Role in Washington
ACF funds Head Start, community services, energy assistance, TANF, and child welfare programs in Washington State.
Key Programs
- Head Start and Early Head Start — direct awards to grantees (not pass-through)
- Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) — flows through Commerce to Community Action Agencies
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — flows through Commerce
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — flows through DSHS
- Child welfare programs (Title IV-E, IV-B) — flows through DSHS
How Funding Flows to WA Providers
ACF funding follows multiple paths in Washington. Head Start awards go directly to grantees (primarily Community Action Agencies and tribal organizations). CSBG and LIHEAP flow through the Department of Commerce. TANF and child welfare funding flow through DSHS. Understanding which channel your organization uses determines where you apply.
Typical Award Types
Direct grants (Head Start), block grants (CSBG, TANF), formula grants (LIHEAP, Title IV-E)