News

January 20, 2026

DHS Announces Request for Application for Children’s Trust Fund Grants

Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced a Request for Application (RFA) for the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) grants.

Learn More

The CTF’s board has identified the following funding priorities to be explored by communities as they seek to create or grow community-based primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention programs and projects:

  • Fostering innovation
  • Well-rooted evidence-based services
  • Emerging evidence-based

Any community-based organization located and operating in Pennsylvania that provides direct services for children or direct provision of services for child abuse and neglect prevention that meets the criteria set forth in the RFA is eligible to apply for a CTF grant.

The CTB board funds grantees that are part of a collaborative community-driven approach that directly engages youth, parents, and families. As required by state law, eligible entities have to demonstrate consultation with the county child welfare agency.

The application deadline for the grants is Thursday, February 5. More information on the grants is available online

News

May 28, 2024

State Accepting Applications for Children’s Trust Fund Grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is accepting applications for Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) grants to promote primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention programs in community-based settings. 

Learn More

The purpose of the grants is to prevent the abuse or neglect of children in Pennsylvania. Any organization located and operating in Pennsylvania that provides direct services and meets specific criteria can apply for a grant. The grants operate under the administration of the CTF Board and DHS.

The CTF, which was established in 1988, operates under the administration of the CTF Board and is supported by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Funds for the CTF are generated from a $10 surcharge on all applications for marriage licenses and divorce complaints. The surcharges are paid into a nonlapsing fund.

Requirements

Applicants must plan to deliver an evidence-based program focusing on the parent/primary caregiver and their child, or the whole family. The applicant must provide evidence of the program’s effectiveness. Applicants can propose a home-grown program if evidence shows a positive outcome towards child abuse prevention or reduction. However, the program may not focus solely on the child.

Proposed programs should work with families over a period of time, rather than provide information or education during a single instance. CTF funding is intended to assist with providing a new service for families in a community or an expansion of service to an underserved or underrepresented demographic within a currently-served community. 

The application deadline is June 18. More information on the application process can be found on the eMarketPlace website or by emailing rolease@pa.gov.