• State governments

• County governments
• City or township governments
• Independent school districts
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• For profit organizations other than small businesses
• Small businesses

It is important to note that the eligibility requirements are different for Head Start and Early Head Start.  More information will be provided in the funding opportunity announcement.

Entities applying for Head Start only - OR - both Head Start and Early Head Start:

Eligible applicants are limited to local public or private non-profit agencies, including community-based and faith-based organizations, or local for-profit agencies, pursuant to Section 641(a)(1) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9836(a)(1) in the service area, that can provide Head Start services to children and families residing in the service area. Applicants must demonstrate they meet the statutory requirement for designation as a Head Start and/or Early Head Start agency as defined in the Head Start Act.

Entities applying for Early Head Start only:

Eligible applicants are any public or private non-profit agency, including community-based and faith-based organizations, or for-profit agencies pursuant to Section 645A(d) of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9840A(d).

Eligibility is limited to public or private non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations or for-profit organizations in the service area that can provide Early Head Start services to children and families residing in the service area.

Entities operating Head Start programs are eligible to operate Early Head Start programs.

Through this announcement, the Administration for Children and Families solicits applications from public or private non-profit organizations, including community-based and faith-based organizations, or for-profit organizations that seek to provide a high-quality, comprehensive birth-to-five program incorporating both Head Start and Early Head Start funding, or to provide for Head Start only or Early Head Start only, to children and families residing in Washington, DC. Funds in the amount of $17,606,052 annually will be available to provide Head Start and/or Early Head Start program services to eligible children and their families.  Interested applicants may email the OHS Operations Center at OHS@headstartgrants.org for additional information.