Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2016 ACF ACYF CA 1184
Apply for HHS 2016 ACF ACYF CA 1184
- The HHS-ACF-CB in the income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Quality Improvement Center on Child Welfare Involved Children and Families Experiencing Domestic Violence" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.670.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 23, 2016 and posted on May 23, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 22, 2016. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
This funding opportunity from HHS, Administration for Children and Families, Children s Bureau (ACF-CB) seeks to fund a single national Quality Improvement Center (QIC) through a 5-year cooperative agreement focused on families who are pregnant and or parenting young children, are involved with the child welfare system, and are experiencing domestic violence. The core aim is to improve safety, permanency, and well-being for these children and families by designing and testing stronger, more coordinated responses across child welfare, domestic violence service providers, courts, and early childhood systems. In practical terms, the QIC is meant to function as a national hub that helps the field move from fragmented, crisis-driven responses to integrated and trauma-informed approaches that better protect survivors and children while supporting stable family outcomes.
A major expectation is that the QIC will build and spread usable knowledge about what works. That includes collecting, developing, and disseminating information that agencies and professionals can apply in day-to-day practice, such as protocols for cross-system collaboration, screening and safety planning approaches that do not increase risk to survivors, and guidance on engaging families in services without penalizing victims of abuse. The QIC is also expected to identify evidence-based and evidence-informed strategies, along with promising and innovative models, especially those that strengthen collaborative infrastructure like shared policies, joint procedures, and coordinated referral and data practices.
The grant is structured in two stages: a 1-year planning phase followed by a 4-year implementation phase, contingent on successful completion of planning. During the planning year, the QIC will review existing research and relevant child welfare policies and practices, develop a conceptual framework that can be used across different jurisdictions, clarify the project focus, and refine the implementation plan for the remaining years. This phase also emphasizes consultation with subject matter experts and stakeholders spanning research, policy, and frontline practice to ensure the work is grounded in real-world system constraints and survivor-centered principles.
During the implementation phase, the QIC will select and support four to six pilot projects located in state, county, and or tribal child welfare systems. Each project site is expected to partner closely with a domestic violence coalition or program, and the pilots will test collaborative response models, policy and procedure changes, and service interventions designed to improve outcomes for very young children and their families affected by domestic violence. Beyond service delivery, the pilots are expected to build sustainable infrastructure, meaning the work should translate into durable changes in how systems coordinate, make decisions, share responsibility, and respond to safety needs over time. If neither the child welfare agency nor the domestic violence coalition program leads the site application, written commitments from those entities are required, underscoring that true partnership is not optional.
Evaluation is a central feature of the award, with an emphasis on rigorous learning that can be transferred nationally. The QIC will evaluate each pilot using an agile methodology, which is intended to allow projects to assess direction and relevance throughout development rather than waiting until the end to measure results. Evaluations are expected to cover multiple dimensions, including process (how implementation happens), practice (what changes in service delivery), cost (resources required), and outcomes (effects on safety, permanency, and well-being). Where appropriate, the QIC may also conduct cross-site evaluation to identify patterns and lessons that generalize beyond any single location. The end goal is not just to run pilots, but to generate credible evidence and practical guidance that other child welfare systems can adopt.
In terms of award details, this is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement mechanism, meaning the federal agency anticipates substantial involvement in the project rather than a purely hands-off grant. The opportunity is cataloged under CFDA 93.670 and was posted May 23, 2016, with a closing date of July 22, 2016. The announcement anticipates making one award (ExpectedAwards: 1) with an award ceiling listed at 2,500,000, and it also notes that in years 2 through 5 the Children s Bureau anticipates funding levels up to 3.5 million per year. Eligible applicants are broad and include various levels of government, tribal governments and tribal organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, and for-profit entities including small businesses, among others as described in the full eligibility language.
Overall, the opportunity is designed to create a single, nationally influential QIC that can help child welfare and domestic violence systems align their policies and practices in ways that are safer for survivors, developmentally responsive for infants and young children, and more effective at achieving stable permanency and well-being outcomes. The defining deliverables are the development and support of four to six real-world pilots, strong training and technical assistance to those sites, and high-quality evaluation and dissemination so that lessons learned become practical tools and models for jurisdictions across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity trying to accomplish?
This opportunity from HHS, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Children's Bureau (ACF-CB) is intended to fund a single national Quality Improvement Center (QIC) focused on families who are pregnant and/or parenting young children, are involved with the child welfare system, and are experiencing domestic violence. The overall aim is to improve child and family safety, permanency, and well-being by building stronger, coordinated responses across child welfare, domestic violence service providers, courts, and early childhood systems.
What is being funded?
The award funds one national QIC through a 5-year cooperative agreement. The QIC is expected to act as a national hub that designs, tests, evaluates, and helps spread practical approaches that move the field away from fragmented, crisis-driven responses toward integrated, trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches.
How many awards are expected to be made?
The announcement anticipates making one award (ExpectedAwards: 1).
What is the funding mechanism?
