Kinship Navigator Programs: Replication and Tribal Adaptation
🏛 Administration for Children and Families - ACYF/CB (HHS-ACF-CB)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for state and tribal child welfare agencies implementing evidence-based Kinship Navigator Programs. Eligible applicants include public agencies, tribal entities, and non-agency organizations partnering with Title IV-E agencies. Geographic scope is national, with priority given to agencies not currently operating a Title IV-E Kinship Navigator Program.
Activities supported include replicating an approved clearinghouse-rated model or developing tribal adaptations. Applicants choose between two tracks: direct replication of existing models, or developing culturally-adapted versions for tribal communities while maintaining core components.
Non-state/tribal agency applicants must document partnership with their state or tribal Title IV-E agency. Tribal consortia are encouraged to apply together.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Key dates
- Jul 8, 2026 Applications open
- Aug 7, 2026 Application deadline in 21 days
- Sep 29, 2026 Award announced
- Sep 30, 2026 Project start
Program description
The goal of this funding opportunity is to increase the number of state and tribal child welfare agencies that replicate and implement an evidence-based Kinship Navigator Program (KNP) rated as promising, supported, or well-supported by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse. Tribal child welfare agencies may replicate one of the approved models and adapt program manuals as needed to align with tribal policies, practices, and culture, while maintaining the model’s core components; tribal consortia are encouraged to apply.
Priority will be given to agencies that do not currently operate a Title IV-E Kinship Navigator Program as defined in Section 427(a)(1) of the Social Security Act. For organizations that are not state or tribal child welfare agencies applications should include documentation of partnership with the Title IV-E agency in implementing the Title IV-E Kinship Navigator program.
The Evidence-Based Kinship Navigator Program that may be replicated are: Ohio’s Kinship Supports Intervention (ProtectOhio), Arizona Kinship Support Services, Colorado Kinnected Kinship Navigator Program, Foster Kinship Navigator Program, 30 Days to Family, Kinship Interdisciplinary Navigation Technologically Advanced Model (KIN-TECH), Washington State Kinship Navigator Program.
Applicants must focus on one of the following priority areas in their application, which will be competed separately: (1) replicating an existing Clearinghouse-rated model, or (2) developing a Tribal adaptation of an existing Clearinghouse-rated model.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Partnership documentation (for non-agency applicants)
- Evidence of Clearinghouse-rated model selection
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Indirect cost rate agreement (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Liliana Hernandez Chakrabarti
- 📧 cb@grantreview.org
- 📞 888-203-6161
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.605 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$1,911,066
Top States by Funding
- CA 1 awards $1.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.605). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $600,000 | |
| 2025 | $600,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $600,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
State and tribal child welfare agencies are primary applicants. Non-agency organizations can apply if they partner with a Title IV-E child welfare agency.
What is the deadline and award amount?
The deadline is July 9, 2026. Awards range from $400,000 to $500,000 per recipient.
Which kinship navigator models can we replicate?
Approved models include Ohio's ProtectOhio, Arizona Kinship Support Services, Colorado Kinnected, Foster Kinship Navigator, 30 Days to Family, KIN-TECH, and Washington State Kinship Navigator.
Do we need to match the grant funding?
Yes, cost-sharing is required. Specific match percentage should be confirmed in the funding announcement.
Are tribal adaptations encouraged?
Yes, tribal agencies can adapt program manuals to align with tribal culture while maintaining core components. Tribal consortia applications are encouraged.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Prioritize agencies without current Title IV-E Kinship Navigator Programs. These applicants are more competitive.
- If you're not a state/tribal agency, secure a partnership letter from your Title IV-E agency early. This is required documentation.
- Choose your track carefully. Decide upfront whether you'll replicate an existing model or develop a tribal adaptation.
- Review the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse ratings. Only evidence-based models rated as promising, supported, or well-supported are eligible.
- Highlight how your plan addresses kinship navigator gaps in your state or tribal jurisdiction. Demonstrate clear community need.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying as a non-agency without documented partnership with a Title IV-E agency. Selecting a model not rated by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse. Failing to clearly identify which track (replication vs. tribal adaptation) your application addresses.
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