Welfare Reform Research, Evaluations and National Studies

Welfare Research (WR) funds were authorized as a set-aside of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant to support research, evaluation, and technical assistance related to the TANF program. The legislation states that WR funds shall be used for research on the effect of State TANF programs on employment, self-sufficiency, child well-being, unmarried births, marriage, poverty, economic mobility, and other factors; State-initiated research on TANF; development of a “what works clearinghouse” of effective approaches for moving welfare recipients into work; dissemination of information on WR-funded research and evaluation, including facilitating the sharing of information and best practices among States and localities; and technical assistance activities to support TANF programs and services. The funding opportunities in this listing support these objectives.

Awards and cooperative agreements may be made to or with governmental entities, colleges, universities, nonprofit and for-profit organizations (if fee is waived), and faith- and community-based organizations. Awards cannot be made directly to individuals or sole proprietorships. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards.

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 reserves 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.

From 60 to 365 days. Generally, solicited applications will be acted upon within 120 days.