This is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement mechanism. A cooperative agreement indicates the federal agency anticipates substantial involvement in the project (rather than a hands-off grant).
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The opportunity is cataloged under CFDA 93.670.
What is the project period and how is it structured?
The project is structured in two stages: a 1-year planning phase followed by a 4-year implementation phase, contingent on successful completion of the planning phase.
What happens during the 1-year planning phase?
During the planning year, the QIC is expected to review existing research and relevant child welfare policies and practices, develop a conceptual framework that can be used across jurisdictions, clarify the project focus, and refine the implementation plan for the remaining years. The planning phase also emphasizes consultation with subject matter experts and stakeholders across research, policy, and frontline practice, to ensure the work is grounded in real-world constraints and survivor-centered principles.
What happens during the 4-year implementation phase?
During implementation, the QIC will select and support four to six pilot projects located in state, county, and/or tribal child welfare systems. These pilots will test collaborative response models, policy and procedure changes, and service interventions intended to improve outcomes for very young children and families affected by domestic violence. The pilots are also expected to build sustainable infrastructure so that improvements translate into durable changes in how systems coordinate and respond over time.
How many pilot sites will the QIC support?
The QIC is expected to select and support four to six pilot projects.
Where can pilot projects be located?
Pilot projects may be located in state, county, and/or tribal child welfare systems.
Do pilot sites need domestic violence partners?
Yes. Each project site is expected to partner closely with a domestic violence coalition or program.
What if the child welfare agency or domestic violence coalition/program is not the lead applicant for a site?
If neither the child welfare agency nor the domestic violence coalition/program leads the site application, written commitments from those entities are required. The description underscores that genuine partnership is not optional.
What kinds of changes or interventions are the pilots expected to test?
The pilots are expected to test collaborative response models, policy and procedure changes, and service interventions designed to improve outcomes for very young children and their families affected by domestic violence. The work is also expected to strengthen collaborative infrastructure such as shared policies, joint procedures, coordinated referrals, and data practices.
What is meant by building "sustainable infrastructure" at pilot sites?
In this opportunity, sustainable infrastructure refers to durable changes in how systems coordinate, make decisions, share responsibility, and respond to safety needs over time, beyond any single initiative or short-term pilot.
What is the core population focus of the QIC?
The QIC focuses on families who are pregnant and/or parenting young children, are involved with the child welfare system, and are experiencing domestic violence.
What systems are expected to be involved in coordinated responses?
The QIC's work is meant to strengthen coordination across child welfare, domestic violence service providers, courts, and early childhood systems.
What does the QIC need to produce for the field?
A major expectation is that the QIC will build and spread usable knowledge about what works. This includes collecting, developing, and disseminating information that can be applied in day-to-day practice, along with practical tools, models, and guidance other jurisdictions can adopt.
What are examples of the practical products the QIC is expected to develop or disseminate?
Examples described include protocols for cross-system collaboration, screening and safety planning approaches that do not increase risk to survivors, and guidance on engaging families in services without penalizing victims of abuse.
Is the QIC expected to focus only on established evidence-based programs?
No. The QIC is expected to identify evidence-based and evidence-informed strategies, along with promising and innovative models, particularly those that strengthen collaborative infrastructure (shared policies, joint procedures, coordinated referrals, and coordinated data practices).
How important is evaluation in this award?
Evaluation is a central feature of the award. The QIC is expected to evaluate each pilot using an agile methodology and produce learning that can be transferred nationally.
What is meant by an "agile methodology" for evaluation in this context?
The evaluation approach is described as agile, meaning pilot projects assess direction and relevance throughout development rather than waiting until the end to measure results.
What dimensions should the evaluations cover?
Evaluations are expected to cover process (how implementation happens), practice (what changes in service delivery), cost (resources required), and outcomes (effects on safety, permanency, and well-being). The QIC may also conduct cross-site evaluation where appropriate.
What are the primary outcome areas the QIC is trying to improve?
The stated outcome areas are safety, permanency, and well-being for children and families.
Is cross-site evaluation expected?
Cross-site evaluation may be conducted where appropriate to identify patterns and lessons that generalize beyond a single location.
What is the award ceiling listed in the announcement?
The award ceiling is listed at 2,500,000.
Are higher funding levels anticipated in later years?
Yes. The announcement notes that in years 2 through 5 the Children's Bureau anticipates funding levels up to 3.5 million per year.
When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?
The opportunity was posted May 23, 2016, and the closing date was July 22, 2016.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are broad and include various levels of government, tribal governments and tribal organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, and for-profit entities including small businesses, among others as described in the full eligibility language.
What makes this QIC "national" rather than a single-site project?
The award is intended to create a single, nationally influential QIC that functions as a national hub. Its role includes supporting multiple pilot sites (four to six), providing training and technical assistance, conducting strong evaluation, and disseminating findings and tools so other jurisdictions across the country can use what is learned.
What are the defining deliverables of this opportunity?
