2015 americorps indian tribes notice revised final (2).pdf

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL FUNDING AVAILABILITY

Federal Agency Name: Corporation for National and Community Service

Funding Opportunity Title: AmeriCorps Indian Tribes Grants FY 2015

Announcement Type: Amended Announcement

CFDA Number: 94.006

Key Dates

Applications are due Friday, May 1, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to CNCS. CNCS expects that successful applicants will be notified no later than July 1, 2015.

Submission of a Notice of Intent to Apply by Wednesday, April 8, 2015 is encouraged, but not required, for this competition.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The mission of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic participation through service and volunteering. CNCS -- through

AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation Fund, and the Volunteer Generation Fund -- has helped to engage millions of citizens in meeting community and national challenges through service and volunteer action.

Through all its programs, CNCS seeks to expand economic opportunity – helping Americans acquire the skills, education, and training they need for productive employment. By helping more Americans graduate, pursue higher education, and find work, national service can provide immediate and long term benefits by expanding individual opportunity, building family stability, and creating more sustainable, resilient communities.

Only federally-recognized Indian tribes and tribal organizations are eligible to apply to this

Announcement of Federal Funding Availability (Notice), as described below in Eligibility Information, section C. 1.

Publication of this Notice does not obligate CNCS to award any specific number of grants or to obligate the entire amount of funding available.

Purpose of AmeriCorps Funding

CNCS may award an AmeriCorps planning grant or an AmeriCorps program grant under this announcement. A planning grant provides support to a grant recipient for the development of an

AmeriCorps program that will engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to solve community problems. Grant recipients are awarded up to $75,000 for a 12-month planning period and are expected to be better prepared to compete for an AmeriCorps program grant in the following grant cycle. A planning grant may not be used to support AmeriCorps members.

AmeriCorps program grants are awarded to eligible applicants proposing to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is an individual who engages in community service through an approved national service position. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from the National

Service Trust that members can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

In most cases, applicants will apply for a Cost Reimbursement grant. On a limited basis, certain applicants may be eligible for a Fixed Amount grant. See Section II and Glossary for more information.

This Notice should be read together with the AmeriCorps Regulations, 45 CFR §§ 2520–2550, the Notice

Glossary, Application Instructions, and the Performance Measure Instructions which are incorporated by reference. The documents can be found at http://www.nationalservice.gov/build-your-capacity/grants/funding-opportunities. The full regulations are available online at www.ecfr.gov. The

TTY number is 800-833-3722. For a printed copy of related material, call 202-606-7508.

CNCS Focus Areas

In order to carry out Congress’ intent and to maximize the impact of investment in national service, CNCS has the following focus areas:

Disaster Services

Grant activities will provide support to increase the preparedness of individuals for disasters, improve individuals’ readiness to respond to disasters, help individuals recover from disasters, and/or help individuals mitigate disasters. Grantees also have the ability to respond to national disasters under CNCS cooperative agreements and FEMA mission assignments.

Economic Opportunity

Grants will provide support and/or facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to the improved economic well-being and security of economically disadvantaged people; help economically disadvantaged people, including youth identified in My Brother’s Keeper to have improved access to services that enhance financial literacy; transition into or remain in safe, healthy, affordable housing;

and/or have improved employability leading to increased success in becoming employed.

Education

Grants will provide support and/or facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to improved educational outcomes for economically disadvantaged children; improved school readiness for economically disadvantaged young children; improved educational and behavioral outcomes of students in low-achieving elementary, middle, and high schools; and/or support economically disadvantaged students prepare for success in post-secondary educational institutions.

Environmental Stewardship

Grants will provide support for increased individual behavioral change leading to increased energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and ecosystem improvements particularly for economically disadvantaged households and communities. Grant activities will decrease energy and water consumption;

improve at-risk ecosystems; increase behavioral changes that lead directly to decreased energy and water consumption or improved at-risk ecosystems; and/or increase green training opportunities that may lead to decreased energy and water consumption or improved at-risk ecosystems.

