Title IV-E Prevention Accelerator Grants

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), within the Children’s Bureau, has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Title IV-E Prevention Accelerator Grants (HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CA-0061). With an expected total program funding of $7,500,000, ACF plans to award approximately 10 grants ranging from $300,000 to $750,000 for an 18-month project period. Eligible applicants are state, territorial, or tribal government child welfare title IV-E agencies. Applications are due by August 17, 2026. The primary goal of this grant program is to help jurisdictions accelerate the implementation of Clearinghouse-rated, evidence-based prevention services under the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). Funded projects must build the necessary operational, financial, data, and claiming infrastructure to draw down sustainable title IV-E reimbursement within 18 months, ultimately reducing the number of children entering foster care. Recipients are required to execute five core activity areas: 1. Selecting and implementing eligible prevention services. 2. Developing title IV-E claiming and reimbursement systems. 3. Building provider capacity and referral pathways. 4. Enhancing data, reporting, and compliance infrastructure. 5. Participating in a national learning community to disseminate knowledge. Additionally, recipients must establish a performance measurement framework, partner with an internal or external evaluator, and demonstrate a long-term sustainability plan. Funds may not be used for construction, purchase of real property, pre-award costs, or diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) activities. Evaluation criteria will focus on objectives and need, implementation approach, evaluation, organizational capacity, budget, and alignment with ACF priorities.