The Primary Prevention Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program
This grant funds programs to prevent homelessness among high-risk youth ages 12–26 by addressing root causes and involving youth with lived experience in project design and evaluation.
Funder: Administration for Children & Families - ACYF/FYSB
Due Dates: August 31, 2026: Full application submission deadline (electronic submissions due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time)
Funding Amounts: $350,000–$500,000 per award (24-month project period); ~$7,000,000 total program funding; ~14 awards expected
Summary: Supports the development and implementation of evidence-based primary prevention strategies to reduce youth homelessness among individuals ages 12–26, especially those at high risk.
Key Information: Cost sharing required; participation in a federally sponsored evaluation is mandatory.
Description
This funding opportunity supports projects that identify and implement evidence-based strategies to prevent homelessness among youth and young adults ages 12–26. The program particularly targets populations at high risk, such as those at risk of human trafficking, struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, or transitioning out of foster care, juvenile justice, or behavioral health systems. Projects must focus on addressing root causes of youth homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing, poverty, and family dynamics, and must involve youth with lived experience in project design and implementation. Recipients will participate in a two-phase process: a 6-month planning phase to develop a Primary Prevention Plan, followed by an 18-month implementation phase. All funded projects are required to participate in a federally sponsored evaluation and collaborate with local youth advisory boards.
