Grants

Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)

Updated October 2026 5 min read

Key Facts

Agency
Administration for Children and Families - ACYF/CB
Award Range
$400,000 to $600,000
Deadline
Closed 2026-08-07
Time Remaining
This cycle closed on 2026-08-07. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
CFDA Number
93.605
Bottom line: The Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations provides $400,000 to $600,000 in funding through the Administration for Children and Families' Children's Bureau (ACYF/CB). The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the implementation and rigorous evaluation of existing Kinship Navigator Programs (KNPs). The goal is to increase the number of programs that qualify for federal Title IV-E Kinship Navigator funding by building strong evidence of improved outcomes for kinship caregivers and the children in their care. Strengthening the evidence base will position more programs for review by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse.

The Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Administration for Children and Families' Children's Bureau (ACYF/CB). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.

Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Details from the notice: If the applicant is not the title IV-E agency, it shall provide a letter of commitment from the title IV-E child welfare agency to implement the title IV-E Kinship Navigator program that meets the Clearinghouse's requirements of being rated as either a promising, supported, or well-supported practice criteria upon the completion of the three-year project period. Applicant types on grants.gov (partial list): Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Special district governments; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; For profit organizations other than small businesses; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.

Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official Grants.gov listing before beginning your application.

Businesses can apply. grants.gov lists for-profit or small business applicants for this program; the notice's other requirements still apply. Not sure your business fits? Run the free Grant Finder check →

How to apply: step by step

  1. Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
  2. Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
  3. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the Grants.gov listing. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
  4. Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
  5. Submit through Grants.gov. Create a workspace, upload all required forms and attachments, and submit once the next cycle opens. The system timestamps your submission, and late applications are automatically rejected.
  6. Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.

For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.

Grant details

Detail Information
Grant Name Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations
Funding Agency Administration for Children and Families - ACYF/CB
CFDA Number 93.605
Award Minimum $400,000
Award Maximum $600,000
Deadline Closed 2026-08-07
Category Social Services
Matching Required Yes, this program requires cost sharing or matching funds
Application Link Apply on Grants.gov

Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.

If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.

Get the free grant eligibility screener worksheet (PDF)

Check your fit for Social Services grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for the Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations?

Details from the notice: If the applicant is not the title IV-E agency, it shall provide a letter of commitment from the title IV-E child welfare agency to implement the title IV-E Kinship Navigator program that meets the Clearinghouse's requirements of being rated as either a promising, supported, or well-supported practice criteria upon the completion of the three-year project period. Applicant types on grants.gov (partial list): Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Special district governments; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; For profit organizations other than small businesses; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official Grants.gov listing before applying.

Can a for-profit business apply for the Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations?

Yes. grants.gov lists for-profit or small business applicants for this program. The notice's other eligibility requirements still apply, so confirm them on the official listing.

What is the deadline for Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations?

The current deadline is closed on 2026-08-07; the next cycle has not been posted. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the Grants.gov listing for the next funding opportunity.

Does Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations require matching funds?

Yes, this program requires cost sharing or matching funds. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.