Getting Things Done for Utah AmeriCorps Funding Opportunities 2019-2020 Grant Applications

1. Getting Things Done for Utah AmeriCorps Funding Opportunities 2019-2020 Grant Applications

2. UServeUtah Mission The mission of the Utah Commission on Service and Volunteerism (UServeUtah) is to strengthen Utah communities through the power of service and volunteerism. As the state’s central coordinating body for service and volunteerism. UServeUtah is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining a vision and culture of civic engagement through national and community service within the state.

3. UServeUtah Objectives • Build and Cultivate • Help organizations effectively use service and volunteerism as a strategy to fulfil their mission and address critical community problems. • Promote and Inspire • Raise awareness of service and volunteerism needs in the state and identify quality volunteer and service opportunities. • Recognize • Recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers throughout Utah.

4. Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) • Federal agency that administers all National Service Programs • AmeriCorps(VISTA, NCCC, State&National) • Senior Corps (Senior Companions & Foster Grandparents) • Special Initiatives (Mayor’s Day of Recognition, National Service Safety Stand-down, etc.) • National Days of Service (MLK Day of Service & 9/11 Day of Service) • www.nationalservice.gov

5. AmeriCorps Purpose and Goals “Improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.” AmeriCorps Pledge I will get things done for America to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member and I will Get Things Done!

6. AmeriCorps VISTA • VISTA = Volunteers In Service To America • Helps individuals and communities implement grassroots solutions designed to alleviate poverty • Members serve full time for a year • Funding comes directly from CNCS • Behind the scenes, capacity-building (Recruiting volunteers, raising funds, managing projects, etc.)

7. AmeriCorps NCCC • NCCC = National Civilian Community Corps • Program for men & women ages 18 – 24 • Members serve full-time for 10 months • Serve in teams of 10-14 • Based out of three regional campuses across the country • Take on a series of 6 – 8 week projects across their region relative to conservation, revitalization, homeland security, disaster preparedness, and other areas

8. AmeriCorps State and National • Largest AmeriCorps program – Over 80,000 members serving annually • Provides grants to schools, nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations to operate AmeriCorps programs • Most of the funding for these programs is administered by Governor-appointed state service commissions (UServeUtah) in each state • Members engage in direct service activities designed to address locally-identified compelling community needs • Projects must enhance an organization’s mission, and cannot duplicate or supplant pre-existing activities, staff or volunteers. • Should focus on at least one of the six CNCS focus areas

9. 2019 CNCS Focus Areas • Education - Improve school readiness, education and behavioral outcomes, and preparation for successful post-secondary degree attainment for economically disadvantaged youth. • Environmental Stewardship – Support increase citizen behavioral changes in environmental stewardship, including: Increased energy and water efficiency, renewable energy use, or improving at-risk ecosystems. • Veterans and Military Families – Engage Veterans in service and support the needs of veterans, active duty personnel, and family of deployed military personnel. • Healthy Futures – Address health care needs within communities, including: access to health care, aging in place, and addressing childhood obesity. • Economic Opportunity – Promote and foster economic opportunity for economically disadvantaged individuals within communities through financial literacy, housing assistance and job training. • Disaster Services - Increase resiliency and capacity of communities and individuals to prepare for, respond to, recover from disasters.

10. Compelling Community Needs AmeriCorps programs address diverse community needs including, but not limited to: • Improving graduation and degree attainment rates (education) • Reducing youth obesity rates (healthy futures) • Invasive weed removal (environmental stewardship) • Improving school performance (education) • Reducing homelessness by helping individuals/families secure safe & affordable housing (economic opportunity) • Disaster and first-aid education (disaster preparedness) • Providing counseling for veterans (veteran & military families)

11. What is an AmeriCorps Member? • An individual enrolled for an intensive term of service (300-1700 hours per year) in an AmeriCorps program • U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States • At least 17 years of age (no upper age limit) • Not replacing a volunteer or a staff person • AmeriCorps members receive an Education Award for successful completion of a term of service • Most AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance, full-time members are eligible for health insurance, and some members may be eligible for childcare

12. AmeriCorps Member Activities Member activities might include: • Tutoring/mentoring elementary students • Connecting families to adequate healthcare • Assisting families with securing safe/affordable housing • Assisting veterans with seeking employment • Providing educational enrichment programs for youth • Developing and conducting environmental education • Conducting community awareness programs • Implementing nutrition and physical activity programs

13. AmeriCorps Member Limitations • Must not participate in prohibited activities during service • Can not duplicate or displace employees or volunteers • Corporation funds can not supplant state or local funds • 80% of hours must be direct service • Can not exceed 20% of hours in member development • Can not exceed 10% of hours in fund-raising • No employee relationship – service member • Must follow a clearly defined service position description • Must be in direct service • Background Check Requirements

