OJJDP FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Training, Technical Assistance, and Subgrants Program | O OJJDP 2026 172764

FAQs: OJJDP FY 2026 Invited to Apply - CASA Training, Technical Assistance, and Subgrants Program (CFDA 16.756)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) titled "OJJDP FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Training, Technical Assistance, and Subgrants Program." It is described as continuation funding under CFDA 16.756 and is focused on strengthening national support for the CASA model.

What does "Invited to Apply" mean for this NOFO?

"Invited to Apply" means OJJDP intends to fund a single identified organization rather than conduct a broad, open competition. The information provided indicates OJJDP expects one recipient and is not seeking applications from the general public.

Who is the intended applicant for this opportunity?

The opportunity is explicitly identified as intended for the National CASA Association. Although the eligible applicant category is listed as "Others," the "Invited to Apply" label and the expected number of awards indicate a single identified national organization is anticipated as the recipient.

How many awards does OJJDP expect to make?

OJJDP expects to make one award (ExpectedAwards: 1).

What type of award will be made?

The award will be made as a cooperative agreement. This generally indicates OJJDP expects substantial involvement in the project beyond standard grant monitoring, including close coordination on key decisions, deliverables, reporting, and major implementation elements.

What is the main purpose of the program?

The purpose is to strengthen the CASA model nationwide so that more abused and neglected children involved in dependency court proceedings can be paired with a trained court appointed special advocate. The program aims to improve children’s access to CASA volunteers who can advocate for the child’s best interests and help the court make informed decisions related to safety, permanency, and well-being.

What kinds of activities does this program support?

Based on the NOFO title and framing, the central activity areas include: (1) training, such as developing and delivering learning resources and standards-aligned instruction to help CASA programs recruit, train, and support volunteers; (2) technical assistance, such as hands-on help to improve program operations, quality, sustainability, and consistency across jurisdictions; and (3) subgrants, meaning the recipient will pass through a portion of funds to other entities to expand access and strengthen capacity.

Does this funding go directly to local CASA programs?

Not directly from OJJDP. The structure described is a national backbone approach in which one national organization receives the cooperative agreement and then administers subgrants to other entities (often state and local CASA programs or partners) using a portion of the federal funds.

What are subgrants in the context of this program?

Subgrants are pass-through awards made by the primary recipient using federal funds from the cooperative agreement. The subgrants are intended to help expand access, strengthen capacity, and address gaps in service coverage related to CASA advocacy.

Is the NOFO focused on national-level work or direct service delivery?

The NOFO is focused on national-level work. The description emphasizes training, technical assistance, and subgrantmaking to strengthen nationwide infrastructure rather than OJJDP directly funding local service delivery efforts itself.

What is the maximum funding amount available?

The total maximum funding amount (award ceiling) is $12,000,000.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is issued under CFDA 16.756.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on September 22, 2026.

What is the application closing date?

The original closing date is September 30, 2026.

How long is the application window?

Based on the creation date (September 22, 2026) and original closing date (September 30, 2026), the application window is short, which is consistent with an invited, continuation-style opportunity.

What outcomes is OJJDP trying to achieve through this program?

OJJDP aims to improve the quality and reach of CASA advocacy nationwide so more children in dependency court have access to a consistent, informed adult advocate focused on the child’s best interests, supporting court decisions about safety, permanency, and well-being.

What does OJJDP’s "substantial involvement" typically look like in a cooperative agreement?

The description indicates this usually means the recipient coordinates closely with OJJDP on key decisions, deliverables, performance reporting, and implementation of major activities such as setting technical assistance priorities or designing and running subgrant structures.

Is this opportunity open to multiple types of applicants?

While the eligible applicant category is listed as "Others," the NOFO is specifically labeled "Invited to Apply" and is intended for a single identified organization (the National CASA Association), indicating it is not structured as a broadly open competition.