The HY26 Grant Solicitation is a funding opportunity provided by the Ohio Department of Health, specifically through its Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health. This initiative is part of the fiscal year 2026 efforts to address youth homelessness in Ohio, with a particular focus on homeless youth and homeless pregnant youth. The grant aims to support public or nonprofit agencies that have a proven track record in serving this demographic. By fostering innovative and community-driven solutions, the grant seeks to prevent and ultimately end youth homelessness in the state.

The funding scope of the HY26 Grant includes a broad range of services such as housing, supportive services, outreach programs, and data collection efforts. The grant emphasizes collaboration among agencies to ensure that the services provided are comprehensive and sustainable. The total funding available is up to $2.2 million annually, with individual grant awards ranging from $50,000 to $300,000 per year. The funding period spans from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with the budget period for this application covering July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

Eligibility for the grant requires applicants to be local public agencies or nonprofit organizations with experience in providing services to homeless youth. Applicants must be capable of accepting Electronic Funds Transfer for funding disbursement. A critical requirement is the submission of an Intent to Apply by February 5, 2025, followed by the full application submission via the Ohio Department of Health's Grant Management System by March 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The application must include a project narrative, a budget proposal with cost justifications, a data collection plan, letters of support from community partners, and a health equity plan.

The program objectives of the HY26 Grant focus on five required service components: housing assistance, supportive services, street and community outreach, data collection via the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and participation in ODH-led meetings. An optional component is the creation or enhancement of a Youth Advisory Committee. Each required component has specific deliverables, such as establishing transitional housing, providing wraparound support services, conducting targeted outreach, and engaging in quarterly meetings and peer learning.

Applications will be evaluated based on their impact on reducing youth homelessness, the innovation and feasibility of proposed services, collaboration with local agencies, capacity for data collection and reporting, and demonstration of a clear budget and financial accountability. Successful applicants must submit quarterly reports detailing the number of youth served, housing placements and retention rates, supportive services provided, and community outreach efforts.

The significance of the HY26 Grant lies in its alignment with Ohio’s strategic efforts to reduce homelessness and improve health equity for vulnerable youth. With over 10,000 high school-aged children experiencing homelessness in Ohio, this initiative is crucial for breaking cycles of poverty and improving long-term health outcomes. The grant encourages cross-sector collaboration and data-driven strategies to create sustainable change in youth homelessness prevention. For organizations committed to addressing this issue, the HY26 Grant offers a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact.