2020 CARSI Questions & Answers.pdf

2020 CARSI Small Grant

Question & Answer List

1. Is there a word limit for the project narrative?

There is no word limit but a page limit. Please refer to page 12 of the Notice of funding opportunity (NFOF) for details regarding proposal submission instructions.

2. Would a grant proposal that covers training, equipment, and mobilization of people and resources for long-term fire management in Central Belize be considered under the 2020 grant cycle?

While we cannot speak on specific project ideas, please remember that all projects should be in line with the objectives/scope stated in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

3. Would you please clarify whether Local Governments (Town Councils) are eligible or whether the opportunity is exclusively for NGOs or possibly private sector entities?

Government and for-profit entities are not eligible for CARSI Small Grant Funding.

4. We are a US higher education institution with partners in Belize. Would a non-Belizean organization be considered for funding, or are Belizean organizations preferred?

The grant opportunity is open to U.S. Non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs) having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS or overseas-based NGOs, institutions of higher education, and public international organizations (PIOs); Belizean NGOs are strongly encouraged to apply.

5. How are the funds dispersed for the grant once approved (annually, quarterly)?

Once a grant is approved funds are disbursed on a quarterly basis.

6. Is an established partnership with government agencies required?

It is not a disqualifier but the grant must align to the required project objectives/outcomes.

7. Specifically, what entities/officials within the GOB are considered to be law enforcement for purposes of the restriction? Are personnel in the Director of Public Prosecution's office considered "law enforcement"? What about justices of the peace and other judicial officers (including magistrate and Supreme Court judges)? What about immigration and labor officers?

The project can support the judiciary system i.e. prosecutors or judges to provide training. Justices of the Peace, immigration and labor officers may be project beneficiaries but the activities must align to the project objectives.

8. What is the maximum time for implementation?

The project should be implemented within two years, max.

9. Are Statutory Body’s eligible to apply?

A statutory body or quasi-government entity would not qualify for CARSI funding.

10. If you already applied for a Duns # and you may have misplaced it, can you request your number? Or do you need to apply for another number?

Please visit the link to request your existing DUNS#, apply for a new number, or contact the help desk for additional assistance.. http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

11. What documents are required from government indicating non-profit status in Belize?

Supporting documentation for non-profit status can include your NGO certification and Memorandum of Association.

12. Is there a funding limit and do you cover overhead or administrative expenses?

Grants should range between US$100,000 and US$250,000 max. Overhead/ admin expenses are allowed but must be well justified. Please keep in mind that we are looking for sustainable programs that will be able to continue long after the project ends.

13. Cost sharing is not required, however, parts of the NOFO indicates that Applicants must follow cost-sharing or matching policy as stipulated in 2 CFR 200.306.” Applicants may offer cost share, however, cost share will not be considered or factored in when proposals are reviewed.” Can you clarify?

While Cost Sharing is not required it is welcomed should an organization be able to secure counterpart funds. The proposal will not be evaluated based on whether or not cost share is included within the project proposal/application as this is not one of our eligibility criteria’s.

However, in the event that Cost Share is included within the project budget then the organization will be expected to adhere to our Cost Sharing policies as per 2 CFR 200.306

14. Is the NOFO opportunity only portioned in Belize?

The project must benefit Belize.

15. How long does a non-profit need to be in existence to qualify? Can a start-up non-profit qualify?

Although, an organization’s experience handling past grants is taken into consideration when we evaluate proposals, we encourage every organization that meets the eligibility requirement with a valid DUNS number to submit a proposal.

16. How do you define law enforcement under this Notice and would the restrictions apply to fisheries officers?

Law enforcement is any system or individual that enforce laws, investigate crimes and makes arrests. Enforcement training or direct support to enforcement officers would not qualify.

17. Can we budget for new positions and hiring within the grant or does all funding for salaries need to be for existing organization personnel? If new hires are allowed, is the hiring then subject to Embassy approval at the time of hiring?

New hires are allowed to complete activities identified in the proposal. Key personnel require Grant Officer approval.

18. Could an organization partner with a municipality?

Yes, eligible organizations are encouraged to partner with municipalities, however, municipalities cannot receive funding under the award.

19. What is the difference between direct vs indirect cost and can you provide examples?

http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

Direct costs are assigned directly to an activity easily linked to the creation of a product or service, for example an employee hired to work specifically on a project. Indirect cost cannot be assigned directly to an activity but rather distributed among the various activities for example, the materials and supplies needed for the day-to-day operations like utilities or rent. Please refer to the 2 CFR 200 and/or the Budget guidelines included in the NOFO documentation package.

Additional information

Facebook Q&A session 2020 – Discussing the NOFO https://www.facebook.com/122933304446310/videos/238769620881954

Facebook Informational session 2020 – DUNS#, SAMS Registrations and Grants.gov https://www.facebook.com/122933304446310/videos/708845753216144

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl https://www.facebook.com/122933304446310/videos/238769620881954 https://www.facebook.com/122933304446310/videos/708845753216144 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl