DCYF 2026-2027 Community Grants Request for Proposals

The 2026-2027 Community Grants RFP includes up to $2.165 million in funding per year for up to 7 grants. Grants will start on April 1, 2027, and run through June 30, 2029. Funding must be used for the kind of programming described in each strategy. Awards depend on funds being available.

RFP version 3.0 released October 26, 2026

DCYF released Version 3.0 of the 2026-2027 Community Grants RFP on October 26, 2026. This update allows proposers to use signed Federal contracts to demonstrate compliance with Minimum Qualification (MQ) #1: Past Experience. The RFP timeline has also been extended, with proposals now due Monday December 14, 2026 at 5PM.

Organizations that submitted an Intent to Apply application by October 16, 2026 may submit signed Federal contracts to demonstrate compliance with MQ #1 through Friday October 30, 2026 at 5PM. Submitting additional information is optional.

Grant opportunities

This RFP includes grant opportunities under 2 funding strategies.

Organizations may apply for any grants for which they meet the minimum qualifications in the RFP. They must submit a separate proposal for each grant.

Comprehensive Year-Round and Summer Learning

• Result area: children and youth are ready to learn and succeed in school
• Service area: Out of School Time

This strategy supports children and youth through programs offered in community locations outside of school hours during the school year and summer. Programs provide academic support, skill building, physical activity, enrichment and support for youth moving into new grade levels.

Ella Hill Hutch Community Center – Summer Only

• Required location: Ella Hill Hutch Community Center in District 5
• Required program period: Summer only
• Funding: Up to $225,000 per year
• Number of grants: 1

District 5 – Year-Round

• Required area: District 5
• Required program period: Year round
• Funding: Up to $700,000 per year
• Number of grants: Up to 3

Resource Navigation & Service Connection

• Result area: children and youth are supported by nurturing families and communities
• Service area: Outreach and Access

This strategy helps children, youth, transitional age youth and young adults (TAY/A) and families find and connect to services and resources.

District 9 – Family Navigation and Connection

• Required program focus: individualized coaching, assessment, resource navigation and service connection for families
• Required area: District 9
• Funding: Up to $665,000 per year
• Number of grants: 1

Districts 5 & 6 – Youth and TAY/A Support and Connection

• Required program focus: individualized case management, assessment, service planning, resource navigation, referrals and ongoing support for at-risk and high-risk youth and TAY/A
• Required area: Districts 5 and 6
• Funding: Up to $500,000 per year
• Number of grants: 1

District 10 – Culturally Relevant Youth and TAY/A Support and Connection

• Required program focus: individualized case management, assessment, service planning, resource navigation, referrals and ongoing support using culturally responsive approaches, with a particular focus on effectively reaching and serving Pacific Islander youth and TAY/A
• Required area: District 10
• Funding: Up to $75,000 per year
• Number of grants: 1

This grant must serve all eligible participants regardless of race, ethnicity or national origin. Programs will be asked how they will meet the cultural needs of youth and TAY/A from different backgrounds, including but not limited to Pacific Islander communities.

Who can receive services

Programs must be open to all eligible participants, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or national origin. Some grants focus on reaching specific communities based on their needs. This focus does not limit who can receive services.

See the full RFP for complete eligibility requirements, target populations, minimum qualifications and program requirements for each grant.

Dates may be subject to change.

• RFP issued
  Wednesday September 23, 2026
• RFP version 2.0 issued
  Wednesday September 30, 2026
• RFP version 3.0 issued
  Monday October 26, 2026
• Question submission period
  Wednesday September 23 – Friday October 2, 2026
• Question submission deadline
  Friday October 2, 2026 at 5PM
• Answers to questions posted
  Friday October 9, 2026 by 5PM
• Intent to apply due
  Friday October 16, 2026 at 5PM
• Intent to apply additional information period
  Monday October 26 – Friday October 30, 2026
• Intent to apply additional information due
  Friday October 30, 2026 at 5PM
• Verification emails sent
  Friday November 6, 2026
• Intent to apply protest period
  Friday November 6 – Thursday November 12, 2026
• Intent to apply protest submission deadline
  Thursday November 12, 2026 at 5PM
• Intent to apply protest decisions announced
  Monday November 23, 2026
• Additional verification emails sent (if needed)
  Monday November 23, 2026
• RFP system accepts proposals
  Monday November 23 – Monday December 14, 2026
• Proposals due
  Monday December 14, 2026 at 5PM
• Awards announced
  Monday February 1, 2027
• Award protest period
  Monday February 1 – Thursday February 4, 2027
• Award protest submission deadline
  Thursday February 4, 2027 at 5PM

1. Access the updated RFP document. Log in or create an account in DCYF's online RFP system to access version 3.0 of the RFP and application materials.
2. Submit additional information by Friday October 30, 2026 at 5PM. Organizations that submitted an Intent to Apply application by October 16, 2026 may submit signed Federal contracts to demonstrate compliance with Minimum Qualification (MQ) #1: Past Experience. Submitting additional information is optional. DCYF will email eligible organizations separately with instructions and a link to the submission form.
3. DCYF will send Intent to Apply verification results on Friday November 6, 2026. DCYF will email proposers to notify them of their eligibility to submit a proposal.
4. Submit your proposal through the online RFP system by Monday December 14, 2026 at 5PM.

Intent to Apply applications are closed. Only organizations that submitted an Intent to Apply application by October 16, 2026 are eligible to continue in the RFP process.