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Welcome!

Welcome to the Core CAC Services Request for Proposal (RFP) page. This page is designed to guide you through the process of developing and submitting a strong, competitive proposal in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP). Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to refine your approach, this resource provides the essential tools, templates, and guidance needed to navigate each stage of the application process with confidence. Inside, you will find step-by-step instructions, helpful checklists, and sample documents tailored to the specific requirements of this funding opportunity. From understanding the RFP and aligning your project goals, to preparing your budget and submitting your final application, this toolkit is here to support you every step of the way. Use this toolkit as your go-to resource to stay organized, meet deadlines, and put your best proposal forward.  Let’s get started!

Awards for the Establishment, Improvement, and Expansion of Children's Advocacy Centers

NCA, under a cooperative agreement with the United States Office of Justice Programs (DOJ, OJP, OJJDP), will administer over 15 million in federal funds for the establishment, improvement, and expansion of Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) through this request for proposals (RFP). Please note that specific award amounts may change. All awards are contingent upon the release of funding from OJJDP.

This large grant category includes mostly funding for expanding services in developing CACs, maintaining the provision of core services at CACs that experienced financial setbacks, supporting CACs at meeting the new accreditation standards, expanding reach and developing teleservices and providing medical/forensic interviewing equipment and operational technology. 

Eligible Organization Types 

This award type is open to applications from Accredited, Associate/Developing Centers, Affiliate MDTs, and Satellite CACs.

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Award Type


Provision of Core Direct CAC Services

Maximum Award Amount: $50,000 

Goal: To Provide necessary support to CACs experiencing funding loss that threatens their ability to maintain capacity to deliver core CAC services. 

Core CAC Services*:

  • Victim Advocacy
  • Forensic Interviewing
  • Mental Health
  • Medical Services
  • Multidisciplinary team coordination and case support

*Applicants can only focus on a MAXIMUM of 2 Core Services, and the Core Services to be provided or supported with these funds MUST align with the associated National Standards

Watch this brief video to learn more about the Core award, the types of projects that can be funded, and other helpful information

Important!


Demonstrated Funding Loss

Applicants MUST demonstrate a specific, documented funding loss that directly threatens their ability to maintain essential core CAC services. Applicants must also describe how the submitted financial documentation demonstrates their funding loss when responding to this section of the application. 

Grant Application Template

To ensure easy access to essential application materials, we’ve provided a downloadable grant application template HERE. This template allows applicants to prepare their submissions even if our online systems are temporarily unavailable.

Click the link below to start a new Core CAC application
Start a NEW Application
Click the link below to access your in-progress application

Access Your In-Progress Application

Click the link below to access the application template
Application Template


How to Prepare


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Application Tools & Templates


Core CAC Application Resources

The following resources are designed to guide you through the application process from start to finish. Whether you prefer watching a walkthrough or following written steps, you'll find everything you need to complete your application thoroughly and confidently - including a planning tool to help you define your project's focus, objectives, and outcomes.  

Application Training Videos

Watch these videos which demonstrate how to complete each section of the Core CAC application

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prefer reading? This written guide covers the same instructions as the videos in a printable format

Application Demo

Prefer to follow along? View an application demo and follow along step-by-step

Core CAC Objectives Matrix

This planning tool can help you map out your Core CAC Services project before starting your application

Grant Proposal Budget Worksheet Completion Video

Before getting started, please watch this short video presentation which will provide a general overview of the grant proposal budget worksheet for the NCA grant application process. We STRONGLY recommend that applicants view this video prior to attempting to complete the grant proposal budget worksheet.

Budget Template & Resources

After watching the video, download and use the Grant Proposal Budget and Timeline Template to create your project budget. The resources in this section provide valuable information to assist in developing your budget.

Grant Budget and Timeline Template

REQUIRED ATTACHMENT! Download a copy of this template to complete your grant proposal budget and project timeline

Allowable and Unallowable Costs

A brief guide to costs that are generally considered allowable; actual allowability varies by award

Core CAC Budget Considerations

Important information to consider when developing a budget for the Core CAC Services award type

Budget Video Slides

View the presentation slides from the Grant Proposal Budget Worksheet Completion Video

Core Services Example Budget

Click here to view an example of a Core CAC Services budget along with helpful tips and considerations

Logic Model Template

Click here to download a copy of the Logic Model Template - a helpful tool you can use to help plan out your project

Other Application Resources

The following resources may assist you in preparing your application, if applicable. 

  • Certification of De-minimis Indirect Cost Rate
    Certification of De-minimis Indirect Cost Rate

    Applicants wishing to claim indirect costs but do not have a current Federally-approved indirect cost rate agreement must complete this form. A signed copy must be uploaded with application attachments.

  • Post Award Reporting Requirements
    Post Award Reporting Requirements

    Applicants can review the proposed post-award reporting expectations, requirements, and timelines to better understand obligations and to help prepare if the application is awarded.

  • Conference Cost Prior Approval FAQs
    Conference Cost Prior Approval FAQs

    This document outlines conference cost approval guidelines, helping applicants determine when prior approval is required and understand limits on allowable conference-related expenses.

  • Pre-Award Risk Assessment
    Pre-Award Risk Assessment

    For reference only, this resource helps applicants prepare by previewing the types of questions they may encounter in the online grant application process.

  • DOJ Guide to Procurement Procedures
    DOJ Guide to Procurement Procedures

    Tool to help subrecipients conduct procurements under DOJ awards in compliance with applicable procurement standards and other relevant legal requirements.

  • CAC RFP Overview Presentation Slides
    CAC RFP Overview Presentation Slides

    Presentation slides from the CAC RFP overview video provides applicants with a concise summary of key information, requirements, and expectations. The full video presentation is available on the Application Resource Page. 


Core CAC Application Checklist


The Core CAC Services Application Checklist lists critical application elements required to pass Basic Minimum Requirements review. An application that NCA determines does not meet the Basic Minimum Requirements listed below, will neither proceed to peer review nor receive further consideration. 

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Support Center


Documenting Funding Loss

Click here to view examples of how to demonstrate proof of funding loss that threatens the ability to maintain core services

NCA Institute

Does your Core Services project focus on providing Mental Health Services? Click here to learn more about the NCA Institute for Better Mental Health Outcomes

Approved Curricula

Click here to view a list of qualified trainings to meet the Forensic Interview, Mental Health, and Victim Advocacy Standards for Accredited CAC Members

RFP Questions?

Submit a new question via our online Q&A form, or to view answers to prior questions. The answer form is updated weekly through Wednesday, July 29th

Live Q&A Webinars

Click here to register for the 2027 RFP Live Q&A Webinars. Recordings of all the live Q&A webinars can be accessed here as well

Grant Eligibility

Click here to learn what types of NCA grants your organization may be eligible to apply for


Core CAC Services FAQs


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Both invited applicants (current awardees) and new applicants may apply. Affiliate & Associate/Developing, Accredited, and Satellite CACs are eligible to apply.
Applicants must demonstrate a loss of funding or increased need that impact the ability to provide core CAC services at your center.
Yes, as long as the continued need is clearly demonstrated.
No. Logic Models are optional and do not have to be submitted with your application.
A funding letter showing the award dates, that include the end date of the 3-year period can be used in this instance. An explanation on letterhead from your organizations CEO or Executive Director can also be used in the situation described here.
No. Current awardees (2026 Core Services grantees) have been invited to apply for 1 final year of the award for the 2027 grant year. New applicants (CACs that do not have a current 2026 Core Services award) may apply for a 1 year award for the 2027 grant year.

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RFP Page Navigation


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