NCA Engage: 2027 RFP Expanding Reach And Access

Welcome!

Welcome to the Expanding Reach & Access (ERA) 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 CACs, Associate/Developing Centers, Affiliate MDTs, and Satellite CACs.

Expanding Reach and Access to CACs (ERA)

Maximum Award Amount: $50,000

Goal: To expand services to additional communities or increase service capacity in established CACs to meet demonstrated needs and supporting solutions to service delivery barriers.

Focus Areas:

Projects must address one of the following priority areas:

Focus 1: Establish an NCA Satellite member center (only Accredited CACs)
Focus 2: Increase service capacity to meet the demonstrated need in established CACs
Focus 3: Expanding geographic reach through the development of mobile and teleservices

Please Note! ERA Focus 1 applicants are required to provide signed and dated letters of support or memoranda of understanding for all key partners. Additional details regarding the requirements for letters of support can be found in the Application and Submission Information section of the NSP RFP.

Important!

Demonstrated Service Area Need

All ERA applicants must describe their service area need, the current CAC response in their community and explain how existing limitations impact the CACs ability to provide services. Applicants must include current service provision, availability and accessibility and anticipated caseload when delivering these services. Applicants must also provide data demonstrating the specific needs being addressed and document current barriers to service delivery or organizational capacity. Additionally, applicants must also describe how the submitted documentation demonstrates need when responding to this section of the application.

Supporting documentation required may include service area maps and population data, current service statistics, waitlist numbers, and other unmet needs data.

ERA Focus Area 1

Applications submitted under ERA Focus 1 to open a Satellite center MUST include submission of first-time Satellite Membership Application to NCA within the award period/targeted opening date for center and provide information about designated staff needed to coordinate the response and provision of services at the center. Applicants must also provide signed and dated letters of support or memoranda of understanding for all key partners. Additional details regarding the requirements for letters of support can be found in the Application and Submission Information section of the NSP RFP.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Who is eligible to apply? +

Affiliate MDTs, Associate/Developing Centers, Accredited CACs, and Satellite Member CACs are eligible to apply for the Expanding Reach & Access award.

Are letters of support required? +

Yes, only for ERA Focus 1. Applicants MUST provide signed and dated letters of support or memoranda of understanding for all key partners that include the following: 1) Expression of support for the program and a statement of willingness to participate and collaborate with it, and 2) Description of the partner’s current role and responsibilities in the planning process and expected responsibilities when the program is operational. Letters of Support should be included from partner agencies and local community support within the new and/or expanded service area, as well as from the State Chapter if opening a new Satellite center. An applicant’s plan must be coordinated and in compliance with the Chapter growth and development plan.

Can ERA funds support staff positions? +

Yes. Funding may support positions such as clinicians, case coordinators, or medical staff if they contribute to increasing service capacity or access.

Are support roles (like case coordinators) allowable? +

Yes, as long as the role improves coordination and helps expand access to CAC services.

What is the main purpose of this grant? +

To expand geographic reach and/or increase service capacity for CACs.

Do we need to submit a Logic Model? +

No. Logic Models are optional and do not have to be submitted with your application.

For ERA Focus 2: Increase service capacity to meet the demonstrated need in established CACs - Can funds be used support the salary of a part-time or on-call Forensic Nurse Examiner? +

Yes, funds may be used to support the salary of a part-time Forensic Nurse Examiner, as long as the position directly supports the focus area identified in your application—specifically under the Medical Services objective. However, on-call hours are not an allowable expense. Personnel costs should reflect actual hours worked and should be limited to staff on the CAC’s payroll. Applicants are also encouraged to avoid including positions budgeted at minimal funding levels (typically less than 10%).

If we are applying for an Expanding Reach & Access grant, would a Mental Health Therapist for a program that is not a core CAC service be eligible for funding? +

If applying for an Expanding Reach and Access grant, including a Mental Health Therapist as a funded position on the grant budget would mean that this individual works within the CAC, or as part of the CAC program and is contributing to the goals and objectives of the project – increasing service capacity and/or expanding geographic reach through the development of mobile and teleservices. Also, clinicians and therapists must use evidence-based treatment modalities approved by NCA. A listed of those modalities can be found HERE.

Under the Expanding Reach and Access grant application, when applying to hire a staff position (specifically, Case Coordinator), does the staff person have to be providing direct services (e.g. Forensic Interviewing, Medical, etc.)? Or can it be a supporting staff position whose hire will facilitate more efficient coordination of forensic interviews, medicals, etc. and, thereby, provide seamless utilization of these services? +

Hiring a Case Coordinator can be an allowable expense in the Expanding Reach and Access award type. Personnel costs should reflect actual hours worked and should be limited to staff on the CAC’s payroll. Applicants are also encouraged to avoid including positions budgeted at minimal funding levels (typically less than 10%). Be sure to provide a detailed description of the roles and responsibilities of project staff, including that of the Case Coordinator, and clearly integrate them into your project timeline.