[Administration for Children and Families - ACYF/CB](https://www.acf.hhs.gov)

July 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Estimated total funding: $943,000 | Expected awards: 7 | Award range: $50,000–$250,000 per year

Supports tribal courts in assessing and improving the handling of American Indian and Alaska Native child welfare cases, including family preservation, reunification, guardianship, and adoption.

--- ## Description This program provides funding to tribal courts to evaluate and enhance their processes for handling child welfare cases involving American Indian and Alaska Native children. The goal is to improve the effectiveness, timeliness, fairness, and legal soundness of court proceedings related to family preservation, reunification, guardianship, and adoption. The initiative aligns with the Administration for Children and Families' mission to foster child and family well-being through strong partnerships and effective human services delivery. Funding is intended to help tribes strengthen their court systems and ensure better outcomes for children and families in tribal communities. --- ## Due Dates - July 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $943,000 - Expected number of awards: 7 - Award ceiling: $250,000 per year - Award floor: $50,000 per year - Project period and renewal details are typically annual; confirm specifics in the official NOFO when released. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** - Federally recognized Indian tribes (as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304 subsections (E) and (I)) - Tribal consortia (partnerships between two or more tribes working toward a common objective) - **Additional requirements:** Applicants must meet at least one of the following: - Operate an approved Title IV-E program under section 479B of the Social Security Act - Plan to operate a Title IV-E program and have received a Tribal Title IV-E Plan Development Grant (section 476 of the Social Security Act) - Have a court that handles foster care or adoption cases - **Not eligible:** Individuals, sole proprietorships, and foreign entities --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically by the anticipated deadline in July 2026. - No cost sharing or matching is required. - The full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and application instructions will be available on [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361970) closer to the opening date. - Prepare to demonstrate eligibility and address how your project will assess and improve tribal court handling of child welfare cases. --- ## Additional Information - The program is expected to continue on an annual cycle; verify all details and requirements when the official NOFO is posted. - Projects should focus on measurable improvements to the effectiveness of tribal court systems in child welfare matters. --- ## External Links - [Program Forecast and Application (Grants.gov)](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361970) - [Funder Home Page](https://www.acf.hhs.gov) - [Funder Contact Page](https://www.acf.hhs.gov/acf-program-offices/contact-info) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |------------------|-----------------------------|---------------| | Catherine Heath | [cb@grantreview.org](mailto:cb@grantreview.org) | 888-203-6161 | | General Inquiries| [mark.dalton@acf.hhs.gov](mailto:mark.dalton@acf.hhs.gov) | (877)-696-6775 | ---

Tribal Court Improvement Program

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