In FY 2007, OCS awarded 387 CCF grants. Congress did not allocate funding for new CCF grant awards for FY 2008; however, OCS will award approximately 168 continuation grants FY 2008. It is estimated that OCS will award approximately 371 grants in FY 2009.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Intermediary organizations use the CCF funds to provide two services within their communities: 1) Training assistance to faith-based and community organizations; and 2) Financial support through sub-awards to some subset of the faith-based and community organizations in their communities.

Technical assistance activities funded under CCF are to be conducted at no cost to interested faith-based and community organizations.

Applicants must have demonstrated experience in the delivery of capacity-building assistance to smaller organizations in several of the following areas: strategic planning, financial management, board development, fund development, and outcome measurement.

Technical assistance should be provided on a long-term, on-going basis to smaller organizations.

The program goals are further accomplished through the issuance of sub-awards by the funded intermediary organizations to a diverse set of small faith-based and community organizations that seek to increase program and organizational effectiveness for a 12-month period.

Sub-award recipients must adhere to the following: sub-award recipients must be chosen from fair and open competitive process; sub-award recipients must not be pre-selected; the awarding process must be fair and open competition and include outreach to both faith-based and community organizations; intermediary organizations must provide on-going technical assistance and capacity-building support to the organizations to which they issue sub-awards; and the criteria for selection must not include consideration of the religious nature of the program it offers.

Priority for sub-awards is given to organizations that historically have not received grants from the Federal government.

Intermediaries must not require sub-award applicants to provide matching funds even if the applicants offer matching funds in their applications.

Intermediaries must not require sub-award applicants to have 501 (c) (3) status or to identify a sponsoring organization with 501 (c) (3) status; Organizations that partner with an intermediary to deliver technical assistance or provide a cost-sharing fund for the proposed project are not to be eligible for sub-awards, unless approved by the Administration for Children and families; Sub-awards should not be used to assist organizations in differing stages of development.

Sub-awards may also be provided to promising organizations to expand the reach of existing programs; Sub-awards must not be used to provide direct services, but rather improve the sub-awardee's efficiency and capacity.

Organizations that receive the Targeted Capacity Building funds (minigrants) are able to use the funds to improve their organization or program(s) in a sustainable way by increasing effectiveness and sustainability, enhancing their ability to provide social services, expanding their organization, diversifying funding sources, and emulating model programs and best practices.

They must use the awards to increase efficiency and capacity; therefore, the awards cannot be used to augment or supplant direct service delivery funds.

Organizations that receive a Communities Empowering Youth (CEY) program grant award work to build their own capacity, the capacity of their collaborating partners, and the capacity of the community collaboration as a whole in order to improve services to youth.

CEY grantees assist their collaborating partners through technical assistance and training in four critical areas: 1) leadership development, 2) organizational development, 3) program development, and 4) community engagement.

The Office of Community Services (OCS) will not fund any project, where the role of the applicant is primarily to serve as a conduit for funds to organizations other than the applicant.

The applicant must have a substantive role in the implementation of the project for which funding is requested.

This prohibition does not bar the makingofsub-grantsorsub-contractingfor specific services or activities needed to conduct the project.

CCF monies shall not be used to support inherently religious practices such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization.

Grant or sub-award recipients, therefore, may not and will not be selected based on religious criteria.

Neutral, non- religious criteria that neither favor nor disfavor religion must be employed in a selection of a grantee and sub-award recipients.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

(Intermediaries): State governments, county governments, city or township governments, public and State-controlled institutions of higher education, Indian/Native American Tribal governments (Federally recognized), non-profits with 501(c)(3) IRS status (other than institutions of higher education), non-profits without 501(c)(3)IRS status (other than institutions of higher education), private institution of higher education, for profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, special district government, and faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements.

Application Eligibility (Minigrants): Indian/Native American Tribal governments (Federally recognized), Indian/Native American Tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized), non-profits with 501(c)(3) IRS status (other than institution of higher education), non-profits without 501(c)(3) IRS status (other than institutions of higher education), and faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements are eligible to apply under this announcement.

Application Eligibility (CEY); public and State-controlled institutions of higher education, Indian/Native American Tribal governments (Federally recognized), Indian/Native American Tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized), non-profits with 501(c)(3) IRS status (other than institutions of higher education), non-profits without 501(c)(3) IRS status (other than institution of higher education), private institutions of higher education, for non-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small business, and faith-based and community organizations that meet the statutory eligibility requirements.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Believed to be in the public's interest to broaden Federal efforts to work with faith-based and community organizations, the Compassion Capital Fund will assist in the effort to enhance and expand the participation of faith-based and community groups serving those in need. Intermediary organizations awarded under this program will serve as partners to both the Federal government and the faith-based and community organizations that they assist. The intermediaries will represent a diverse set of affiliations, and will assist community-level organizations that have a range of service goals, target populations, affiliations, and beliefs. The Targeted Capacity Building program will benefit faith-based and community organizations that provide services in one of the social service priority areas. The Communities Empowering Youth program will benefit collaborations of faith-based and/or community partners in order to enable them to better meet the needs of America's disadvantaged youth.

