National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families
This grant funds a center to research and improve policies that support work, economic self-sufficiency, and stable families, connecting researchers with policymakers and sharing actionable findings.
Funder: Administration for Children and Families - OFA
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2026 (Full application submission deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: $1,200,000–$1,500,000 per award (one award anticipated), five-year project period
Summary: Supports a national research center to advance policy-relevant research and connect researchers with policymakers to promote work, economic self-sufficiency, and strong families.
Key Information: Cost sharing or matching is required; opportunity is forecasted and not yet open.
Description
This opportunity will fund a National Research Center focused on promoting work and strong families, administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance (OFA). The Center's mission is to improve the effectiveness of federal and state policies that support the dignity of work, economic self-sufficiency, and stable, married families, while reducing reliance on public assistance.
The Center will:
- Operate a Fellowship Program to embed research fellows within ACF and other HHS offices, providing expertise on work, earnings, family stability, and human services.
- Administer a competitive extramural research grant program aligned with ACF priorities, focusing on actionable research in work, economic self-sufficiency, family formation and stability, child well-being, and program effectiveness.
- Lead dissemination and communication activities, including events and policy-focused materials, to make research findings accessible and actionable for policymakers at all levels.
ACF anticipates one cooperative agreement award for a five-year period.