The defining deliverables described include: (1) development and support of four to six real-world pilots; (2) strong training and technical assistance to pilot sites; and (3) high-quality evaluation and dissemination so lessons learned become practical tools and models for jurisdictions nationwide.
How does the opportunity describe the desired shift in system response?
The QIC is meant to help the field move from fragmented, crisis-driven responses to integrated and trauma-informed approaches that better protect survivors and children while supporting stable family outcomes.
What principles are emphasized for engaging families affected by domestic violence?
The description emphasizes survivor-centered principles, including approaches to screening and safety planning that do not increase risk to survivors, and guidance on engaging families in services without penalizing victims of abuse.
Does the implementation phase depend on the planning phase?
Yes. The 4-year implementation phase is contingent on successful completion of the 1-year planning phase.
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: HHS-ACF-CB
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Income Security and Social Services
Next opportunity: Prescription Drug Abuse (R21)
Previous opportunity: Supporting Justice Sector Reform in Georgia
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for HHS 2016 ACF ACYF CA 1184
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (HHS 2016 ACF ACYF CA 1184) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Self-Advocacy Resource Center Apply for HHS 2016 ACL AOD DNRC 0176 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACL AOD DNRC 0176 Agency: HHS-ACL Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Alzheimer's Disease Initiative - Specialized Supportive Services (ADI-SSS) Project Financed Solely by 2016 Prevention and Public Health Funds (PPHF 2016) Apply for HHS 2016 ACL AOA ALGG 0152 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACL AOA ALGG 0152 Agency: HHS-ACL Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Home Study and Post Release Services for Unaccompanied Children Apply for HHS 2017 ACF ORR ZU 1139 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF ORR ZU 1139 Agency: HHS-ACF-ORR Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| UCEDD Network Diversity and Inclusion Training Action Planning Grant Apply for HHS 2016 ACL AOD DDTI 0173 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACL AOD DDTI 0173 Agency: HHS-ACL Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program Apply for HHS 2016 ACF ACYF SR 1197 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACF ACYF SR 1197 Agency: HHS-ACF-FYSB Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| Centers for Independent Living Competition Apply for HHS 2016 ACL AOD IL 0175 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACL AOD IL 0175 Agency: HHS-ACL Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $218,997 |
| Diversity Community of Practice Apply for HHS 2016 ACL AOD DNDC 0180 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACL AOD DNDC 0180 Agency: HHS-ACL Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Training and Technical Assistance Center for State Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Delivery Systems Apply for HHS 2016 ACL AOD DNTA 0179 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACL AOD DNTA 0179 Agency: HHS-ACL Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Partnerships in Employment Systems Change Apply for HHS 2016 ACL AOD DNEM 0178 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACL AOD DNEM 0178 Agency: HHS-ACL Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Standing Announcement for Residential (Secure) Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children Apply for HHS 2017 ACF ORR ZU 1134 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF ORR ZU 1134 Agency: HHS-ACF-ORR Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Standing Announcement for Residential (Therapeutic) Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children Apply for HHS 2017 ACF ORR ZU 1154 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF ORR ZU 1154 Agency: HHS-ACF-ORR Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Standing Announcement for Residential (Shelter) Services for Unaccompanied Children Apply for HHS 2017 ACF ORR ZU 1132 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF ORR ZU 1132 Agency: HHS-ACF-ORR Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $45,000,000 |
| Standing Announcement for Residential (Long Term Foster Care) Services for Unaccompanied Children Apply for HHS 2017 ACF ORR ZU 1135 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF ORR ZU 1135 Agency: HHS-ACF-ORR Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Standing Announcement for Residential (Staff Secure) Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children Apply for HHS 2017 ACF ORR ZU 1133 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF ORR ZU 1133 Agency: HHS-ACF-ORR Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Preferred Communities (PC) Program Apply for HHS 2016 ACF ORR RP 1116 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACF ORR RP 1116 Agency: HHS-ACF-ORR Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $3,500,000 |
| Transitional Living Program Special Population Demonstration Project: LGBTQ Runaway and Homeless Youth and Young Adults Who Have Left Foster Care After Age 18 Apply for HHS 2016 ACF ACYF LG 1185 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACF ACYF LG 1185 Agency: HHS-ACF-FYSB Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $625,000 |
| Head Start and/or Early Head Start Grantee - Choctaw, Dallas, Marengo, and Wilcox Counties, Alabama Apply for HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R04 1199 Funding Number: HHS 2017 ACF OHS CH R04 1199 Agency: HHS-ACF-OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $4,548,551 |
| Migrant and Seasonal Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships Apply for HHS 2016 ACF OHS HM 1183 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACF OHS HM 1183 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships Apply for HHS 2016 ACF OHS HI R11 1182 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACF OHS HI R11 1182 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Domestic Victims of Human Trafficking Program Apply for HHS 2016 ACF ACYF TV 1186 Funding Number: HHS 2016 ACF ACYF TV 1186 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children Families - ACYF/FYSB Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $300,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "HHS 2016 ACF ACYF CA 1184", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.