Credentials/Documentation

Any nonprofit agency must provide proof of its nonprofit status through one of the following: a) A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in the IRS code. b) A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate c) A statement from a State taxing body, State Attorney General, or other appropriate State official certifying that he applicant organization has a nonprofit status and that none of the net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals. d) A certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes nonprofit status. e) Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization if its local nonprofit affiliate. Applicants for CCF programs must also provide the following forms: SF 424, SF 424A, SF 424B, certification regarding lobbying and associated disclosure of lobbying activities (SF LLL), and environmental tobacco smoke certification. Private nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the additional survey located under Grant Related Documents and Forms titled Survey for Private, Nonprofit Grant Applicants.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.

12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedures

The application must be double-spaced and single-spaced on 8-1/2 x 11 plain white paper, with 1 inch margins on all sides. The application must use Times New Roman 12 point font or Arial 12 point font. All pages of the application (including appendices, resumes, charts, references/footnotes, tables, maps and exhibits) must be sequentially numbered. Each application may include only one proposed project. For the intermediary applications, the Table of Contents must not exceed one page. The Project Abstract must not exceed one page. The project Narrative must not exceed 25 pages. Pages submitted beyond the first 25 in the application's Project Narrative section will not be considered during the panel review. The Appendix must not exceed 20 pages. The Appendix includes the sample assessment tool(s) to be used to assist organizations served in identifying organizational needs in the five critical capacity building areas, and any other additional supporting documentation. The Budget, Narrative Budget Justification, Standard Forms for Assurances, Certifications, Disclosures, and cost-share letters are not included in the Project Narrative and Appendix page limitations. Applicants should not send pamphlets, brochures, or other printed material along with their applicants. These materials, if submitted, will no be considered in the review process. In addition, applicants should not submit any additional letters of endorsement beyond any that may be required. The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement. In addition, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms required for making applications for awards under this announcement. Applicants requesting financial assistance for non-construction projects must file the Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-Construction Programs. Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their applications. They must also fill out Standard Forms 424 and 424A and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under Grant Related Documents and Firms titled Survey for Private, Nonprofit Grant Applicants. For the minigrant applications, the Table of Contents must not exceed one page. The Project Narrative must not exceed nine pages. Pages submitted beyond the first nine pages in the Project Narrative section will be removed prior to panel review. The Appendix must not exceed five pages. Pages submitted beyond the first five in the Appendix section will not be considered during the panel review. The Appendix includes any additional supporting documentation. The Budget, Narrative Budget Justification, Standard Forms for Assurances, Certifications, and Disclosures are not included in the Project Narrative and Appendix page limitations. Applicants should not send pamphlets, brochures, or other printed material along with their applications. These materials, if submitted, will not be considered during the review process. The project description should include all the information requirements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement. In addition, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms required for making applications for wards under this announcement. Applicants requesting financial assistance for non-construction projects must file the Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-Construction Programs. Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form LLL when applyingforanawardinexcess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their applications. They must also fill out Standard Forms 424 and 424A and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. Private, nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under Grant Related Documents and Firms titled Survey for Private, Nonprofit Grant Applicants. For the CEY applications, the Project Abstract must not exceed one page. The Table of Contents must not exceed one page. The Project Narrative must not exceed 25 pages. Pages submitted beyond the first 25 in the application's Project Narrarive section will be removed prior to panel review. The Appendix must not exceed 50 pages. The Appendix includes the sample assessment tool(s) the applicant will used to assist organizations in identifying organizational needs in the four critical areas of capacity building, support and commitment letters, and any other additional supporting documentation. The Budget, Narrative Budget Justification, Standard Forms for Assurances, Certifications, and Disclosures are not included in the Project Narrative and Appendix page limitations. Applicants should not send pamphlets, brochures, or other printed material along with their applications. These materials, if submitted, will be included in the review process. In addition, applicants should not submit any additional letters of endoresement beyond any that may be required. The project description should include all the information requrements described in the specific evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement. In addition, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms required for making applications for wards under this announcement. Applicants requesting financial assistance for non-construction projects must file the Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-Construction Programs. Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. Applicants must disclose lobbying activities on the Standard Form LLL when applying for an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants must sign and return the certification with their applications. They must also fill out Standard Forms 424 and 424A and the associated certifications and assurances based on the instructions on the forms. Private, nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit with their applications the survey located under Grant Related Documents and Firms titled Survey for Private, Nonprofit Grant Applicants.

Award Procedures

Applications received by the due date will be reviewed and scored competitively. Experts in the field, generally persons from outside the Federal government, will use the evaluation criteria listed in Part V of the Program Announcement to review and score the applications. The results of the review will be a primary factor in making funding decisions. ACF may also solicit comments from Regional Office staff and other Federal agencies. ACF may consider a variety of factors in addition to the review criteria identified above, including geographic diversity/coverage and types of applicant organizations, in order to ensure that the interests of the Federal Government are met in making the final selections. Furthermore, ACF may limit the number of awards made to the same or affiliated organizations although they would service different geographic areas. The successful applicants will be notified through issuance of a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, the nonfederal share to be provided, and the total project period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance Award will be signed by the Grants Officer.

