nspnetwork

Registration is Open for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Institute!

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:40:46 GMT

Registration is Open for both Spring and Fall Sessions!

The Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) is an interactive, web-based, six-week event for emerging leaders of youth and family service organizations. This experience focuses on the skills needed to support ongoing success. ELI offers online activities and learning sessions, small group discussions, peer networking, and individual coaching.

ELI is best for staff of youth and family service organizations who are new to their role, or are preparing for a new role as:

Shift leader,
Manager,
Supervisor, or
Director.

Developing leadership skills can:

Build agency capacity,
Improve the quality of supervision,
Improve program and organization impact,
Reduce turnover, and
Support succession planning.

Dates of the Institute

Over the last few years, there has been an increased interest in ELI. The spring session is expected to sell out quickly. To help accommodate interest and need for this critical professional development opportunity, National Safe Place Network (NSPN) is opening registration for both a spring and fall session.

Spring Session

April 1- May 6, 2026 (weekly meetings held on Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. EDT)

Fall Session

September 2 – October 7, 2026 (weekly meetings held on Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. EDT)

Cost to Participate

NSPN Members: $300 per registrant

Non-Members: $400 per registrant

The deadline to register for the Spring session is March 25, 2026. Space is limited to ensure maximum opportunities for involvement for all participants. The event is expected to sell out quickly, and registration will close once all seats are filled. Learn more at www.nspnetwork.org/level-up-leadership.

NSPN members can register in the NSPN support center for their member discount. All others can register at https://link.journeycare.app/widget/form/piTehKdfs5wFKSeSsYl5

Making My Community a Safe Place® Webinar

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:42:24 GMT

Interested in bringing Safe Place to your community? Check out our webinar.

National Safe Place Network is excited to host the “Making My Community a Safe Place” webinar the week after National Safe Place (NSP) Week. This free session is a great opportunity to learn how the Safe Place program works, explore ways to strengthen youth safety in your community, and get your questions answered by NSPN staff. There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome to join the conversation and take the next step in expanding the safety net for youth in your community.

Date: Thursday, March 26 | Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT

This webinar will provide participants with:

An overview of the Safe Place ® program and its national impact
Insights into program standards and partnership opportunities for public and private organizations
A look at the four models of Safe Place ® licensure and their basic requirements
An introduction to the TXT 4 HELP program, a vital resource supporting local Safe Place ® efforts
An open Q&A session about the licensing process

Discover how to bring the Safe Place ® initiative to your community and take the first step toward ensuring every young person has access to safety and support when they need it most.

Find more information on Safe Place at www.nationalsafeplace.org .

"Looks Logical to Me" An Introduction to the Development and Use of Logic Models

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:36:01 GMT

Registration now open!

Logic models have polarized grant writers, program managers, strategic planners, and funders for decades. Love them or hate them, these models serve to depict your theory of change regarding the link between your organizational strengths, planned activities, and the projected benefits of your efforts.

This 101-level seminar will focus on developing a practical understanding of logic models and how the development of this tool can serve a purpose beyond checking it off the funding proposal requirement list. These models can and do tell an important story of why your organization and its programs make a vital difference in your community.

Participants will review various types of formats and will create a personal logic model, which will help crystallize your understanding of goals, objectives, outputs, and outcomes. As a bonus, if you are currently applying for funds for an entity requiring a logic model, you can ensure you are submitting one that tells the story you need to tell.

Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST

Cost: $25 for NSPN members/$50 for non-members

NSPN members can register in the NSPN support center for their member discount. All others can register at https://link.journeycare.app/widget/form/59SXhzhPqYQ4TO21XrEP .

Registration Open for GrantED 101

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:10:18 GMT

GrantED 101: New Grant Writers' Seminar

Unlock your potential and step confidently into the world of grant writing with GrantEd 101, a dynamic, virtual seminar designed to give new and aspiring grant writers the skills they need to shine. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, expand your organization’s funding success, or add a powerful skill to your toolkit, this session is your perfect starting point.

For more than 40 years, National Safe Place Network (NSPN) has empowered emerging grant writers nationwide. Now, we're excited to bring this trusted training to the 2026 calendar. Don’t miss your chance to jump‑start your grant writing journey!

Why Attend GrantEd 101?

Because great grant writers aren’t born, they’re trained. This seminar delivers the essential knowledge, insider tips, and practical strategies you need to start strong and succeed.

You’ll Discover How To:

Explore core competencies and learn how to pursue professional certification
Research effectively and identify high‑value funding opportunities
Decode grant writing terminology with confidence
Build smart work habits that set you up for long‑term success
Keep your mission front and center while seeking funding
Tap into tools, resources, and supports designed for new grant writers

Ready to grow your skills and your impact?

