030ADV26R0050_-_LHI_-_2027-2029_-_Que_and_Answ_-_091626.pdf

09/14/2026

030ADV26R0050 Responses to Questions – Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative New Awards: 2027-2029

# Question Answer 95 The Project Narrative template is a PDF. Is it okay to make a word document with the cover page information on it to fill out?

Yes, this is okay.

Is there a way to give reviewers a private password to a proprietary video that explains the status of a project? That is, not include the password in the proposal but provide it separately in some way so reviewers have the info they need, but the general public will not?

The application documents will be seen by Library staff and not the public. However, as the application documents must be sent via email and the video file might be too large to send via email, please contact the Library by the technical submission deadline in the NOFO to receive instructions on how to submit the video.

Links and passwords are not allowed.

93 I am preparing an application for Notice 030ADV26R0050, Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative: New Awards for 2027–2029. Section D.1 states that applicants must complete a Proposal Narrative and Budget Plan using documents in the Supporting Documents Checklist.

However, I have reviewed the available files and cannot locate either the Proposal Narrative Template or the Budget Plan instructions.

Would you please send the required files or provide the exact location where they can be downloaded?

They are available in the Related Documents tab under the Full Announcement posted on August 7:

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363514.

92 Is there a weblink to the recording of this fantastic grant opportunity discussion?

Yes, please see answer to question 90.

91 Is there a word doc template for the proposal narrative for the Lewis Houghton Initiative grant? There is one for the budget narrative, but not for the proposal narrative.

A MS Word version of the proposal narrative has been added to the documents on grants.gov.

90 Is there a weblink to the recording of this fantastic grant opportunity discussion?

The webinar recordings are available on loc.gov: https://www.loc.gov/item/video- 12765/.

Will the powerpoint be shared?

No. All information shared in the presentation was taken directly from the Notice of Funding Opportunity on https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363514 https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363514 https://www.loc.gov/item/video-12765/ https://www.loc.gov/item/video-12765/ grants.gov:

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363514.

88 Also related to TPS meetings - would regional be acceptable or are there national TPS Consortium meetings?

Attendance at regional conferences does not satisfy this requirement.

Can you confirm locations of TPS meetings for the purpose of developing budget?

The Library holds TPS Consortium meetings before the start of the Council for History Education (NCHE) and the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) national conferences. The 2027 TPS Consortium meetings will take place on March 4, in Providence, RI and on November 18, in Minneapolis, MN, respectively. Grantees are encouraged to stay for the conferences to take advantage of partnership opportunities. Please also see revisions to A.3.j).

86 Should travel for attending the TPS Consortium annual conference be included in the “travel” portion of the grant proposal?

Yes, all travel expenses should be included in the travel tab of budget.

85 Can an applicant be a newly formed for-profit organization? And if so, can it rely on the project director’s prior experience/portfolio to demonstrate the “record of serving populations of learners” and “institutional capacity” requirements?

See answer to question 25.

84 Is there a version of Appendix B that has hyperlinks built in or should we just navigate the website to find them?

The digital collections are hyperlinked in Appendix B of the Notice posted on grants.gov.

83 Exactly which Section 504 obligations would be compulsory for a selective-admission private school receiving this particular direct Library of Congress grant?

Would any of those obligations materially change admissions or academic-accommodation practices?

See answers to questions 62 and 63.

82 If there are some non-rights-free materials included in a proposed resource collection, is it acceptable to license and/or connect directly to the LOC website in the instructional materials?

Applicants are responsible for securing licenses and permissions; applicants are also strongly encouraged to use Library of Congress digital collections that are rights-free or in the public domain.

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363514

Do you anticipate that this opportunity will open again for new applications next year?

At this time, we do not anticipate that we will post a notice for new applications next year.

80 Could you clarify whether appendices requested by the Proposal Narrative Template, such as the logic framework, previous materials, staff information, intellectual property, and accessibility information, count toward the 15-page Project Details limit?

Appendices do not count toward the 15-page Project Details limit.

79 If an applicant plans to recruit individual educators to pilot and provide feedback on curriculum but does not have formal partner organizations at the time of application, are letters of support expected or necessary?

Letters of support are welcome but not required. Please reference the Proposal Narrative Plan for prompts about description of proposed activities.

78 May the recipient satisfy the five-year requirement by hosting resources on its own accessible website in addition to any Library-approved dissemination platform, provided that the materials remain freely accessible and properly licensed?

Yes, please also see revisions to A.3.h).