Deadlines

Deadlines for grants are announced in www.grants.gov, as part of the solicitation of applicants.

Authorization

Section 1110 of the Social Security Act governing Social Services Research and Demonstration activities; the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2004, Public Law 107-116, Title II and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, Public Law 110-161.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Approximately 90 days.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

ACF may extend application deadlines when circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or when there are widespread disruption of mail service. Determinations to extend or waive deadline requirements rest with the Chief Grants Management Officer.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

For the Intermediary Demonstration Program, grantees must provide at least 20 percent of the total approved cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the ACF share and the nonfederal share. The nonfederal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Grantees will be held accountable for commitments of nonfederal resources even if over the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in disallowance of Federal funds. Applications that fail to include the required amount of cost-sharing will be considered non-responsive and will not be eligible for funding. There are no cost sharing or matching requirements for the Targeted Capacity-Building or the Communities Empowering Youth programs.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

The Demonstration and CEY programs award grants for project periods of up to three years. Awards, however, are made on a competitive basis, for a one-year budget period. Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the one-year budget period but within the three-year project period are entertained in subsequent years on a noncompetitive basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and a determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the government. Awards for the Targeted Capacity-Building Program are for a 12-month budget period.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

CCF recipients are required to submit semi-annual program progress reports; grantees are also required to submit semi-annual financial status reports using the required standard form (SF-269) which is located on the Internet at: http://forms.psc.gov/forms/sf/SF-269.pdf.

A suggested format for the program progress report is sent to all grantees after the awards are made.

Intermediaries must also submit plans and procedures for the issuance of sub-awards within 90 days of the receipt of an award.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations, nonfederal entities that receive financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from the Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records

CCF complies with 74.50 Purpose of reports and records, 74.51 Monitoring and reporting program performance and 74.52 Financial reporting of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Financial Information

Account Identification

75-1536-0-1-506.

Obigations

FY 07 $64,300,000; FY 08 $52,700,000; and FY 09 est $75,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Demonstration, $500,000 per year; CEY, $250,000 per year; Minigrant, $50,000.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

None.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Program Manager, Office of Community Services (OCS), Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 5th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447. Contact: Thom Campbell, Telephone: (202) 401-5483 (office); (202) 401-4694 (fax); thom.campbell@acf.hhs.gov.

Headquarters Office

Program Manager, Office of Community Services (OCS), Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services, 370 L'Enfant Promenade,5th Floor West, Washington, DC 20447. Contact: Thom Campbell (202) 401-5483 (office); (202) 401-4694 (fax); thom.campbell@acf.hhs.gov.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Criteria used for selecting Intermediary Organizations: Intermediary organizations are evaluated on the following criteria: approach, objectives and need for assistance, organizational profiles, and budget and budget justification. The technical assistance strategy, sub-award strategy, and geographic location are all factors in evaluating the approach of the applicant. The needs of faith-based and community organizations to be served and the needs of communities served are factors for evaluating the objectives and need for assistance of the applicant. The staff and position data and past experience are factors used to evaluate the organizational profile of the applicant. Applicants will be evaluated under the budget and budget justification criteria on the extent to which they include a budget that is clear, easy to understand, and provides a detailed justification for the amount requested. Criteria used for selecting Targeted Capacity Building grant recipients: Minigrant applications are evaluated on the following criteria: approach, organizational profiles, results or benefits expected, objectives and need for assistance, and budget and budget justification. The factors considered under the approach criterion are the capacity-building strategy and the geographic location. Under the organizational profile criterion, the staff and position data and past experience working in priority social service area(s) are the two factors used for evaluation. Under the results and benefits expected criterion, applicants are evaluated on the extent to which the specific goals of the project and the results and benefits proposed by the applicant are reasonable and likely, quantified, and clearly linked to and supported by the proposed capacity-building approach. Under the objectives and need for assistance criterion, applications are evaluated on the extent to which the objectives of the proposed project are clearly stated and shown to address the needs of the organization. Under the budgets and budget justification criterion, applications are evaluated based on the extent to which they include a budget that is clear, easy to understand, and that provides a detailed justification for the amount requested. Criteria used for selecting Communities Empowering Youth grant recipients: CEY applicants are evaluated on the following criteria: project summary/abstract, objectives and need for assistance, approach, results or benefits expected, organizational profiles, and budget and budget justification. the factors considered under the objectives and need for assistance criterion are service area and needs of the service area, applicant's capacity building needs, and need of partnering faith-based and/or community organizations. The factors considered under the approach criterion are capacity building strategy, training/technical assistance strategy, and financial assistance strategy. Under the results or benefits expected criterion applications are evaluated on the extent to which the applicant identifies the results or benefits expected to be derived from project activities and describes how the proposed project will affect the sustainability of the lead organization, its collaborating faith-based and/or community partners, and the community collaboration as a whole. The factors considered under the organizational profiles criterion are past experience, strength of partnerships with collaboration members, and organizational capability and staffing. The factors considered under the budget and budget justification criterion are a project budget that is clear and easy to understand and the inclusion in the application of the last two years' operating budgets.