Join us for GrantEd 101 and take your first step toward becoming a confident, capable grant writer.

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT

Cost: $100 for non-members/$50 for NSPN members

If you have questions, please reach out to support@nspnetwork.org.

Registration with a member discount is included on the NSPN support centers. Non-members may register at https://link.journeycare.app/widget/form/cvblb1d46gib3ofhTjZC.

Celebrating Growth Across the NSPN Membership Community

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:26:06 GMT

Organizations nationwide are strengthening their programs through shared learning, new resources, and collaborative support. Members continue to exchange ideas that elevate youth safety.

Creating Safe Spaces: A Guide for Early Childhood Programs

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 16:49:27 GMT

Ensuring the safety and well-being of children is a priority for every early childhood program. A Guide to Creating “Safe Space” Policies for Early Childhood Programs, provided by the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), offers valuable insights and practical steps for child care providers to develop policies that protect children and families from the impact of immigration enforcement actions.

This guide provides important information on safeguarding privacy, creating welcoming environments, and preparing for potential enforcement scenarios. It includes step-by-step instructions for developing a “safe space” policy, legal considerations, and key resources for providers and parents.

For those looking to strengthen protections within their programs, this guide can serve as a helpful tool.

Click here to DOWNLOAD the full guide .

NN4Y has put together this updated alert and the steps and scripts below to assist in contacting all three of your representatives by phone and email.

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:40:08 GMT

Call the Capitol Hill switchboard at (202) 224-3121, and they will connect you directly with your House or Senate offices.

Step #1 - Call your representatives’ offices.

What to say:

This is [NAME] from [ORGANIZATION] . We are a community-based organization that serves youth experiencing homelessness in your [DISTRICT/STATE] .

I am calling to urge my Member of Congress to take immediate action to ensure the lives of children, youth, and families are not impacted by the Trump Administration’s freeze on federal grants, loans, and financial assistance.

While a judge has temporarily paused this harmful policy, I believe Congress must act now to ensure long-term solutions are in place to protect essential programs. [IMPACT EXAMPLES] .

Please pass along my message and let them know I would like a response.

Step #2 - Send a tailored email to your representatives’ offices.

To make sure your message is received, do not email the general office email. Instead, contact a specific staff member from that office. If you are unsure what email address to send your message to, contact Trinady Maddock, National Network for Youth, at trinady.maddock@nn4youth.org .

What to email:

[STAFFER] ,

This is [NAME] from [ORGANIZATION] . We are a community-based organization that serves youth experiencing homelessness in your [DISTRICT/STATE] .

I am emailing to urge my Member of Congress to take immediate action to ensure the lives of children, youth, and families are not negatively impacted by the Trump Administration's freeze on federal grants, loans, and financial assistance. While a judge has temporarily paused this harmful policy, I believe Congress must act now to ensure long-term solutions are in place to protect essential programs. [IMPACT EXAMPLES] .

Please pass along my message to your boss and let them know I would like a response. Our program cannot help children, youth, and young parent families experiencing homelessness without the critical federal funding that was frozen yesterday.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[NAME]

If you are not able to draw down funds for specific federal programs, please let us know. Please share additional impacts of the federal freeze on your program by emailing NN4Y's Trinady Maddock at Trinady.Maddock@nn4youth.org .

Judge Temporarily Blocks Freeze on Federal Funding

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:42:03 GMT

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has temporarily halted the freeze on federal loans, grants, and other financial assistance announced in a memo by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Monday (1/29/25) evening. The U.S. District Judge

Loren AliKhan's ruling :

Prevents the administration from blocking funding to existing federal programs until Monday (2/3/25).
States that existing grants and financial agreements will continue uninterrupted until at least Monday (2/3/25).
Comes after legal challenges from advocacy groups warned that the freeze would have devastating consequences for essential public services.

What's Affected — and What's Not

This freeze is part of the Trump Administration’s broader push to cut spending and remove federal support for programs that don’t align with the Administration’s priorities. The memo states it does not apply to Social Security or Medicare benefits, payments to individuals (like Pell grants or direct student loans), Head Start, and rental assistance.

For now, Judge AliKhan’s ruling allows existing grants and financial agreements to continue uninterrupted for existing funding commitments. At this time, new Notice of Funding Opportunities are limited or blocked as the new administration works to update them to reflect their priorities.

The portals for Health and Human Services grants should be open, but we have heard from providers that portals for Housing and Urban Development grants are still inaccessible.

What’s Next

On Monday (2/3/25) morning, Judge AliKhan will hear arguments to determine if the freeze should continue after Monday. National Network for Youth (NN4Y) and National Safe Place Network (NSPN) will continue to closely monitor developments and provide further updates as information becomes available.

