Recognized American Indian Organizations (RAIOs), and other Native Serving Organizations that demonstrate cultural proximity to the AI/AN communities in Washington State. Applicants must also show at least two years of experience delivering either PIP or culturally responsive parenting education. Priority will be given to Tribal Governments and applicants serving high-need counties with limited existing services, such as Ferry, Okanogan, Yakima, Klickitat, and Grays Harbor, among others.
Each awarded contract is valued at approximately $100,000 for a one-year term, beginning March 1, 2026, or upon execution. The funding includes up to $85,000 for direct service delivery and up to $15,000 for start-up costs. Selected applicants may be eligible for continued funding depending on performance and subsequent contract amendments. The funding model is initially budget-based and may evolve through cost modeling in the second year.
Applications must be submitted by January 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Interested organizations must follow the format and submission instructions in the RFQQ and send their responses by email. Questions may be submitted by December 10, 2025, and two Q&A sessions will be held in early December. Contract awards are expected by late January, with services to begin March 1, 2026.
Ensure cultural proximity is clearly demonstrated; highlight service to priority counties; use required forms and format.
