National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program
This grant funds a three-year national hotline providing crisis intervention, referrals, and prevention services to support runaway and homeless youth and their families.
Funder: Administration for Children & Families - ACYF/FYSB
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Expected award: $1,000,000–$1,800,000 per year for up to 3 years; 1 award anticipated
Summary: Supports a national communication system providing crisis intervention, referral, and prevention services for runaway and homeless youth and their families.
Key Information: Cost sharing/matching is required; priority to applicants with experience serving vulnerable youth via technology-driven communication services.
Description
This program will fund a single cooperative agreement to operate the National Communication System (NCS) for Runaway and Homeless Youth. The NCS serves as a dedicated, toll-free national communication system delivering information, referral services, crisis intervention, prevention strategies, and other supportive services to vulnerable, at-risk, runaway, and homeless youth, as well as their families or legal guardians. The primary objectives are to prevent youth from running away or becoming homeless, link youth with family or guardians and essential services, and increase prevention education to reduce incidents of youth homelessness.