77 Digital Hosting and Five-Year Availability: The Notice requires project materials to remain publicly accessible for at least five years after the period of performance. May the first-year budget include prepaid hosting, domain, storage, or platform costs covering multiple years, or must the recipient use non-award resources to maintain the materials after December 31, 2027?

Yes, first-year budget costs may include prepaid costs (such as for incurred hosting, domain, storage, or platform costs), that are necessary to comply with the public availability requirements in A.3.h). Please also see revisions to A.3.h).

76 Multistate delivery: May a North Carolina-based applicant conduct programming in both North Carolina and Georgia and hold the culminating student showcase in Atlanta, provided that 50 Shades of Black Anime remains the sole applicant and is responsible for all programmatic, financial, and compliance obligations?

Yes, that is acceptable.

75 Intellectual property, student work, accessibility, and AI: Must every student-created work be openly licensed and published, or may students and their parents

[As provided in NOFO, section B.2.1, Intellectual Property and Data Availability, awardees must provide an open license to the public to use any material created or guardians decline public distribution while still participating in the program?

Should final public materials meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA?

Finally, does the generative-AI prohibition apply specifically to project materials and deliverables created under the award, while allowing ordinary pre-award administrative uses such as research, email, spelling, grammar checking, and application preparation?

under the awards -- whether it be created by a student or not. The Library does not require awardees to submit participant work as materials created under the awards, but to the extent awardees choose to, they must ensure that such materials have an open license as required in section B.2.1.

Awardee is responsible for securing rights for any third-party materials used that are not rights-free or in the public domain – whether the third party is a student or not, and whether or not the third-party material becomes part of any material created under the award. To the extent that any student who participates in the program is not of age, awardee is responsible for ensuring (1) compliance with all laws, including privacy and contracts, regarding minors, and (2) that any rights permission/consent forms contain signatures of both minors and their guardians.

Yes, all Library web content and mobile applications, as defined by 28 C.F.R. Part 35, Subpart H, must meet, at a minimum, the ADA regulations found in that subpart, which apply WCAG 2.1. Please see NOFO, section B.2.2, Accessibility.Requirements, for more details.

Correct. As described in NOFO, section B.2.3, Restriction.on.use.of.Generative.

Artificial.Intelligence.Tools, awardees are not allowed to use generative AI tools that produce synthetic text, images, code, video, and music in response to user prompts, to create or produce any project materials. However, awardees can use AI-enhanced word processing, email, or search tools that are already widely incorporated in day-to-day life, such as AI tools embedded in image editing applications and spelling or grammar checking functions.

Budget classifications: The Budget Plan Narrative appears to use a $5,000 equipment threshold, while the Budget Plan Workbook refers to a $10,000 threshold. Which threshold controls for this application? Also, may an organization without a federally negotiated indirect-cost rate use a board-approved rate of up to 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs, and is a written organizational indirect-cost policy sufficient supporting documentation?

The threshold for equipment is $10,000 the information in the budget plan narrative has been revised.

Yes. The Library maximum indirect cost rate accepted by the Library is 15%.

Applicants must show how they derived their indirect cost rate.

73 Personnel, contractors, and commitment letters: May the applicant compensate its Founder and President for documented Project Director duties when the rate is reasonable, approved by disinterested board members, supported by comparable compensation information, and documented through time-and-effort records?

May curriculum specialists, animators, teaching artists, evaluators, accessibility consultants, and other professionals be paid as contractors for defined services?

Additionally, may we attach nonbinding letters of commitment from proposed contractors and educational collaborators without creating a prohibited teaming arrangement?

For all costs included, the applicant must demonstrate that the work is allocable and allowed under the grant and that the price is reasonable.

Yes, provided they meet the requirements of sub-contractors defined in 2 CFR 200.331(b).

Letters of commitment are not required.

72 Convention-based programming and venue expenses: May an applicant conduct Lewis- Houghton programming within a larger ticketed convention and charge the award only for the reasonable, documented portion of venue rooms, audiovisual services, internet, security, custodial services, and accessibility accommodations used by the funded educational project? If permitted, may the award also pay a venue deposit during the period of performance when that deposit is required to reserve the educational rooms, credited toward the allowable rental expense, and properly separated from unrelated convention costs?

Please also advise whether general convention admission could create reportable program income.

See 2 CFR § 200.403 for detailed guidance on factors affecting allowability. As stated in §200.432, conference hosts/sponsors must exercise discretion and judgment in ensuring that conference costs are appropriate, necessary, and managed to minimize costs to the Federal award.

