HSC Insight / Apri 27, 2012

a monthly e-publication for the nonprofit community  /  the Human Services Coalition of Prince George's County

Intent on demystifying the notoriously complex federal grant process, representatives from several major agencies presented  tips and time-saving essentials to equip grantseekers at the April 11 luncheon. 

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Anna Johnson, Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist with the Justice Department, laid the foundation for every federal  grant process: read the application thoroughly; focus on collaboration (with those doing similar work); apply early; follow directions (being sure to address any "program plan" attached to the grant of interest); and, note the grant "point of contact" (to answer questions and notify you of changes as you move forward).
 

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Gregg Ukaegbu, Policy Analyst for the Office of Grants and Acquisiton Policy Accountability, gave an agency overview while Lisa Dammar, Grants Management Officer for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), talked about the 'little things' often missed that can cost millions in potential funds.

 (1) Federal grant applications are too difficult: 

ACF has two main screen-out criteria-over the funding limit and timeliness. "I absolutely hate to see an application that I know had countless hours put into it get eliminated," said Dammar "because it's submitted one minute passed the deadline or it's requesting one dollar over the funding limit. But, these things happen all the time. If guidelines aren't adhered to, it won't even be reviewed."
 
Two possible game-changers in Federal grant applications:  

•  Once you know which program(s) you're interested in applying under, Use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) that allows a nonprofit <individuals and organizations> to request from the funding agency a copy of a "top funded application," or other funded applications (such as top funded from MD for the particular program you're interested in applying under, which gives you a real-time example of a program or service that meets that agency's standards.  (It can also provide a potential 'mentor' organization to share what their funding experience was like). 
• Learn the "ranking system" of your particular funding agency and pay attention to the published Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) which details how each section is scored. Not only will this give you a clearer picture of the priorities, it can let you know which sections to spend the most time completing. Pay close attention to the evaluation criteria against which you will be scored, and page limits listed under the FOA.

"Start planning and gather your material, well in advance of the deadline, including establishing and completing CCR and AOR registration." Said Dammar, "While the work is tedious, it can be worth it because oftentimes, grants are re-funded."
 
HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT 
According to Marvin Turner, Director of the Washington DC Office of the Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), "You are 60% more likely to get refinanced (or, find a solution to your housing challenge) working with a housing counselor than without one."
 
That is one reason he's looking to throw huge support to qualifying nonprofits in Prince George's County who work in this arena. Not only does he encourage application for the $42 million available for a range of housing initiatives, he assures local nonprofits they have "an open door" to his office, particularly on issues that hold great promise but remain fraught with access difficulties like the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
 
"We want to take residents from homelessness to renter to homeowner. Although the CDBG is probably our most flexible program, we know there are things that need to be addressed. If you have ideas to help us do better, I invite you to talk with my people and to network. People at my level and higher need to hear from you what works and what doesn't," said Turner.
 
The goals of his department include jobs creation and furthering affordable housing initiatives. Although HUD typically offers less discretionary funding than the other agencies, Turner said many nonprofits devoted to housing or community development would be eligible to become 'subgrantees' on upcoming grants.

*HSC extends a special thanks to Sen. Ben Cardin's (D-MD) office for help coordinating speaker schedules, and to Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) for providing onsite staff support. 

One-on-One with Ben Seigel

Deputy Director

Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships 

Believe it or not, federal support of faith-based grassroots programming is stronger than ever, thanks in part to Ben Seigel, Deputy Director of the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the Department of Labor. Seigel served nonprofits in program development and management for 15 years prior to first federal appointment in April 2010. He gets the nature of the nonprofit beast - the hard work, the long hours and the endless juggling of competing priorities.

It's that personal understanding that fuels his leadership to do as much as possible for local nonprofits.

"I'm a big believer in the role of nonprofits," said Seigel "I've seen and experienced what community -based providers offer disadvantaged people and places. I also recognize the challenges in this sector for adequate funding. It's so important for them (nonprofits) to work closely with government and private funders."

Like his counterparts at the April IDEAS&INFO luncheon, the Department of Labor supports workforce development programs through formula dollars and discretionary grants. The formula dollars go to state and local agencies that use the resources to manage local services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth, which often include grants or contracts with nonprofits. Discretionary funds include competitive grant programs for a range of employment and training initiatives, many of which nonprofits can apply for, such as grants that serve formerly incarcerated individuals, returning veterans, and at-risk youth.

Seigel encourages a bit of creativity when engaging the process:

Become a grantee - Though the process is highly competitive, establishing a relationship at the federal level is worthwhile for organizations serving these very specialized populations.

Connect with current grantees - Talking with agencies who've previously been funded (to learn more about the process and the responsibilities), and developing relationships, such as a client referral partnership can increase your experience and future competitiveness in grant programs.

Plug into the review process - Serving on a Grant Review Panel is a great way to learn the process 'from the inside out' and to better understand how a funder thinks about the issue they're trying to address and how they think their money should be used.

Seigel also encourages non-grantseekers to take advantage of the new teen summer jobs, Job Clubs and technical assistance programs in which his office is involved.

Said Seigel, "I spent most of my career trying to raise money. It can feel like a maze at times - tricky and difficult.  But, it can yield great results once you figure it all out.  Nonprofits should see the faith-based initiative as a 'foot in the door' to building a great relationship with the federal government."

Catch up on the latest Ideas&Info Luncheon highlights online, here.