The Tribal Budget Toolbox contains standardized spreadsheets, training PowerPoints, and other materials to help tribal child support agencies submit their annual budget. The toolbox is the result of a collaboration between OCSS and the Office of Grants Management[1] to create uniformity and consistency in the budget submission process.
Tribal child support programs must submit an annual budget by August 1 each year pursuant to 45 CFR 309.130(b)(2)
. All budget expenditures must comply with the requirements in 45 CFR 75 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for HHS Awards
.
The preferred method for budget submission is via GrantSolutions
, although the use of GrantSolutions by tribal child support programs is not mandatory, it provides comprehensive grants management for both grantee and ACF. Budget submissions may also be submitted via email to OCSS.Tribal@acf.hhs.gov or mail.
Tribal Budget Toolbox Materials
FY24 Budget Materials
| # | File | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Checklist.pdf (PDF)(121 KB) | A list of required information to include in an annual tribal child support Budget Packet submission. |
| 2 | Budget Packet.pdf (PDF)(983 KB) | Detailed guidance and information to help create a uniform and organized budget packet, including budget submission methods and the use of GrantSolutions. |
| 3 | Tribal Budget and Justification Narrative Template | Two options for creating the budget and justification narrative: |
Option 1 - Microsoft Excel Template.xlsx (XLSX) Option 2 - Microsoft Word Template.docx (DOCX) Word Template in PDF (PDF) | An Excel template that may be used to develop and submit the required Tribal Budget and Justification Narrative.
A Word template that may be used to develop and submit the required Tribal Budget and Justification Narrative. The PDF version of the Microsoft template is available for 508 compliance. | |
| 4 | Non-Federal Share of Child Support Expenditures Fact Sheet (PDF) (151 KB) | Information about the non-federal share contribution tribes must provide to receive funding for operating a comprehensive tribal child support program. |
| 5 | Talking Points for Directors (PDF)(111 KB) | A tool to help tribal child support directors educate others about federal funding and the budget process. |
| 6 | Budget Requirements - Allowable Costs Training (PDF) (485 KB) | Describes budget requirements found in the Code of Federal Regulations regarding allowable costs; the reasonable, necessary and allocable requirement; and cost allocation. |
| 7 | Toolbox Training (PDF) (2 MB) | A PDF version of the May 12, 2016 webinar training on the components of a complete budget package, new tools for budget development, best practices, and pitfalls to avoid for a smooth budget approval process. Below is a link to the on-demand version of this presentation. |
| 8 | OMB Forms: 424 and 424A | Forms to include with annual budget submissions. These forms can be completed electronically in GrantSolutions. |
FY25 Budget Materials
| # | File | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Checklist (PDF) | A list of required information to include in an annual tribal child support Budget Packet submission. |
| 2 | Tribal Budget and Justification Narrative Template | Choose ONE template option to use to create your budget and justification narrative. |
Option 1 - Microsoft Excel Template.xlsx (XLSX) Option 2 - Microsoft Word Template.docx (DOCX) Word Template in PDF (PDF) |
| |
| 3 | Talking Points for Directors (PDF) (111 KB) | A tool to help tribal child support directors educate others about federal funding and the budget process. |
| 4 | OMB Forms: 424 and 424A | Forms to include with annual budget submissions. These forms can be completed electronically in GrantSolutions. |
Mailing Address
Commissioner, Office of Child Support Services
ATTN: Tribal Child Support Program
330 C Street, SW
5th Floor
Washington, DC 20201
[1] In 2016, the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), in collaboration with the Office of Grants Management (OGM), convened a Tribal Budget Workgroup to develop guidelines, supportive documentation and helpful tools to encourage and promote consistency and uniformity in the annual budget submission process. The workgroup’s objectives included the creation of budget “tools” for use in budget development along with general guidance. The toolbox is not a policy document and does not replace existing federal statutes, regulations, or OCSE policy guidance documents, which take precedence.