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: August 19, 2026 (Full application due; electronically submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET)
Funding Amounts: One award; $1,000,000–$1,800,000 per year for 3 years (total program funding: $1,800,000/year)
Summary: Supports a national, 24/7 communication system providing crisis intervention, referrals, and prevention services for runaway and homeless youth and their families.
Key Information: 10% non-federal cost share/match required; only one award will be made.
Description
This opportunity funds a single cooperative agreement to operate the National Communication System (NCS) for Runaway and Homeless Youth. The NCS is a nationwide, toll-free, 24/7 crisis communication and referral service for youth at risk of running away, youth experiencing homelessness, and their families or guardians. The program’s goals are to prevent youth from running away, support family reunification when appropriate, connect youth to critical services, and increase prevention education to reduce runaway incidents and youth homelessness.
The recipient will be responsible for managing a multi-channel communication system (phone, text, chat, web portal), maintaining a comprehensive referral database, providing crisis intervention and prevention resources, and conducting outreach and education activities. The grantee must demonstrate the capacity to handle at least 100,000 contacts per year and ensure continuous, uninterrupted service nationwide.
