New $3 Million ACL Funding for Kinship Caregiver Support

In a significant move to bolster support services for kinship and grandfamilies, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced a new funding opportunity for the National Technical Assistance Center for Kinship and Grandfamilies. This initiative presents eligible organizations with the chance to secure up to $3 million over a three-year period, targeted specifically at enhancing resources, training, and support services for kinship families. Organizations interested in applying must submit their proposals by July 22, 2026, which is an essential deadline for those prepared to engage in this critical area of caregiver support and resource development.

The importance of this funding cannot be understated, as it aligns with the ACL's strategic priority to enhance caregiving practices across the nation. This initiative will specifically focus on increasing the availability and effectiveness of services for grandfamilies and kinship caregivers, subsequently improving overall health and well-being outcomes for these communities. The awarded center will provide leadership and technical assistance while creating peer learning opportunities and disseminating best practices that are evidence-informed and culturally responsive. This concerted effort is expected to expand the capacity of aging services networks across the country, ensuring they are equipped to support the intricate needs of caregivers, children, and their parents in kinship arrangements.

Organizations that possess in-depth expertise in caregiver services and family support systems are particularly well-positioned to compete for this funding opportunity. The focus on technical assistance and capacity building suggests that successful applicants will likely need to demonstrate innovation in service delivery and effective service models. Therefore, procurement professionals should strategize accordingly when preparing proposals, keeping in mind the emphasis on partnership approaches that enhance overall service delivery to caregivers and their families.

The fact that this funding opportunity is being managed under contract number HHS-2026-ACL-AOA-TAKG-0033 reinforces the structured nature of the application process and highlights the critical role that the Administration on Aging (AoA) plays in driving such initiatives within the ACL. Notably, this initiative also signals the potential for future funding opportunities geared toward aging and family support services. Organizations engaged in similar fields should remain vigilant for subsequent announcements that may arise from the AoA and ACL, as they may offer additional pathways for funding and collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by kinship and grandfamily caregivers.

Collectively, the strategic direction of the ACL, as outlined in this funding opportunity, highlights an ongoing commitment to support vulnerable populations. This reinforces the broader federal goal of promoting the well-being of older adults and their families, as mandated by the Older Americans Act of 1965. As this funding rolls out, the implications for service providers, policy advocates, and stakeholders in the aging services sector are immense, paving the way for enhanced support systems and innovative service offerings that can effectively meet the diverse needs of kinship families and their caregivers.