Who can apply: These grants are only for US-based non-profits with 501(c)(3) public charity status that already provide bereavement services to grieving children. Individuals, and organisations in Africa or anywhere else outside the United States, aren’t eligible. If you run a child support or mental health organisation in Africa, see the related opportunities at the end of this article.
The New York Life Foundation and the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) have opened Grief Reach Cycle 1 – 2027. It offers multi-year grants of US$100,000 to US$160,000 to help US organisations expand school-based support for grieving children. Organisations must complete an eligibility form by 20 November 2026, and full applications close on 30 November 2026 at 6:00 pm ET.
Grant at a Glance
- Funders: New York Life Foundation and the National Alliance for Children’s Grief
- Focus: Expanding school-based childhood bereavement programmes
- Grant sizes: US$100,000 to US$160,000, paid over up to three years
- Who: US 501(c)(3) public charities that serve grieving children
- Eligibility form deadline: 20 November 2026
- Application deadline: 30 November 2026, 6:00 pm Eastern Time
- Q&A call: 2 November 2026, 2:00 pm ET
The Two Grant Options
| Grant type | Amounts | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Changemaker-Supported Community Expansion | US$110,000 or US$160,000 over three years (US$10,000 in year 1) | Organisations that haven’t done the Changemaker programme. Year 1 includes 8–12 hours a month in the Judi’s House/JAG Institute Childhood Bereavement Changemaker Initiative. |
| Community Expansion | US$100,000 or US$150,000 over years two and three | Organisations that have already completed the Changemaker Initiative |
The larger amounts need a bigger budget. For example, a US$150,000 Community Expansion grant requires an annual budget of at least US$500,000. The eligibility check tells you which option and amount you can apply for.
Benefits
- Multi-year funding of US$100,000–US$160,000
- Expert capacity building through the Childhood Bereavement Changemaker Initiative (Changemaker option)
- Consultation support from Judi’s House/JAG Institute
- Recognition within a national network of childhood bereavement organisations
What Projects Can Do
- Start school-based grief support for the first time
- Expand or strengthen existing school partnerships
- Run grief support groups in schools
- Train school staff to support grieving students
- Create resources for teachers and school counsellors
Eligibility
- A US-based 501(c)(3) public charity, not a private foundation
- Operating as a 501(c)(3) for at least three consecutive years
- Providing direct services to grieving children and young people
- At least one paid staff member
- A project that expands school-based bereavement programming
- IRS Form 990 for at least two of the last three years, plus recent audited or independently reviewed financial statements
- An annual grant request of no more than 15% of last year’s revenue
- Any previous Grief Reach grant completed, with the final report submitted
Bereavement programmes inside hospitals, hospices or universities can apply with a dedicated programme budget. Only one application per organisation is allowed.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Complete the eligibility form early. No new applicants are accepted after 20 November.
- Join the Q&A call on 2 November.
- Show school partnerships. Letters or agreements with schools show you’re ready.
- Explain cultural responsiveness. Describe the children and communities you serve and how your approach fits them.
- Plan evaluation and sustainability. Reviewers look at how you’ll measure results and keep services going.
- Stay within the character limits. Text beyond the limits won’t be read.
How to Apply
- Read the Request for Proposals and sample application on the NACG website.
- Complete the eligibility form by 20 November 2026.
- If eligible, you’ll receive a link to the full application.
- Submit by 6:00 pm ET on 30 November 2026.
For questions, email [email protected].
Read the official Grief Reach 2027 call and check eligibility