Please note that all proposals submitted under the current NOFO will be evaluated for Budget and Project Costs including:

“(1) The extent of the applicant's understanding of the financial aspects of the TPS LHI program and the applicant's ability to perform the proposed project activities within the amount requested; (2) whether the applicant's proposal will achieve the program objectives with reasonable economy and efficiency; and

(3) whether any special conditions relating to costs should be included in the award.”

As stated in §200.1, program income is gross income earned by a non-federal entity that is directly generated by a supported activity or earned as a result of the federal award during the period of performance.

Can you apply for a $25,000 regional grant if you have also been awarded a larger LOC grant, like Lewis-Houghton grant?

Yes, you can apply provided they are not for the same project. The costs for a project must not be allocable to another federally funded grant project.

According to 2 CFR 200.405, “[a] cost allocable to a particular Federal award may not be charged to other Federal awards.” However, if the new proposal involves new work, not previously funded by the regional grant, then it would be acceptable. In your proposal, please describe how the new project would build on previous work and increase the impact of the project

70 We are crafting a budget for our proposal. It looks as if in this year of work, there would be a meeting in DC that one of us would need to travel to and attend. Is that correct? And is it then correct that we need to put those travel expenses into our proposed budget?

Please see answers to questions 86 and

87. Please also see revisions to A.3.j).

B.2.2. "Accessibility Requirements" states "Awardees must certify compliance with the applicable accessibility standards when providing project materials to the Library."

What type of certification is required?

Certifications will be completed via the final cooperative agreement.

Certifications should be in writing, dated and signed by an individual who has the legal authority to represent and bind the awardee organization. They should also include how the organization is being compliant with the Accessibility Requirements, such as the legal/policy authority the organization is complying with and the WCAG version the organization uses. Please see Appendix B:

ICT.Accessibility.Requirements.Statement for any applicable information that can be included in your certification.

68 Direct Student Programming: Would a project involving direct civic-leadership programming for middle and high school students be appropriate if analysis of Library of Congress digitized music and/or creative-arts primary sources is central to the educational experience?

Yes, this would be within the scope of acceptable project proposals described in A2. Purpose.

Personnel Costs: May grant funds support reasonable personnel expenses associated with project implementation, such as student-success counseling, curriculum development, program coordination, instruction, or facilitation?

Grant funds may support expenses associated with project implementation as long as it is within the scope of the NOFO and is reasonable, allocable, and allowable per the uniform guidance in 2 CFR 200. Please note that any personnel expenses must be justified in the budget narrative.

Additional information can be found in 2 CFR 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part- 200/subpart-E):

Reasonable Costs: 2 CFR 200.404https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title- 2/section-200.404

Allocable Costs:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title- 2/section-200.405

Allowability of Costs:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title- 2/section-200.403

66 School/District Partnerships: Is a formal partnership with a middle or high school, school district, or other educational institution required at the time of application, or may such partnerships be finalized during project implementation?

See answer to question 69

65 New Organization Eligibility: If fiscal sponsorship is permissible, would HSLSA’s status as a newly established educational organization affect its eligibility or competitiveness?

Please see answer to question 64.

64 Fiscal Sponsorship: HSLSA currently operates under a formal fiscal sponsorship agreement with an established 501(c)(3) public charity while completing its own federal tax-exempt process. May the fiscal sponsor serve as the legal applicant and recipient of a Lewis-Houghton award for a project implemented by HSLSA?

HSLSA can apply as the applicant.

However, it cannot serve as a pass-through entity as pass-through entities are not allowed to apply for a grant under this

NOFO.

63 Could you clarify exactly which Section 504 requirements would apply to a selective-admission private school receiving this grant? We want to understand whether acceptance of the award would require the school to alter its existing selective-admission practices or assume obligations related to academic accommodations beyond those ordinarily applicable to an independent school of our type.

Because the application timeline requires us to complete SAM.gov registration promptly, Applicants must complete the SAM.gov representations and certifications for federal financial assistance (as described in section D.3 of the NOFO Attachment), which includes representation that the applicant will comply with specified federal laws. SAM.gov provides a list of laws underlying the representations and certifications at https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp/en/quick-start-guide-entity-registration-checklist?sys_kb_id=4035050b934147509 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp/en/quick-start-guide-entity-registration-checklist?sys_kb_id=4035050b934147509462881d48373c17&id=kb_article_view&sysparm_rank=1&sysparm_tsqueryId=dcb08e9fcf0dcb50d1eaf2c42f851c0e https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp/en/quick-start-guide-entity-registration-checklist?sys_kb_id=4035050b934147509462881d48373c17&id=kb_article_view&sysparm_rank=1&sysparm_tsqueryId=dcb08e9fcf0dcb50d1eaf2c42f851c0e https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp/en/quick-start-guide-entity-registration-checklist?sys_kb_id=4035050b934147509462881d48373c17&id=kb_article_view&sysparm_rank=1&sysparm_tsqueryId=dcb08e9fcf0dcb50d1eaf2c42f851c0e we would be very grateful for clarification at your earliest convenience.

462881d48373c17&id=kb_article_view&sy sparm_rank=1&sysparm_tsqueryId=dcb0 8e9fcf0dcb50d1eaf2c42f851c0e, at Appendix 1, which includes, among others, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. However, the Library is not covered by the definition of “executive branch agency” in many cases, so Library grants are not directly subject to Executive Orders and the NOFO discusses additional exceptions from particular laws.

For example, as provided in the NOFO at section B.2.2, Accessibility.Requirements, the Library’s policy for making deliverables accessible requires compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, but clarifies that may be satisfied by complying with section 508 requirements under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The Library does not specifically require an applicant to alter existing admission, hiring, or other practices; however, it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure its policies and practices comply with applicable federal statutes.

Please see NOFO Attachment at section D.3, Certifications, and Appendix A, Assurances.and.Certifications for awardees’ general responsibilities as well as 2 CFR 200.300 and 200.303.

62 My organization is a selective-admission independent school and provides reasonable academic accommodations for students with documented learning differences; however, as an independent school, its admissions and academic-support practices differ from those of public schools.

Would receipt of a Lewis-Houghton award subject the school as a whole to Section 504

See our response to question 63.

https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp/en/quick-start-guide-entity-registration-checklist?sys_kb_id=4035050b934147509462881d48373c17&id=kb_article_view&sysparm_rank=1&sysparm_tsqueryId=dcb08e9fcf0dcb50d1eaf2c42f851c0e https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp/en/quick-start-guide-entity-registration-checklist?sys_kb_id=4035050b934147509462881d48373c17&id=kb_article_view&sysparm_rank=1&sysparm_tsqueryId=dcb08e9fcf0dcb50d1eaf2c42f851c0e https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp/en/quick-start-guide-entity-registration-checklist?sys_kb_id=4035050b934147509462881d48373c17&id=kb_article_view&sysparm_rank=1&sysparm_tsqueryId=dcb08e9fcf0dcb50d1eaf2c42f851c0e requirements or other federal disability-related requirements beyond those specifically associated with the grant-funded program and materials? In particular, are there requirements that would affect the school’s existing admissions criteria, academic standards, or policies governing student accommodations?

Are there specific assurances, certifications, regulations, or other guidance applicable to private-school recipients of these awards?

Search and retrieval. Can we use an AI tool to help us locate relevant images in the collection? The output is a ranked list of Library items that we can then select from by hand. Is this within the restriction?

It depends. If “locating relevant images by using the generative AI” is creating or producing any project material funded by the award, then such use is prohibited. As explained in NOFO, section B.2.3, Restriction.on.use.of.Generative.Artificial.

Intelligence.Tools, awardees must not use generative AI to create or produce any project materials, but use of AI-enhanced word processing, email, or search tools already widely incorporated in day-today life is allowed.

Please also note that the Library’s digital collections are not completely machine-readable and cultural heritage metadata can be incomplete, idiosyncratic, and complex. For more information and specific examples of working computationally with Library of Congress data, see the Computing Cultural Heritage in the Cloud Data Jam:

https://blogs.loc.gov/thesignal/2022/12/n ow-playing-the-cchc-data-jam/ and the LC Labs AI Planning Framework:

https://libraryofcongress.github.io/labs-ai-framework/.

60 Draft metadata. We use an AI tool to help us generate an initial set of meta data tags. We then review and correct the meta data tags. Can we use the Descriptive tags produced with AI assistance and then reviewed, corrected, and approved by staff

As described, we interpret the creation of descriptive meta data tags to be using generative AI to create or produce project products or deliverables; therefore, this would not be an acceptable use of AI under the NOFO terms at B.2.3.

https://blogs.loc.gov/thesignal/2022/12/now-playing-the-cchc-data-jam/ https://blogs.loc.gov/thesignal/2022/12/now-playing-the-cchc-data-jam/ https://libraryofcongress.github.io/labs-ai-framework/ https://libraryofcongress.github.io/labs-ai-framework/ before any use? Does the restriction cover internal working drafts, or only the materials delivered as project deliverables?

Software development. Our programmers sometimes use generative AI to assist in writing backend software code. Is this allowed under the award?

It depends on the proposed project. If this is an embedded enterprise IT tool, it may be allowed. However, if the proposed project involves a requirement for delivery of metadata and code, then as provided in section B.2.3, Restriction.on.use.of.

Generative.Artificial.Intelligence.Tools, use of a generative AI tool is prohibited to create or produce any project materials.

58 Will there be a difference in information from this webinar to the webinar in September?

No, the presentations are the same. The Q&A portion was different.

Hi, is the grant nationally focused in reach or is it okay to focus on a region?

Applicants are encouraged to lead with their expertise and focus on the audiences they are most familiar with. The LHI program serves all of the United States, commonwealth, and territories but that is not required of every single individual project.

Who is eligible to apply for this grant? Must the organization be a 501(c)3? Can LLC, 501(c)4 or religious organizations apply?

See NOFO at section C, Eligibility.

Information¡.There is no express restriction relating to LLCs, 501(c)(4)s, or religious organizations. Applicants that meet all stated eligibility requirements may apply. Please check Section C, Eligibility.Information,.in the NOFO for details. It reads “Eligible applicants must:

Be public or private organizations, either not-for profit or for-profit organizations, including but not limited to institutions of higher education, colleges, universities, professional associations, library systems, cultural institutions, other educational organizations, such as K-12 schools, after-school programs, literacy organizations, centers, clubs, associations of home-schooling parents, honor societies, and other professional, civic, regional, state, and community groups, and collaborative partnerships (such as an organization with content expertise paired with a state or regional educational entity); states; public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies; and Indian tribes and tribal organizations;…”

55 Are organizations that are current recipients of other TPS grants (national and/or regional) eligible to apply?

See answers to questions 3 and 5.

54 Should the budget reflect 1 year or for 3 years?

See answers to questions 11, 15, and 50.

To what extent does the Library partner in the utilization of collection items and implementation of funded projects? Would LOC be interested in partnership and co-creation?

Award recipients are responsible for identifying digital collection items and implementing the project as funded. The Library of Congress administers the TPS Educational Consortium, organizes biannual Consortium meetings, and hosts virtual opportunities for Consortium members to connect with one another.

This award does not contemplate the Library co-creating project materials with any particular grantee.

52 Should the proposal include the 3 year project and budget, or should we only present Year 1 activities?

See answers to questions 11, 15, and 50.

Will this deck be available?

No, but the recording is available. Please see answer to question 90.

50 in your budget to you submit for 3 years or just the first?

See answer to question 11.

49 Are organizations that are sub-awardees on two current LHI projects eligible to submit a proposal for the LHI Initiative: New Awards for 2027-2029?

See answer to question 14.

48 Are there any caps or recommended limits on personnel costs as a percentage of total direct costs? For example, would hiring a part-time project coordinator be an allowable use of funds?

See answer to question 16.

47 If another organization in our state recently received funding from TPS, does that impact our likelihood of receiving an award?

No.

46 If we were to apply for one of these national-level grants and were not selected, would it be allowable / would there still be time to

Please contact the Director of your TPS Region with this question.

https://www.loc.gov/programs/teachers/teaching-with-primary-sources-partner-program/tps-regional-grant-program/regional-websites/ https://www.loc.gov/programs/teachers/teaching-with-primary-sources-partner-program/tps-regional-grant-program/regional-websites/ apply for an LHI grant through a TPS regional provider?

45 Are there specific Title IX requirements or forms that need to be completed by the grants and contracts office of where an applicant applies from?

See answer to question 6.

44 Can you expand a previous LOC project See answer to question 39.

43 If either one year or three year approach is acceptable, will reviewers know that either is allowed?

See answer to question 11.

Yes, reviewers will be informed either is acceptable.

42 Are organizations also permitted to apply for a regional $25K grant, if they currently hold an LHI grant?

Yes, see answer to question 5.

Is there a requirement or expectation for external program evaluation for projects?

There is no requirement for external program evaluation of projects. However, the Proposal Narrative Template asks applicants to “[d]escribe the impact the proposed curriculum, app/online interactive or instructional materials is expected to have on teachers and student learning. Include the methodology you will use to assess this impact.”

40 I am finishing up a TPS 3-year grant, but it is not a Lewis Houghton related grant. Am I eligible to submit through my current University institution? Or should I submit through another institution--for instance, a State museum?

See answer to question 3.

Are we allowed to build on a past TPS project if we are proposing a whole new idea?

Yes, applicants are asked to describe relevant past activities in the Proposal Narrative Template. Carefully review the Purpose and Evaluation Criteria in the NOFO to ensure your proposal is aligned with the Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative.