Healthy Futures

Grants will provide support for activities that will improve access to primary and preventive health care for communities served by CNCS-supported programs; increase seniors’ ability to remain in their own homes with the same or improved quality of life for as long as possible; and/or increase physical activity and improve nutrition in youth with the purpose of reducing childhood obesity.

Veterans and Military Families

Grants will positively impact the quality of life of veterans and improve military family strength; increase the number of veterans, military service members, and their families served by CNCS-supported programs; and/or increase the number of veterans and military family members engaged in service through CNCS-supported programs.

http://www.nationalservice.gov/build-your-capacity/grants/funding-opportunities http://www.nationalservice.gov/build-your-capacity/grants/funding-opportunities http://www.ecfr.gov/

2015 AmeriCorps Funding Priorities CNCS seeks to prioritize the investment of national service resources in:

Disaster Services -- improving community resiliency through disaster preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation

Economic Opportunity -- increasing economic opportunities for communities, specifically opportunity youth (see Glossary), both as the population served and as AmeriCorps members.

Education -- improving student academic performance including STEM

Veterans and Military Families -- positively impacting the quality of life of veterans and improving military family strength

Healthy futures – positively impacting behavioral health outcomes and/or increasing the capacity of tribal communities to offer behavioral health prevention and support services

In order to receive priority consideration, applicants must demonstrate that the priority area is a significant part of the program focus and intended outcomes and must include a high quality program design. Responses that propose programs for the purpose of receiving priority consideration are not guaranteed funding.

In addition to the funding priorities listed above, AmeriCorps is partnering with the Bureau of Indian

Education (BIE) to create the Indian Education Fellows program. The purpose of the Indian Education

Fellows grant program is to provide academic support, tutoring and mentoring to Native children and youth in BIE funded schools. The Fellows will serve as mentors, tutors and educators providing an array of academic support to Native students. The program aims to improve student academic performance and engagement while preparing students for lifelong success.

The partnership between AmeriCorps and BIE is in response to the President’s announcement of

Generation Indigenous (Gen I), a Native youth initiative focused on removing the barriers that stand between Native youth and their opportunity to succeed. Gen I will take a comprehensive, culturally appropriate approach to help improve the lives and opportunities for Native youth and the Indian

Education Fellows grant program contributes to this goal.

BIE’s mission is to provide quality education opportunities from early childhood through life in accordance with a tribe’s needs for cultural and economic well-being, in keeping with the wide diversity of Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages as distinct cultural and governmental entities.

Fellows will serve in teams of two or more at the tribally-controlled BIE funded schools performing interventions and activities before, during and/or after school that lead to one or more of the following desired outcomes:

Improved student academic achievement*

Improved student academic engagement*

Improved high school graduation rates*

Improved student preparation for post-high school opportunities

Applicants may also identify their own outcomes.

*national performance measure outcomes

Grant applicants for the Indian Education Fellows program may create member positions for Fellows incorporating one or more of the following interventions, or identify appropriate interventions in conjunction with the school(s) where members will serve:

Delivering a hands on, engaging curriculum before, during and/or after school

Teaching, tutoring and/or mentoring of students before, during and/or after school

Creating opportunities for students that strengthen the connection between academic success, college and career by recruiting and/or managing volunteers from the community (businesses, nonprofits, colleges, and other local organizations) to share their experiences and opportunities with students

Establishing a school culture and environment that uses data to inform instructional/program decisions, creates a safe learning environment, and/or fosters regular communication with families

Eligible grant applicants for the Indian Education Fellows program include tribally-controlled BIE schools (see Glossary) and those applicants eligible to apply for grants under this Notice (see Eligibility

Information, section C.1.).

National Performance Measures

CNCS expects organizations to use National Performance Measures as part of a comprehensive performance measurement strategy that relies on both performance and evaluation data to learn from its work as well as make tactical and strategic adjustments to achieve its goals. For more information, please refer to the National Performance Measure Instructions.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

CNCS expects a highly competitive AmeriCorps FY 2015 grant competition. The actual level of funding will be subject to the availability of annual appropriations, which have not yet been made. Grant awards for programs have two components: operating funds and AmeriCorps member positions. Grant award amounts vary – both in the level of operating funds and in the type and amount of AmeriCorps Member positions. Grant awards for planning grants do not include member positions and will not exceed $75,000.

