19 May Funding Alert! Basic Center Program Grants for Runaway and Homeless Youth

Posted at 19:39h in Competency One, Funding Opportunities by

Department of Health and Human Services –

Administration for Children & Families (ACYF)

Attention organizations and communities working to end youth homelessness, adolescent pregnancy, and domestic violence! The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) and Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB)’s Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Program is accepting applications for the basic center program (BCP), which will provide temporary shelter and counseling services to youth who have left home without the permission of parents or guardians, have been forced to leave home, or homeless youth who might otherwise end up in law enforcement custody or child welfare or juvenile justice systems. This program was created in response to a growing concern for youth in need of long-term, supportive assistance that emergency shelter programs were not equipped to provide.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include public (state, local, and tribal) entities, private non-profit entities including faith-based organizations, community organizations, non-profit private institutions of higher education, and coordinated networks. Organizations that are part of a state or local juvenile justice system are not eligible.

What is the program goal?

The primary goal of the BCP is to provide temporary emergency shelter and counseling services to eligible youth who are experiencing homelessness under the age of 18. The vision of the program is to establish and strengthen community-based projects that meet the immediate needs of youth who have runaway or are living on the street with temporary shelter and services that encourage family reunification.

ACYF expects to award 68 grants for up to 36 months with a total award amount of $200,000. The total available funding pool is approximately $13.4 million. The program requires a 10% cost-share or matching funds of the total approved cost of the project. Initial grant awards will be for a 12-month budget period, with continuation awards beyond the initial period based on the availability of funds, satisfactory progress, and a determination that funding would be in the government’s best interest.

Projects must include the following components:

  • Safe, stable, and appropriate shelter and counseling for up to 21 days;
  • Comprehensive youth-centered services model;
  • Social and emotional well-being and strength-based approach;
  • Outreach implementation strategy including education, awareness, youth engagement, and collaboration;
  • Provision of basic needs such as food, transportation, personal safety information, clothing, and hygiene products;
  • Screening and assessment for eligibility and needs;
  • Case management including individualized service or treatment of the client, service coordination, and education service plans; and
  • Transition planning that consists of at least three months of aftercare.

See the full BCP funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for details of the required components. BCP proposals are due on Monday, June 26, 2022.

What makes a project a good fit?

BCP projects require applicants to provide safe and stable shelter to youth under 18 years of age for up to 21 days. Qualifying applications will

  • Accommodate a minimum of four and no more than 20 youth, providing services 24 hours a day;
  • Utilize a comprehensive youth-centered services model that includes outreach, basic needs, screening and assessment, harm reduction and prevention education, case management, and 90-days of aftercare;
  • Ensure staff are trained to interact with youth at-risk or experiencing trafficking, sexual exploitation, or similar traumatic experiences;
  • Follow a social and emotional well-being and strengths-based approach and positive youth development (PYD) framework;
  • Incorporate intervention efforts to minimize sexual exploitation and trafficking incidents among runaway and homeless youth; and
  • Ensure safe and appropriate exits with youth and young adults leave the program.

What if I am ready to apply? To move your project forward, take the following action steps as soon as possible:

What if I need help with this application?

Contact Assel Grant Services (AGS) today! Our team can help with all aspects of preparing the application and managing the grant if you are awarded. If you would like to discuss this possibility, please contact AGS as soon as possible. Rosie Brennan, Community Engagement Specialist, will be happy to talk with you about this opportunity and provide you a quote for grant services.

What if I am not ready to apply this year?

Start preparing for next year! HHS has a variety of other programs and funding opportunities available that might be a good fit. The office’s website has ample resources, webinars, and descriptions of available or upcoming opportunities.

How do I learn more about federal grant proposal writing, so my application is more likely to be successful?

AGS is excited to offer a Federal Grants Training Series in 2022! The series is designed to support nonprofit leaders before and during the application process. AGS also offers several on demand webinars on a variety of topics to support the full grant cycle. Check out our website to learn more and sign up for our training newsletter.

AGS blogs, funding alerts, and trainings are aligned with the Grant Professional Certification Institute’s Competencies and Skills

Competency #1: Knowledge of how to research, identify, and match funding resources to meet specific needs

Skill 1.2: Identify major trends in public funding and public policy

Skill 1.6: Identify fundable programs and projects for specific organization

Skill 1.7: Determine best matches between funders and specific programs

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