38 The proposal narrative template specifies double-spacing and 11 point font but not the explicit font to use. Do we copy the font used in the grant announcement (Aptos) or do you have a different preferred font we should use?

See answer to question 20.

37 The Proposal Narrative Template states a 15 page , double-spaced limit.

See answer to question 20.

Does that include or exclude the several Appendices listed?

So a 1-year budget could be up to $100K? ;

thus, a 3-year project could be up to $300K?

Yes. Please reference Section B. Federal Award Information of the NOFO: “The Library intends to issue up to six awards of cooperative agreements, of maximum $100,000 each during the first budget period….The total amount funded for each awardee shall not exceed $300,000 over a maximum of three-year budget period.”

35 If we are partnering with other organizations to implement the proposed project, would you prefer we include letters of support from those partners?

This is personal preference. Please include as applicable.

Are projects that feature music prioritized over the other creative arts?

No, projects that feature music are not prioritized over other creative arts in the evaluation process.

The description states the grant is intended "to develop digitally-enabled, creative arts-driven projects.” What are the limits or definition of "digitally-enabled”? For example, could funds be used to create a website?

Please refer to Section A.3. “Awardee Activities” of the NOFO. There is an expectation that whatever comes out of a project – curriculum, tools, products, etc.

– is made available online through a channel approved by Library staff. This includes but is not limited to the Consortium Created Materials site. The project itself could entail curriculum, instructional tools, and materials that are shared digitally. Yes, you could propose to use funds to develop a website but the content of that website would need to be described in detail in the proposal and meet the evaluation criteria laid out in the

NOFO.

32 when you say the max file szie is 20 mb, is it 20 mb total or per file?

The max file size for the email submission is 20 mb.

31 Will the recording be shared with us? Yes, please see answer to question 90.

30 Will today's Q&A be added to the document online?

Yes.

will support letters count as 15 pages?

No, letters of support do not count toward the 15-page limit.

https://tpsconsortiumcreatedmaterials.org/

How can we find if our organization has been awarded this grant before? We're from Texas Tech

The organizations that have previously received LHI funding directly from the Library of Congress include the six organizations listed in this press release and the six TPS Regional Partners listed on the Regional Program website.

Is there an indirect cost?

Please reference the section on Indirect Costs in the “Budget Plan Workbook Template.” It reads: “Indirect Costs:

As defined in 2 CFR 200 Appendix IV, Indirect Costs are those that have been incurred for common or joint objectives and cannot be readily identified with a particular final cost objective. Indirect costs are applied equitably across all of the business activities of the organization, according to benefits each gains from the indirect cost.

In the Indirect Costs Rate field (Cell B-D15 of the Summary tab), include the percentage rate proposed for indirect costs as applicable. If using Indirect Cost rates, they may not exceed 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs (see 2 CFR 200.414(f) for additional information).

Attach a copy of your organization’s policy for determining the percentage to the proposal. Provide additional details as applicable in the Budget Plan Narrative.

Note that the indirect cost rate will not cause amounts to auto-populate in the Indirect Costs column.”

26 I'm just reaching out to confirm that TeachRock is not eligible for the NOFO that recently went around for the new LHI funding.

Correct. Any organization that has previously received LHI funding directly from the Library is not eligible to apply.

25 Can an applicant be a newly formed for-profit organization? And if so, can it rely on the project director’s prior experience/portfolio to demonstrate the “record of serving populations of learners” and “institutional capacity” requirements?

Yes, the applicant can be a newly formed organization. In response to prompt 2 in the Proposal Narrative Template, please provide an overview of the “configuration, staffing, expertise, experience, regional or national reputation, affiliations and https://newsroom.loc.gov/news/library-awards-new-lewis-houghton-civics-and-democracy-initiative-grants-to-organizations-developing/s/1d19dcd0-3307-4b05-b049-a795f62f0ca8 https://www.loc.gov/programs/teachers/teaching-with-primary-sources-partner-program/tps-regional-grant-program/regional-websites/ networks, and other characteristics that would allow your organization.” In response to prompt 7, “brief descriptions of past activities relevant to the project proposed,” you may describe the project director and any other proposed project staff’s relevant activities.

24 I am searching for the proposal template for the current Lewis-Houghton opportunity : 030ADV26R0050 Proposal Narrative Template.

See answer to question 23.

23 Will the proposal narrative template be similar to the 2023 round? (attached)

The Proposal Narrative Template is provided in the Full Announcement under Related Documents on grants.gov:

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363514.

22 We are developing a proposal for the Lewis- Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative and would appreciate clarification regarding contractual services.