Award Period

Unless otherwise specified, a program grant generally covers a three-year project period. In approving a multi-year project period, CNCS generally makes an initial award for the first year of operation. In most cases, the application is submitted with a one-year budget. Continuation funding is not guaranteed.

Factors considered in awarding continuation grants include satisfactory performance, demonstrated capacity to manage the grant, compliance with grant requirements, agency priorities, and the availability of appropriated funds. CNCS reserves the right to adjust the amount of a grant or elect not to continue funding for subsequent years.

Planning grants are for a one year (12-month) project period.

Project Period

The project period is proposed by the applicant and is generally one year. The project start date may not occur prior to the date CNCS awards the grant. For program grants, AmeriCorps members may not enroll prior to the start date of the award. AmeriCorps members may not begin service prior to the beginning of the member enrollment period as designated in the grant award. A program may not certify any hours a member performs prior to the beginning of the member enrollment period.

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Only federally-recognized Indian Tribes and tribal organizations are eligible to apply to this competition.

“Indian Tribe” is defined as a federally-recognized Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Native village, Regional Corporation, or Village Corporation, as defined under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. § 1602), that the United States Government determines is eligible for special programs and services provided under federal law to Indians because of their status as Indians. Indian Tribes also include tribal organizations controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by one of the entities described above.

A nonprofit that desires to apply for a grant as a “tribal organization” on behalf of a federally-recognized tribe, or multiple specific federally-recognized tribes, must submit a sanctioning resolution adopted by the

Tribal Council (or comparable tribal governing body) of each tribe. The resolution must identify the nonprofit by name as a “tribal organization” and it must authorize the nonprofit organization to act on behalf of and include the tribe in a CNCS grant application for the purpose of conducting the activities and providing the services described in the application.

Organizations that have been convicted of a federal crime are disqualified from receiving the assistance described in this Notice. Pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, an organization described in

Section 501 (c)(4) of the Internal Revenue code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. § 501 (c)(4), that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to apply.

New Applicants

CNCS encourages Indian Tribes and tribal organizations that have never received funding from CNCS or

AmeriCorps to apply for the grants described in this Notice. New organizations should submit applications with the understanding that the general practice is to award no more than 50 member slots for new grantees. New applicants are not eligible to receive fixed amount grants.

Continuation applicants

Organizations that have current AmeriCorps awards that do not end in FY15 must submit a continuation application in order to be eligible to receive funding for the following year. Please see the Application

Instructions. Requests by existing continuation applicants for increases in the level of funding or number of positions will be assessed using the criteria under this Notice.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Match requirements for tribes are different than for other grantees. Funds received through P.L. 93-638 are considered tribal funds, and as such, may be used for match purposes. This means that grant funds received by a tribe from one federal agency may be used to meet cash or in-kind requirements for a grant from another federal agency.

Entities applying on behalf of a federally-recognized tribe must obtain prior approval from another federal agency to utilize their grant funds as match for the AmeriCorps grant. The following link identifies agencies that allow their funds to be used as match for AmeriCorps grants:

http://www.nationalservice.gov/ASNgrants#budget

Fixed Amount Grants

There is no specific match requirement for Fixed Amount grants, but CNCS does not provide all the funds necessary to operate the program. Tribes must raise the additional revenue required to operate the fixed amount grant program.

Cost Reimbursement Grants (Including Planning Grants)

A first-time successful applicant is required to match at 24 percent for the first three-year funding period.

Starting with year four, the match requirement gradually increases every year to 50 percent by year ten, according to the minimum overall share chart found in 45 CFR §2521.60 and Pub. L. 113-76, Division H, Title IV, § 402 https://beta.congress.gov/113/plaws/publ76/PLAW-113publ76.htm

Section 121(e)(5) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended, requires programs that use other federal funds as match for an AmeriCorps grant to report the amount and source of these funds to CNCS on a Federal Financial Report. Grantees must track and be prepared to report on that match separately each year and at closeout.

http://www.nationalservice.gov/ASNgrants#budget https://beta.congress.gov/113/plaws/publ76/PLAW-113publ76.htm

Alternative Match

Under certain circumstances, applicants may qualify to meet alternative matching requirements that increase over the years to 35 percent instead of 50 percent as specified in the regulations at 45 CFR

§2521.60(b). To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that the proposed program is either located in a rural county or in a severely economically distressed community as defined in the Application

Instructions. Applicants that plan to request an alternative match schedule must submit a request by May

1, 2015 directly to ACAlternateMatchScheduleRequests@cns.gov.

