National Information and Referral Support Center: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- Administration for Community Living
- Award Range
- $200,000 to $225,000
- Deadline
- Closed 2026-07-22
- Time Remaining
- This cycle closed on 2026-07-22. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
- CFDA Number
- 93.048
The National Information and Referral Support Center is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Administration for Community Living. 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 National Information and Referral Support Center, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Special district governments; State governments; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; County governments; City or township governments; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education … (see grants.gov for the full eligibility list).
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official Grants.gov listing before beginning your application.
Running a for-profit business? None of the nine applicant types grants.gov lists for this program is a business type (the full list is in the FAQ below). Save the application hours: see the grants and funding programs businesses can apply for →
Social Services programs that do list businesses as eligible: OVC FY 2026 Increasing Services for American Indian and Alaska Native Victims of Human Trafficking in Urban Centers Program; Kinship Navigator Programs: Replication and Tribal Adaptation; Kinship Navigator Programs: Evaluations.
Not a business? Compare other Social Services programs by who can apply.
How to apply: step by step
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 | National Information and Referral Support Center |
| Funding Agency | Administration for Community Living |
| CFDA Number | 93.048 |
| Award Minimum | $200,000 |
| Award Maximum | $225,000 |
| Deadline | Closed 2026-07-22 |
| 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.
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 National Information and Referral Support Center?
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Special district governments; State governments; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; County governments; City or township governments; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education … (see grants.gov for the full eligibility list). Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official Grants.gov listing before applying.
Can a for-profit business apply for the National Information and Referral Support Center?
No. grants.gov lists these applicant types for this program, and for-profit businesses are not among them: City or township governments; Private institutions of higher education; Special district governments; County governments; State governments; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
What is the deadline for National Information and Referral Support Center?
The current deadline is closed on 2026-07-22; 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 National Information and Referral Support Center 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.