The ACF Congressionally Directed Community Projects 2026 funding opportunity, administered by the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, supports projects designated by Congress to address local needs. This Congressionally Directed Projects initiative provides targeted federal funding to organizations specifically named in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) to implement activities aligned with community priorities.
About the ACF Congressionally Directed Community Projects
The ACF Congressionally Directed Community Projects enables Congress to allocate funding directly to community projects that address key local issues such as health, social services, youth support, and family wellbeing. Only organizations explicitly listed in the appropriations legislation are eligible to apply for and receive funds. The programme ensures that awarded funds are used for activities consistent with the purposes identified by Congress in the appropriation language.
Funding Size
- Total programme funding: $41,051,000
- Number of expected awards: 62
- Award minimum: $21,000
- Award maximum: $8,000,000
Applicants must request amounts not exceeding the funding levels specified for their project in the 2026 Appropriations Act.
Who Can Apply
- Eligible nonprofit organizations specified in H.R. 7148
- Nonprofits both with and without 501(c)(3) status
- Faith-based and community organizations that are explicitly listed in the appropriations act
Ineligible applicants include:
- Individuals (including sole proprietors)
- Foreign entities not specified in the legislation
- Organizations not designated by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act
Once an award is made, grant funds may not be transferred to replacement recipients or successors-in-interest if the original grantee cannot fulfil the award.
Geographic Eligibility
Eligible applicants are those named in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, and may operate in various U.S. states and territories as specified in the legislation.
Sector or Thematic Focus
The Congressionally Directed Community Projects support a wide range of community-oriented activities based on congressional priorities, which typically include areas such as:
- Child welfare and support services
- Health and human services innovation
- Youth and family programmes
- Social service infrastructure
- Community resilience and wellbeing initiatives
Each project supported under this opportunity must be consistent with the purpose and scope outlined in the appropriations legislation.
Application Process
Eligible applicants must prepare and submit proposals in accordance with the guidelines provided by ACF. Applications must clearly describe the proposed activities, demonstrate alignment with the purpose identified by Congress, and request funding no greater than the amount specified in the appropriations language.
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Required Materials
Typical application materials include:
- Project narrative detailing activities and expected outcomes
- Budget request aligned with the specified funding amount
- Organizational information and documentation
- Any forms or assurances required by the Administration for Children and Families
Specific submission instructions and forms are provided in the official funding announcement.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: June 16, 2026
Additional dates (e.g., anticipated award announcements) are determined by ACF’s review schedule.
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Selection Notes
Only organizations explicitly authorized by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148), are eligible for awards. Proposals from ineligible entities will be disqualified and removed from consideration. Projects are evaluated to ensure they align with congressional intent and statutory requirements.