Basic Center Program
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The Administration for Children & Families, specifically the Family and Youth Services Bureau, has announced a funding opportunity for the Basic Center Program, aimed at providing emergency shelter and counseling services for youth under 18 who are homeless or have run away. This program seeks to support community-based organizations in operating short-term shelters and delivering comprehensive supportive services, emphasizing a trauma-informed and youth-centered approach, along with mandatory collaboration with local services. With an estimated total program funding of approximately $23.36 million and a maximum award ceiling of $350,000, eligible applicants include public and non-profit private agencies, with applications due by July 23, 2025. Interested parties can reach out to Gloria Watkins at Gloria.Watkins@acf.hhs.gov for further information.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include public and non-profit private agencies and coordinated networks of such entities. For-profit organizations are not eligible. Private institutions of higher education must be non-profit entities. In selecting applicants to receive grants under this funding announcement, priority will be given to public and non-profit, private agencies that have experience in providing services to runaway, homeless, and street youth. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity. Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at and, subject to the protections and requirements of 45 CFR Part 87 and 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq., ACF will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character, affiliation, or exercise.