Residential Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children

The Administration for Children and Families – Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is forecasting a grant opportunity to fund organizations that can provide 24/7 residential services for Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC). Eligible providers must be state‑licensed to operate group homes, shelters, or transitional foster care and must be able to accept children at any time, consistent with state licensing requirements. The program emphasizes facilities located in states and localities near the U.S. southern border. Up to 50 awards are anticipated, with individual award amounts ranging from $2 million to $5.6 million. The funding mechanism is a Cooperative Agreement under CFDA 93.676. Applications are due electronically by 11:59 PM EST on December 8, 2026, with award decisions expected April 1, 2027 and project start the same day. • 24‑hour, 7‑day‑a‑week residential care for UACs • Must hold appropriate state licensing for group homes, shelters, or transitional foster care • Preference for sites near the U.S.–Mexico border • Up to 50 awards; $2 M–$5.6 M per award (total estimated funding $280 M) • Cooperative Agreement (CFDA 93.676) – not a simple contract • Application deadline: 12/08/2026; award date: 04/01/2027 • Eligible entities: state, local, tribal, nonprofit (501 c 3) and for‑profit organizations (excluding individuals, federal or foreign entities)