Our proposed project would partner with a national history education organization with expertise in primary-source instruction. The partner would provide substantial project deliverables, including researching and curating appropriate rights-free/public-domain Library of Congress music and arts-related primary sources; developing a room-by-room instructional plan for a historic museum; creating student field-study materials and a teacher curriculum guide;

integrating a historical inquiry framework;

and potentially supporting professional learning, field testing, and revisions.

We anticipate that this scope of work would require approximately $30,000 of the $100,000 award.

Is there a maximum dollar amount or percentage of the award that may be allocated to contractual services or a project partner/subcontractor? Specifically, would approximately $30,000 for the scope described above be allowable, assuming the

Teaming arrangements are not allowed.

The award will be made to a single organization. Sub-awards are not allowed.

If you are proposing to use a sub-contractor such services must meet the requirements under 200.405(b) and must be competed as required under 2 CFR

200.319 and 200.320.

costs are reasonable, necessary, and appropriately justified in the proposal and budget?

We have heard there may be a $15,000 limitation on contractual services but have not been able to locate that restriction in the current NOFO or FAQ, so we would appreciate clarification before finalizing the project design.

21 Appendix D: should this focus on roles and responsibilities AND background/qualifications?

Appendix D should list Proposed Staff:

Provide names of the project director and other key staff with half-page descriptions for each person who will work on the award, if awarded.

20 The Proposal Narrative template:

1. does the 15 page limit include or exclude the Appendices?

2. what font should we use?

The 15-page limit does not include the appendices. Font choice is up to you as long as it is legible and 11-point size.

19 For Form SF-424:

1. Applicant Name, Phone Number, etc.

- should this be the individual, or the Organization?

2. Applicant Email Address: should this be the Principal Investigator, or the Project Director?

3. Address: in previous LOC grants, we submitted the address associated with the SAM Number (ex. President and Fellows of Harvard College) - this proposal asks in a different format, so should we submit the SAM number address, or the address of the Principal Investigator?

Please refer to the SF-424 form instructions here:

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/in structions/SF424_4_0-V4.0- Instructions.pdf

18 What is the "appropriate standard SF-424, Application for Federal Domestic Assistance"? (Noted on page 9 of the 8/19/2026 amendment)

I have looked at a few different ones: 4040- 0004 and 4040-0020, and neither uses Block 2 for the CFDA # as per the instructions.

Please advise.

The SF-424 is included in the zip file ending in “Full Announcement” under the “related documents” on grants.gov:

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363514.

17 At present, we have an LHI Regional grant which will be completed mid-Dec. Among other things, we are hoping to expand its reach and scope to a larger audience, create additional curriculum and professional development; however, the goals will not be significantly different. Did I understand correctly today that doing so is a disqualification?

According to 2 CFR 200.405, “[a] cost allocable to a particular Federal award may not be charged to other Federal awards.” However, if the new proposal involves new work, not previously funded by the regional grant, then it would be acceptable. In your proposal, please describe how the new project would build on previous work and increase the impact of the project.

16 As I prepare our proposal and project budget, I wanted to know if there are any caps or recommended limits on personnel costs as a percentage of total direct costs? For example, would hiring a part-time project coordinator be an allowable use of funds?

CGD, please reply.

See answer to question 67.

15 The NOFO lists the initial period of performance as 12 months, however there is an opportunity to be funded up to 3 years.

Should we include a 3 year project plan and budget for this proposal or a one year?

See answer to question 11.

14 Are current Lewis-Houghton Initiative sub-awardees eligible to apply and submit project proposals as an eligible organization for the Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative: New Awards for 2027- 2029?

Yes, provided you have not received LHI funding directly from the Library.

13 We have recently received funding as a subaward from the MTSU TPS Southern Region for an exciting project. The new grant notice states that you are not eligible to apply for the 2027 LHI New Awards if you were given funding directly from the Library of Congress and the Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative. Because we were given our subaward through the Southern Region, would we still be eligible to apply?

See answer to question 5.

12 We applied and received two TPS LOC grants (total of six years). We realize we are not

Yes, prior TPS grant recipients are eligible to apply since they have not received a eligible to apply again for that same TPS grant until a few more years.

However, we wanted to see if we would be eligible to apply for the Lewis-Houghton Initiative grant.

Lewis-Houghton Initiative grant directly from the Library.

11 Second, I know initial funding is for a year with the potential to expand for up to three year. When writing the proposal narrative, should we be focused on the first year (which would align with the budget), or should we also outline what we plan to do in years 2 and 3 if funded?

