Overview
of ACF
ACF Funding: Mandatory and Discretionary Grants
Overview
of ACF
ACF
partners with State and local governments, for-profit and non-profit
organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, American
Indian Tribes and Native American communities to design, administer
and promote programs that strengthen children, families and communities.
ACF also has a strong commitment to supporting initiatives and
programs that address the needs, strengths and abilities of individuals
with developmental disabilities, refugees and underserved populations.
ACF
does not deliver services directly to the customer or end user
but rather awards grants to State and local governments, for-profit
and non-profit organizations, faith- and community-based organizations
and American Indian Tribes and Native American communities who
have responsibility for direct delivery of services. Although
the directory is targeted to organizations in general, individuals
are encouraged to use the ACF contacts listed, particularly the
regional offices, for a referral to the appropriate State and/or
local agency or community-based organization.
ACF
is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has 10 regional offices
located throughout the country to support its activities. Beginning
on page 36 of this directory is a list of ACF’s regional
office locations and contact information for your convenience.
In addition, you may also contact the ACF website for further
information at www.acf.hhs.gov/.
For
answers to additional questions, please go to the question and
answer support page at http://faq.acf.hhs.gov/cgi-bin/acfrightnow.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php
ACF Funding: Mandatory and Discretionary Grants
ACF
awards mandatory (or formula, block or entitlement grants), as
well as discretionary grants. Federal agencies are required by
statute to award mandatory grants to States, the District of Columbia
and Federally recognized Tribes and territories.
Discretionary grants permit the Federal Government
to exercise judgment or “discretion” in selecting
the applicant/recipient organization through a competitive grant
process. The States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Federally
recognized Tribes and Territories and public and private non-profit
organizations may apply in accordance with the requirements in
the program announcements.
Native
American entities that may apply for discretionary grants include
Federally recognized Tribes, non-Federally recognized Tribes,
State-recognized Tribes, Alaskan Native Villages, Tribal consortia,
urban/off-reservation Indian organizations and Native American
non-profit organizations.