Transitional Living for Homeless Youth

The primary goal of the Transitional Living Program (TLP) and Maternity Group Homes (MGH) is to help runaway and homeless youth and/or pregnant or parenting runaway and homeless youth between the ages of 16 to under 22 establish sustainable living and well-being for themselves and, if applicable, their dependent child(ren).

Public (state and local) and private nonprofit entities (including faith-based and community organizations) and coordinated networks of such entities, are eligible to apply unless they are part of the juvenile justice system. For profit organizations are not eligible. Private institutions of higher education must be non-profit entities. Priority will be given to public and non-profit private agencies that have experience in providing shelter and services to youth experiencing homelessness and their young families.

Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards.

States, localities, private entities, and coordinated networks of such entities are eligible to apply for a Transitional Living Program or Maternity Group Home award unless they are part of the law enforcement structure or the juvenile justice system. Federally recognized Indian organizations are also eligible to apply for awards as private, nonprofit agencies.

Each application is reviewed against four factors: eligibility, the application deadline, required electronic submission or waiver requested and approved, and the Award Ceiling. If the application does not meet all of these factors, then it is disqualified from the merit review process.
After the initial review, applications are reviewed and evaluated by merit review panels using only the criteria described in the Application Review section of the NOFO. Each panel is composed of experts with knowledge and experience in the area under review. Generally, review panels include three reviewers and one chairperson.
While merit review scores and their ranking are not binding, ACF does consider them when selecting projects for funding. Scores and rankings are only one element used in the award decision-making process. Other criteria are explained in the Program Description section and in the Application Review section of the NOFO. For example, ACF may reserve the right to evaluate applications in the larger context of the overall portfolio by considering the geographic distribution of federal funds (e.g., ensuring coverage of states, counties, or service areas) in its pre-award decisions.
ACF may elect not to fund applicants with management or financial problems that would indicate an inability to successfully complete the proposed project. In addition, ACF may elect to not allow a prime recipient to subaward if there is any indication that they are unable to properly monitor and manage subrecipients.
Applications may be funded in whole or in part. Successful applicants may be funded at an amount lower than requested.