Either approach is acceptable; given space constraints, consider explaining the first year in the most detail and providing a high-level overview of how the project would continue in years 2 and 3 if funded.

10 I see that a) lists that educational programming should be provided to middle and high school students. For letter b), it says create and distribute educational materials without listing a grade. Should I assume that all created materials should be for middle and high school, or is there space to also include an elementary component?

All LHI-funded work should focus primarily on middle and high school educators and learners.

9 The excel file for the budget that is with the other downloadable materials will not open for me.

Please ensure that your system allows pop-ups from Grants.gov so that you can download the zip file. The zip file should automatically download and appear in your "Downloads" folder if successful.

Please note that you may have to rename the folder to a shorter file name initially before you can open the zip file. Once you rename the folder, you should be able to access each individual document including the excel file.

8 I am trying to access the full announcement for the Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative: New Awards for 2027- 2029 via the "related documents" tab on grants.gov without success. Is it possible to gain access in a different way?

Please ensure that your system allows pop-ups from Grants.gov so that you can download the zip file. The zip file should automatically download and appear in your "Downloads" folder if successful.

https://urldefense.us/v3/__https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363514__;!!MrYkk0_46kUzGAu-DfDRZGQ!cYIpeqqeuGvj_nBDbApU5aWPptIiihSjDe60ApzGGrqzNsucxqJ128VlDNY0pG0Xmv37ue6SGr5kaUwP7FTEgR4bWzwv$ https://urldefense.us/v3/__https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363514__;!!MrYkk0_46kUzGAu-DfDRZGQ!cYIpeqqeuGvj_nBDbApU5aWPptIiihSjDe60ApzGGrqzNsucxqJ128VlDNY0pG0Xmv37ue6SGr5kaUwP7FTEgR4bWzwv$ https://urldefense.us/v3/__http://grants.gov__;!!MrYkk0_46kUzGAu-DfDRZGQ!YQg_ju5tjlIf8N7UQH9dGijKU1TnKBovmcC9FwE-cHPJyHaW08kCJLHQOByqy9jioWaHwoSIiKR5e5yu-RE$

7 Are regional LHI subgrantees eligible to submit a proposal to the Library for a LHI given that current regional grant?

See answer to question 5.

6 I am inquiring about whether the Title IX and Title VI forms or “confidential” information will be requested by the Library before I go ahead with preparing an application.

The NOFO does not require submission to the Library of title IX or title VI forms.

However, the NOFO requires grantees be registered in sam.gov, which includes completion of specific representations and certifications. And if a cooperative agreement is awarded, the Library will require certification of grantee’s compliance with applicable non-discrimination laws.

5 I applied to a Lewis Houghton Initiative with the southern region. Would I be able to apply for this larger grant?

Organizations that have applied for and/or received LHI subgrants through the TPS Regional Program are eligible to apply for LHI Awards provided that the projects are different. Please refer to 2 CFR 200 section 200.306 and 200.405.

4 Would you share information about how to join the upcoming webinars?

See answer to question 2.

3 Do you know if we're eligible to apply as a current LOC-TPS national grantee?

Yes, current TPS Library grantees are eligible to apply for LHI awards. TPS Regional Partners are not eligible to apply.

Do we need to register for the Sept 9th webinar or will that information be shared somewhere in grants.gov or Sam.gov?

The registration information is in this blog post:

https://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2026/08/li brary-announces-new-lewis-houghton-initiative-grants-for-music-and-creative-arts-driven-history-and-civics-instruction/

1 We saw the information stating that only one application is allowed from the same project team - are there any limits to how many project teams from the same institution can apply?

No, there is no limit on how many project teams from the same institution can apply.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.306#p-200.306(b)(5) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/section-200.405#p-200.405(c) https://urldefense.us/v3/__http://grants.gov__;!!MrYkk0_46kUzGAu-DfDRZGQ!fHu2wbR1cmjuWB3zJDy9eJOLduofkKSbuFG9A6MbRKPoUcV46h3zUZofZK0W0Rsfcvk1CTimqwwN3Nlg$ https://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2026/08/library-announces-new-lewis-houghton-initiative-grants-for-music-and-creative-arts-driven-history-and-civics-instruction/ https://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2026/08/library-announces-new-lewis-houghton-initiative-grants-for-music-and-creative-arts-driven-history-and-civics-instruction/ https://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2026/08/library-announces-new-lewis-houghton-initiative-grants-for-music-and-creative-arts-driven-history-and-civics-instruction/ https://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2026/08/library-announces-new-lewis-houghton-initiative-grants-for-music-and-creative-arts-driven-history-and-civics-instruction/