14. 2019-2020 AmeriCorps Member Benefits

15. Eligibility for an AmeriCorps Grant • Non-profit organizations • Community/Regional/Statewide • Faith-based • Secular • Government • State/County/Local • Education • Districts • Private • Higher Ed

16. AmeriCorps State Grants • Grants provide partial funding to organizations to support AmeriCorps programs • 3-year funding cycle, but requires continuation application each year • Programs must meet minimum match requirements • Cash and/or In-Kind • Other Federal Funds • Maximum Cost per MSY

17. Minimum Match Requirement Overall Minimum Program Match Requirement (Operational Grants Only)

18. AmeriCorps State Grants • Funds are not for general organizational expenses. • Funds are for program expenses only (no general organization expenses): • Member living allowance • Benefits • Member & staff training • Supplies • Etc. • Organizations that receive grants are responsible for recruiting, selecting, and supervising members to serve in their programs.

19. AmeriCorps Grant Opportunities • Operational Grant – sound program design and implementation strategy identified; clearly articulated member responsibilities, activities, training, supervision, evaluation, organizational history and capacity, sustainability plans, and fund management. • Fixed-Amount – grantees will receive an award for a specific amount per MSY; no match required and no approved budget. • Education Award Program (EAP) – awarded a small grant of funding and use their own resources for the members’ living allowance and program costs. • Planning Grant – one year award for an organization to plan how they will manage and utilize an AmeriCorps program. Must Start January 1st – December 31st.

20. Benefits of an AmeriCorps Grant • Expand organizational capacity to meet critical community needs • Provides funds to support program administration • Access to training/technical resources • National network of organizations • Skilled AmeriCorps members are often later hired by host organization • Members and volunteers gain a better understanding of community needs/challenges and how to solve them.

21. Data Collection and Performance • Must identify one or more aligned output and outcome. • National Performance Measure or Applicant Determined • Follow 2019 CNCS Performance Measure Instructions • Example: • Output Measure: ED1A: Number of individuals served • Outcome Measure: ED5A Number of students with improved academic performance • Must have accurate data collection processes to avoid duplication. • Data must be reported on a quarterly basis.

22. Is AmeriCorps a Good Fit? • Does my organization address a compelling need related to one of the CNCS focus areas? • Would this program support my organization’s mission and strategic plan? • Will AmeriCorps members create a positive impact? • Will the program provide services not already offered in the community? • Does my agency have the organizational, technological and fiscal capacity to manage a federal grant and at least ten MSY?

23. 2019-2020 Application Process UServeUtah uses a multi-step application process. Concept Paper - The purpose of the Concept Paper is to allow applicants the opportunity to present their proposed program, justifying potential community impact, and organizational capacity to manage an AmeriCorps Program. AmeriCorps Full Committee and Peer Review Invitation to submit a full application - full application proposal and process will include: Revising the Concept Paper in preparation for submission to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Editing and clarifying program details for CNCS compliance. Submission of Full Applications to UServeUtah for Competitive or Formula Process funding.

24. 2019 Continuation Applicants UServeUtah uses a multi-step application process. Continuation applicants will not be required to submit a narrative unless one of the following applies: The program is proposing a significant change in their program design. The program is requesting an increase in funding or MSY. The program is proposing different or new performance measures. The program has significant performance issues. Please contact Greg Bates with questions.

25. 2019-2020 Application Timeline • RFP Notification Info to Stakeholders – January 22, 2019 • RFP Outreach Workshops – February 26 through March 1, 2019 • Notice of Intent to Apply to Commission – March 20, 2019 • Concept Paper Submitted to Commission – April 26, 2018 by 5:00 PM • Formula Grant Review Period – April 26 through June 6, 2019 • Final Decision Letters to Applicants – June 7, 2019 • Successful Applicants’ Submit Full Online Applications – June 14, 2019 • Programs Begin Operation – October 1, 2019 or January 1, 2020 • Planning grants must start January 1st. Some education based programs may be eligible to start before October 1st.

26. AmeriCorps Application Criteria • Applicants must submit a Concept Paper with the following components: • Title Page (1 page) • Executive Summary (1 page – 3,000 characters max) • Program Narrative (9 pages max) • NEW for 2019: Logic Model Worksheet (2 pages max) • Performance Measurement Worksheet (2 pages) • Budget Proposal Worksheet (Varies - Not counted) • All sections except narratives are contained in the fillable pdf. • Other Required Documents • Most recent audit report or year end financial review • General Assessment Questionnaire for new applicants • http://heritage.utah.gov/userveutah/americorps-nofa

27. AmeriCorps Application Criteria Program Design (60%) Community Need (30%) Clearly describe the need Why was it chosen? Data justifying resources for the community need Describe target community Why was it chosen?