Match Waiver Requests

Indian Tribal Government programs are subject to the same matching requirements. However, in accordance with Executive Order 13175, “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal

Governments,” the Corporation may expedite approving waivers of matching requirements. Tribal governments that require a waiver must submit a written request by May 1, 2015 to

TribalMatchWaiver@cns.gov.

The request for a waiver of a match requirement for an NCSA grant program shall be submitted in writing and addressed to the Office of Grants Management. The waiver must include the following:

A statement that the grantee’s match requirement cannot be met due to a lack of available financial resources at the local level.

A concise explanation of what steps the grantee has taken to raise match or ascertain its future ability to raise match.

A statement of how much of the match has been/is expected to be raised.

A request for a specific amount of match to be waived.

Any other information that may be helpful in considering this application.

Upon receipt of an application for a waiver of a match requirement the assigned grants official in the

Office of Grants Management shall review the request, seeking clarification from the applicant as needed.

If the waiver is approved in whole or in part, the assigned grants official shall:

Revise the budget in eGrants to reflect the new match amount.

Execute an amendment to the award, if needed.

Document the decision in the official grant file.

Notify the applicant in writing of the decision (this can be incorporated into the Notice of Grant

Award for new awards).

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Organizations should refer to the CNCS website to obtain the necessary information to apply.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

What are the steps to apply?

Submit a request for an alternative match schedule or match waiver, if applicable

Submit a Notice of Intent (optional)

Get a DUNS number

Establish an eGrants account

Write a high quality application responsive to the Notice

Provide required supplemental materials via email, if applicable

Submit the application via eGrants by the deadline

How to Submit an Application in eGrants

Applicants must submit their applications electronically via the CNCS web-based system, eGrants.

Because it is a unique system, it is recommended that applicants create an eGrants account and begin the mailto:ACAlternateMatchScheduleRequests@cns.gov mailto:TribalMatchWaiver@cns.gov application creation process at least three weeks before the deadline. Applicants should draft the application as a word document and copy and paste the document into the appropriate eGrants fields no later than 10 days before the deadline. Please note the length of a document in word processing software may be different than what will print out in eGrants.

Contact the National Service Hotline at 800-942-2677 or https://questions.nationalservice.gov/app/ask if a problem arises while creating an account or while preparing or submitting an application in eGrants.

National Service Hotline hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. If you contact the Hotline, be prepared to provide the application ID, organization name, and the Notice to which your organization is applying.

If technical issues prevent an applicant from submitting an application on time, please contact the

National Service Hotline prior to the deadline to explain the technical issue and receive a ticket number. If the issue cannot be resolved by the deadline, the applicant must continue working with the National

Service Hotline to submit via eGrants.

An application is only complete if it includes all required documentation and is received by the application due date. Incomplete applications will not be considered. All additional required documents should include the applicant organization name and Application ID number at the top of the page and are due by the application deadline at AdditionalDocuments@cns.gov. Emails should include in the Subject line, the applicant organization name and Application ID number.

Additional documents may include (if applicable): evaluation reports and up to two evaluation briefs, reports, and/or peer reviewed articles if the applicant has a moderate or strong evidence base.

If extenuating circumstances make the use of eGrants impossible, applicants may send a hard copy of the application and include a cover letter detailing the circumstances that make it impossible to submit via eGrants to the address provided in Section IX. Agency Contacts, via overnight carrier. Applicants must use a non-U.S. Postal Service carrier because of security-related delays in receiving mail from the U.S.

Postal Service. All deadlines and requirements in this Notice apply to hard copy applications. CNCS does not accept applications submitted via fax or email.

