Grants

OCSE offers two discretionary grant program opportunities that further the national child support program's mission and goals:

• Section 1115 Demonstration Grants – Section 1115(a) of the Social Security Act authorizes OCSE to fund demonstration grants.  Only state Title IV-D agencies or the state umbrella agencies of which they are a part can receive these grants.  The agencies can contract with other agencies, faith- and community-based organizations, universities, or private consultants to join in these efforts.  States must apply for these funds in response to a grant announcement of the availability of funding under priorities that may differ each year.
   
• Special Improvement Project (SIP) Grants – Section 452(j) of the Social Security Act provides federal funds for research and demonstration programs and special projects of regional or national significance relating to the operation of state child support programs. Program announcements are normally issued annually, and no applicant match is required.  Eligible applicants include state and local public agencies, non-profit agencies (including faith-based organizations), and tribal organizations.

The Access and Visitation program also provides grants to states to establish and administer programs that support and facilitate noncustodial parents’ access to and visitation with their children.