28. AmeriCorps Application Criteria • Program Design (60%) • Member Utilization (25%) • What activities will the member perform? • Why do you need AmeriCorps members? • What is the number of members requested? (Must be a minimum of 10 MSY) • What types of member slots & why?

29. AmeriCorps Application Criteria • Program Design (60%) • Program Impact (30%) • Expected change in attitude/behavior/condition/skill • Evidence Based • What will be measured • Measurement tools • Evaluation

30. AmeriCorps Application Criteria • Program Design (60%) • Member Experience (15%) • Powerful service experience • Increase in lifelong civic engagement • Connectivity with other AC members • AmeriCorps Identity

31. AmeriCorps Application Criteria • Program Design (60%) • Other items to include • How does your program link outcomes to the need? • Need Intervention Members/Activities Anticipated Outcomes • Volunteer Generation – Recruiting and maintaining volunteers

32. Theory of Change Model Intended Outcome What do you expect the community change to be? How will you measure and monitor it? Community Problem/Need What is the issue you are addressing? Why is it important? Why does it need to be addressed now? Specific Intervention What will you do to achieve your intended outcome? What tools and resources are needed? How will you implement this intervention? Statistics What figures do you have that define the community problem/need? Evidence • Guides choice of specific intervention • Results from specific intervention • Supports cause-effect relationship

33. Theory of Change – Education Example Specific Intervention Individualized tutoring 3 times/week for 20 min on five “building block” literacy skills through reading, writing and verbal communication activities Intended Outcome Students are able to read at 3rd grade level (as measured by 3rd grade reading exam) Community Problem/Need Children reading below grade level in 3rd grade Statistics Statistics on the number of students at below grade level in program’s service area; Research on why reading proficiency by 3rd grade is important. Evidence Research on building block skills leading to reading proficiency. Research on design, frequency, duration of tutoring sessions.

34. AmeriCorps Application Criteria • Organizational Capacity (25%) • Sound Organizational Structure • Success in Securing Community Support • Compliance & Accountability

35. AmeriCorps Application Criteria • Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy (15%) • Clear, reasonable and cost-effective • Budget aligns with application narrative • Ability to meet minimum match requirement

36. Budget Information • When submitting intent to apply please specify: Operational, EAP or Planning • Operational Programs and EAP Programs: • Same Application Instructions • Separate Fillable PDFs • Planning Grants: • Separate Application Instructions • Separate Fillable PDF

37. Budget – Starting From Scratch • Multiply Proposed MSY x Maximum Cost Per MSY ($15,192) • 10 MSY x $15,192 = $151,920 is the most grant funding that could be requested. • Determine your program’s total budget for Section I and Section II • Base this on what your program will actually cost to run. • Decide where to place the requested grant funding. • Ensure you meet minimum match requirements. • Year 1 through 3 – Match must be 24% of the total budget or more. • Ensure your total grant funds (corporation funds) are less than the maximum cost per MSY. • Figure section III based on the application instructions. • CNCS Fixed Rate is Most Common. • 5% of the total grant portion for administrative costs. • 2% for the commission and 3% for sub-grantee administrative costs. • Readjust grant funding as needed and recheck total cost.

38. Budget Final Words • Online budget training available on RFP page • Full Time Members – Healthcare must be provided • Equipment: Only for single items over $5,000. Most items fall under supplies • You are held to the match percentage shown on the budget in your application • You can move grant funding if needed – as much as 10% of your total budget • Unemployment Insurance – No Employer/Employee Relationship • General Liability Insurance • $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 for the life of the policy • State as additional insured party

39. Reminders: • Fillable PDF’s and Application Instructions will be available after March 1st, 2019. Emailed after intent to apply is submitted. • Notice of Intent to Apply must be emailed to Userve by March 20, 2019 • Include the name of your organization • One paragraph explanation of the type of program you are proposing • If you are applying for an operational program, EAP, or planning grant • Concept Papers (Application) due on – April 26, 2019 by 5:00 PM • Final Decision Letters to Applicants – June 7, 2019 • Successful Applicants’ Submit Full Online Applications – June 14, 2019 • Programs Typically Begin Operation – October 1, 2019 or January 1, 2020 • Continuation applicants – narrative is only needed if proposing changes

40. For More Information Web: https://userve.utah.gov/americorps-grant-application-information/ Staff Contacts: Greg Bates Ruqia Qasim VISTA Info: gregbates@utah.govrqasim@utah.govut@cns.gov 801-245-7221 801-245-7219 /userveutah @UServeUtah

41. Questions?