What Will The Timing Be For DRS Round 8?

Is your program expecting to compete for funds in the next round of DRS (Round 8)? We understand some of you have been waiting a long time for the Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) to be forecasted. There aren’t any forecasts on grants.gov for upcoming Head Start/Early Head Start grant competitions.

While we don’t know when DRS Round 8 will be released, we can share with you what we know about how this has gone in the past. Typically, the Office of Head Start (OHS) will post a forecast to grants.gov at least a few weeks in advance of when the FOA will be released. This gives programs a head up that the competition is coming. We recommend checking grants.gov regularly to see if the DRS Round 8 FOAs are forecasted.

Here’s how you can check grants.gov:

1. Go to grants.gov.
2. Click the “Search Grants” tab.
3. Type “Head Start” in the keywords tab.
4. Click “Search.”

If forecasts for Head Start grants are available then they will appear in your search results. Eventually, once the FOAs are forecasted, you’ll see your grant listed in a format that looks similar to “Head Start and/or Early Head Start – Counties, State.” Once you see your forecast, subscribe for updates so that you receive a notification any time the forecast or posting is updated.

So, what can we guess about the timing of DRS Round 8? As we approach the end of the program year, and there aren’t any forecasts on grants.gov, it’s beginning to seem less likely that the FOAs will come soon. We don’t typically see DRS competitions over the summer (though it is possible!).

We understand that the lack of information about the timing of the DRS competition can cause stress, particularly as your program approaches the end of its 5th year. We recommend reaching out to your Regional Office with any questions about the wait for DRS and the impact of the timing on your program.

While you wait, check out 5 Factors that Make a Difference in DRS Proposal Development and Data Gathering Tips for a Strong Start to Your DRS Process. Please feel free to be in touch if we can assist your program leading up to or during DRS. We offer a variety of grant writing and community assessment services and would be glad to learn more about your program’s needs.

Thank you.