It's recommend that you contact:

Your federal grant administrator(s) for specific guidance regarding your program’s funding status.
Your U.S. Representatives to push for permanent protections to maintain funding stability.

National Network for Youth (NN4Y) has put together this alert and the steps and scripts below to assist in contacting all three of your representatives by phone and email.

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:30:57 GMT

Click here to access National Network for Youth (NN4Y)

Step #1 - Call your representatives’ offices.

Call the Capitol Hill switchboard at (202) 224-3121, and they will connect you directly with your House or Senate offices.

What to say:

This is [NAME] from [ORGANIZATION] . We are a community-based organization that serves youth experiencing homelessness in your [DISTRICT/STATE] .

We are very concerned about the impact of the Trump Administration’s freeze on federal grants, loans, and financial assistance. This will have an immediate negative impact on our community. [IMPACT EXAMPLES] .

You must urge your boss (the Member of Congress) to contact the White House immediately and demand the OMB federal assistance freeze be rescinded. This memo was an overstep by the Executive Branch—they should not be allowed to halt funding that was already allocated by Congress.

Step #2 - Send a tailored email to your representatives’ offices.

What to email:

[STAFFER],

This is [NAME] from [ORGANIZATION] . We are a community-based organization that serves youth experiencing homelessness in your [DISTRICT/STATE] .

We are very concerned about the impact of the Trump Administration's freeze on federal grants, loans, and financial assistance. This will have an immediate and devastating impact on our community. Without this funding, [IMPACT EXAMPLES] .

Please advise us on what we need to do to ensure we don’t lose this critical federal funding. Our program cannot help children, youth, and young parent families experiencing homelessness without it.

I also urge your boss to contact the White House immediately and demand the memo be rescinded. This memo was an overstep by the Executive Branch—they should not be allowed to halt funding that was already allocated by Congress.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[NAME]

This is an evolving situation, and NN4Y wants to have the most accurate information for ongoing advocacy. Contact trinady.maddock@nn4youth.org to share how this freeze is impacting your program and community, and with any further questions.

Federal Funding Freeze Rescinded by OMB Memo

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:43:30 GMT

On Wednesday, 1/29/25, the Trump Administration rescinded their Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directive from January 27, 2025 which instructed many federal agencies to freeze federal loans, grants, and other financial assistance. Effective immediately, grantees should be able to access their funds without disruption. Read the new memo here .

National Network for Youth (NN4Y)and National Safe Place Network sincerely thanks all of you who took time to contact your U.S. Representatives and advocate against this harmful policy. Your swift action played a critical role in reversing the decision and ensuring vital resources continue to flow to organizations working to support youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.

If you are still unable to access your grant portals, please let NN4Y know by emailing trinady.maddock@nn4youth.org . We are tracking this and any additional impacts as a result of the funding freeze.

We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as needed. Thank you for your ongoing advocacy and commitment to helping our young people experiencing homelessness.

Federal Assistance Funding is Paused

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 16:36:20 GMT

Yesterday, January 27, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memo ordering all agency heads to pause all federal financial assistance programs and review them to ensure they are consistent with all the President’s policies, including policies that ban diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, anti-transgender policies, or other executive actions.

This memo was an overstep of the Executive Branch — they should not be allowed to halt funding that was already allocated by Congress.

This is an evolving situation and we will share more information as we get it. This is a summary of what we know so far:

1/27/25 - The OMB memo was released stating all federal financial assistance programs will be paused. However, this freeze has already been implemented across many programs.
By 2/10/25 - Agencies are to report on the programs, projects, and activities that may be implicated. OMB will then review the list of programs and provide guidance to the agency on how to proceed.

More information:

Statement from the Democratic members of Senate Appropriations Committee
Statement from the Democratic members of House Appropriations Committee
Trump White House orders freeze on federal grants, loans | Roll Call Article (1/27 at 9:45pm ET)
Trump administration orders sweeping freeze of federal aid | Politico Article (1/27 at 9:30pm)

Your voice is critical — tell Congress now how even a short-term disruption in your federal funding would impact your community. Congress must take a stand and speak out today against this overstep by the Trump Administration.

Innovations Advancing Youth Safety Across the Network

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 11:05:53 GMT

NSPN’s national initiatives continue to drive new partnerships, training opportunities, and evidence-informed strategies that improve outcomes for young people. Together, we’re expanding the reach and impact of youth-serving efforts…response to youth in crisis.

Expanding Safe Place Support for Youth in Crisis

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 11:05:53 GMT

Licensed agencies and community partners are strengthening local programs, reaching more youth, and creating new pathways to safety. Every connection helps ensure young people have somewhere to turn.