National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families (US)

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is expected to launch the National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families funding opportunity to support policy-focused research on employment, economic self-sufficiency, and family stability. The Center will conduct research, provide fellowships, support competitive research grants, and strengthen collaboration between researchers and policymakers to improve human services programmes.

About the National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is expected to solicit applications for establishing a National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families.

The initiative aims to improve the effectiveness of federal and state policies related to:

Employment and workforce participation.
Economic self-sufficiency.
Family stability.
Child care support.
Responsible fatherhood.
Reducing dependence on public assistance.

The Center will serve as a national resource for research, evidence development, and policy communication in the human services sector.

Purpose of the Research Center

The main purpose of the Center is to generate rigorous and practical research that helps policymakers improve programmes supporting families and individuals.

The Center will focus on:

Understanding work as a pathway to economic independence.
Strengthening stable family relationships.
Improving human services programmes.
Supporting evidence-based policymaking.
Increasing efficiency in government assistance programmes.

The research will help federal, state, tribal, and local governments design policies that promote employment, family wellbeing, and financial stability.

Key Research Focus Areas

Promoting Work and Economic Self-Sufficiency

The Center will examine approaches that help individuals achieve economic independence through:

Employment opportunities.
Workforce participation.
Skills development.
Reduced reliance on public assistance.
Improved economic mobility.

Supporting Strong and Stable Families

Research activities will explore policies related to:

Marriage and family stability.
Responsible fatherhood.
Parenting support.
Child wellbeing.
Family strengthening initiatives.

Improving Human Services Program Effectiveness

The Center will support research that identifies:

Effective government programmes.
Overlapping or redundant welfare services.
Opportunities for improving service delivery.
Efficient use of taxpayer resources.

Major Activities of the Research Center

The selected organization will conduct several core activities.

In-Residence Fellowship Program

The Center will operate a fellowship programme that places researchers within:

ACF offices.
Other U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offices.

The fellowship will help strengthen connections between researchers and policymakers.

Competitive Extramural Research Grant Program

The Center will establish a research grant programme to support external researchers conducting policy-relevant studies.

Supported research should:

Address important human services questions.
Produce useful evidence for policymakers.
Improve understanding of work and family-related policies.

Knowledge Development and Communication

The Center will create and share research knowledge through:

Policy events.
Research presentations.
Reports.
Policy briefs.
Educational materials.

These resources will support decision-making by:

Federal policymakers.
State governments.
Tribal governments.
Local authorities.

Funding Information

The programme provides:

Estimated total funding: $2,900,000
Award ceiling: $2,900,000
Award floor: $2,700,000

The selected applicant will receive funding to establish and operate the National Research Center.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Small businesses.
City or township governments.
County governments.
State governments.
Special district governments.
Federally recognized Native American tribal governments.
Native American tribal organizations.
Public housing authorities.
Indian housing authorities.
Independent school districts.
Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education.
Private institutions of higher education.
Nonprofit organisations with or without 501(c)(3) status.
For-profit organisations other than small businesses.

Faith-based organisations and community organisations may apply if they meet eligibility requirements.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible:

Individuals.
Sole proprietorships.
Foreign entities.

Applications from these groups will not be considered for merit review or funding.

Important Programme Requirements

Projects must:

Align with ACF statutory authorities.
Focus on policy-relevant research.
Support evidence-based approaches.
Strengthen connections between research and government decision-making.

Activities that focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI/DEIA) are not eligible under this programme.

How the Research Center Will Work

The selected Center will:

Conduct research on work, economic independence, and family stability.
Support researchers through fellowships and grants.
Translate research findings into practical policy resources.
Build partnerships between academics and government agencies.
Provide evidence to improve human services programmes.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Develop a Research Center Proposal

Applicants should explain:

Research objectives.
Organisational capacity.
Management structure.
Proposed activities.
Expected outcomes.

Step 2: Describe Research Activities

The proposal should include plans for:

Fellowship programmes.
External research grants.
Knowledge-sharing activities.
Policy engagement.

Step 3: Prepare Budget Details

Applicants should provide:

Detailed financial plan.
Staffing costs.
Research activity costs.
Programme management expenses.

Step 4: Submit Application Through the Official ACF Process

Applicants must submit proposals according to ACF funding requirements and deadlines when the official solicitation is released.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Families and communities face complex challenges related to employment, economic security, and access to effective support services.

This research initiative can help:

Improve government policies.
Identify successful approaches to economic independence.
Strengthen family stability.
Reduce unnecessary programme duplication.
Improve use of public resources.

By connecting researchers and policymakers, the Center aims to create stronger evidence-based human services systems.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Demonstrate strong research expertise.
Explain how findings will influence policy.
Include experienced researchers and programme leaders.
Show capacity to manage national-level initiatives.
Provide clear plans for communication and knowledge sharing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing research unrelated to work and family stability.
Failing to explain policy relevance.
Providing unclear programme management plans.
Ignoring ACF statutory requirements.
Including ineligible activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families?

It is an ACF-supported research initiative designed to improve policies related to employment, economic self-sufficiency, and family stability.

How much funding is available?

The programme provides an estimated award between $2.7 million and $2.9 million.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include governments, universities, nonprofits, tribal organisations, businesses, and other qualified entities.

Can individuals apply for this grant?

No. Individuals and sole proprietorships are not eligible.

Can foreign organisations apply?

No. Foreign entities are not eligible for funding under this opportunity.

What activities will the Center support?

The Center will support research, fellowships, external research grants, and policy communication activities.

What is the main goal of the programme?

The goal is to improve policies that help individuals achieve economic independence and strengthen family stability.

Conclusion

The National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families Grant provides a major opportunity to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in employment, economic self-sufficiency, and family support systems. Through research, fellowships, and knowledge-sharing activities, the Center will help government agencies develop more effective approaches to supporting families and reducing dependency on public assistance.

Successful applicants will be responsible for managing research activities, supporting collaboration between researchers and policymakers, producing policy-focused knowledge products, and ensuring that funded activities align with ACF requirements and programme objectives.