Children’s Advocacy Center Start-up Funds
🏛 Ohio Department of Children and Youth
✓ Free, no account · Source: Ohio Grants Partnership · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for prospective Children's Advocacy Centers in Ohio preparing to establish operations. Eligible applicants must be planning to create a child-friendly collaborative space where professionals interview children and investigate abuse/neglect. All CACs receiving funding must include a measurable primary prevention services strategy in their business plan.
Organizations applying should demonstrate readiness to establish multi-system collaboration. The grant supports one-time start-up costs only, not ongoing operations. Funding is subject to availability from the Ohio Children's Trust Fund board.
Maximum award is $5,000 per applicant. Awards are contingent on demonstrated plan for service delivery once the CAC becomes operational.
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Program description
The purpose of start-up funding is to assist prospective Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) in their initial development in order that they may establish a common and child-friendly area for professionals from multiple systems to interview children in lieu of sending a traumatized child to multiple sites. In addition to providing a child-friendly environment for professionals from multiple systems to collaboratively manage the process of investigating causes of potential abuse and neglect, CACs receiving money from OCTF must have a measurable strategy in their business plan to deliver primary prevention services once the CAC is fully established. Section 3109.178 of the Ohio Revised Code provides that prospective CAC’s may request from the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund (OCTF) board up to $5,000 for one-time start-up costs. Contingent upon the availability of funds, the OCTF will make up to $5,000 available to eligible applicants for costs associated with the establishment and operation of a CAC. Click the link to be taken to the Grants Management System to see the RFGA documents and to submit a response.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- Faith-based Organization
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Business plan with primary prevention strategy
- Budget itemization of start-up costs
- Documentation of multi-system partnerships or letters of support
- Organization background/formation documents
- Timeline for CAC establishment
Program contact
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for start-up funding?
Prospective Children's Advocacy Centers in Ohio that are planning to establish operations. You must demonstrate a collaborative multi-system approach and include a business plan with measurable primary prevention strategies.
What costs does this grant cover?
One-time start-up costs associated with establishing a CAC. This includes setting up a child-friendly environment and initial operational infrastructure, not ongoing expenses.
Is there a deadline for applications?
The grant deadline is November 5, 2026. Applications are submitted through Ohio's Grants Management System. Check for rolling deadlines or specific submission windows with the Ohio Children's Trust Fund.
How much funding can we receive?
Up to $5,000 maximum per applicant. Actual awards depend on OCTF board fund availability and the number of eligible applications received.
What is required in the application?
A business plan with measurable primary prevention service strategies is required. You must also demonstrate how your CAC will facilitate multi-system collaboration to serve traumatized children.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Develop a clear business plan showing how your CAC will create a child-friendly, multi-system collaborative space. Focus on practical setup needs, not operating budgets.
- Include specific, measurable primary prevention strategies in your plan. Funders prioritize evidence-based prevention approaches that reduce future abuse/neglect.
- Connect with existing Ohio CACs or national CAC networks for model language and best practices. This strengthens your operational approach.
- Document existing partnerships with law enforcement, child welfare, health, and victim services. Multi-system collaboration is central to CAC mission.
- Itemize your $5,000 budget carefully. Include only true start-up costs: physical space setup, initial training, basic equipment, or consultation fees for establishment.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack concrete primary prevention strategies or measurable outcomes. Vague prevention plans reduce competitiveness significantly.
Budgets request operating costs instead of true start-up expenses. Funders reject requests for ongoing staff or program costs not eligible for start-up grants.
Incomplete partnerships or unclear multi-system collaboration model. Applications without documented buy-in from local agencies often fail.
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