NCA Engage: 2027 RFP Program Improvement

Welcome!

Welcome to the Program Improvement (PI) 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, Affiliate, and Satellite CACs.

Program Improvement - Meeting Accreditation Standards

Maximum Award Amount: $50,000

Goal: To further align CACs to the 2023 National Standards of Accreditation and continue to improve the quality of the services within CACs.

This grant category is open to CAC programs that need to respond to the 2023 National Standards by setting training and practices of care that will continue to meet or exceed these increased minimum practice standards. All applicants are limited to a maximum of 2 standards under this award.

National Standards:

Important!

Maximum of 2 Standards

Applicants can only focus on a MAXIMUM of 2 Standards and MUST identify the associated Essential Components for each Standard selected.

Returning Program Improvement Applicants

If you have previously received a Program Improvement - Meeting the National Standards award from NCA, you are NOT eligible to apply for a new award that focuses on the same standard as your prior award.

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 & Associate/Developing, Accredited, and Satellite CACs are eligible to apply.

What is the goal of the Program Improvement grant type? +

To help CACs enhance service quality and align with the National Standards of Accreditation.

Are letters of support required? +

No. Letters of support are not required for Program Improvement Applications.

Do we need to submit a Logic Model? +

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

We were awarded a Program Improvement (PI) grant to grow our Victim Advocacy Program at our CAC last year. Since then, we have opened a satellite CAC and need to expand our VA program there. Can we apply for a PI grant under Victim Advocacy for our NCA accredited satellite center, even though we were awarded one for our CAC? +

Yes. NCA Satellite Member Centers can apply for a Program Improvement Grant to continue to improve the quality of services within your CAC. For a complete listing of awards available to Satellite members, visit our NCA Grant Eligibility page HERE.