In eGrants, before Starting Section I you will need to:

Start a new Grant Application

Select a Program Area (AmeriCorps)

Select a NOFA. The available NOFAs for the FY2015 competition are:

o AmeriCorps Indian Tribes (New and Continuation) o AmeriCorps Indian Tribes Fixed Amount (New and Continuation) o AmeriCorps Indian Tribes Planning Grants

Program Grant Application Fields and Page Limits – The following information applies to applicants submitting an AmeriCorps program grant. Applicants submitting a planning grant application should refer to page 14 of this Notice.

In eGrants, applicants will enter text in the following fields:

Executive Summary

Program Design

Organizational Capability

Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy

Evaluation Plan https://questions.nationalservice.gov/app/ask mailto:AdditionalDocuments@cns.gov

Applications may not exceed 15 pages for the Narratives including the Executive Summary and SF 424

Facesheet, as the pages print out from eGrants. CNCS strongly encourages applicants to print out the application from the “Review and Submit” page prior to submission to check that the application does not exceed the page limit. This limit does not include the narrative portion of the evaluation plan or the logic model, budget, performance measures, or the supplementary materials, if applicable. However, please note that there is a specific three-page limit maximum length for the logic model itself.

Reviewers will not consider submitted material that is over the page limit in the printed report, even if eGrants allows an applicant to enter and submit text over the limit. Do not submit other items not requested in the Notice or Application Instructions. CNCS will not review or return them.

Assessment Criteria

Each applicant must clearly describe a project that will deploy AmeriCorps members effectively to solve a significant community problem. CNCS urges applicants to submit high quality applications that carefully follow the guidance in this Notice and in the Application Instructions. The quality of an application will be an important factor in determining whether it will receive funding.

Threshold Issues

Applications should reflect that they meet the threshold requirements for the grant type for which they are applying. For example: If an applicant is applying for a Fixed Amount grant, the application should reflect that only full-time or less than full-time positions serving in a full-time capacity will be permitted.

If the proposed service activities require specialized member qualifications and/or training (for example, tutoring programs: 45 CFR §2522.910-.940), the applicant must clearly describe how the program will meet these requirements.

CNCS will assess an applicant’s strategic considerations. Applicants must check the relevant boxes in the

Performance Measure tab in eGrants in order to be considered for CNCS’ assessment of the strategic considerations. Applicants should only check the boxes if the strategic consideration is an intentional part of their program design and they have implementation strategies described in the application.

Application Fields

A. Executive Summary (Required - 0 percent)

Please fill in the blanks of these sentences to complete the Executive Summary.

The [Name of the tribe] proposes to have [Number of] AmeriCorps members who will [what the members will be doing] in [the locations the AmeriCorps members will serve]. At the end of the first program year, the AmeriCorps members will be responsible for [anticipated outcome of project]. In addition, the AmeriCorps members will leverage an additional [number of leveraged volunteers, if applicable] who will be engaged in [what the leveraged volunteers will be doing.]

This program will focus on the CNCS focus area(s) of [Focus Area(s)].* The CNCS investment of $[amount of request] will be matched with $[amount of projected match], $[amount of local, state, and federal funds] in public funding and $[amount of non-governmental funds] in private funding.

*If the program is not operating in a CNCS’ focus area, omit this sentence.

Fixed Amount grant applicants should list their leveraged resources because they are not required to provide a specific amount of match, but still must raise significant additional resources to operate the program.

CNCS will post all Executive Summaries of awarded grant applications on www.nationalservice.gov in the interest of transparency and Open Government.

B. Program Design (50 percent)

Reviewers will consider the quality of the application’s response to the criteria below. Do not assume all sub-criteria are of equal value.

1. Problem/Need (9 points)

The applicant clearly describes how the community need/problem is prevalent and severe in communities where members will serve and the need has been well documented with relevant data.

The applicant clearly describes how the community problem/need will be addressed by the program.

2. Theory of Change and Logic Model (17 points)

The applicant clearly describes the proposed intervention (service activities) including the roles of

AmeriCorps members and (if applicable) the roles of leveraged volunteers.

The applicant clearly describes how the intervention is likely to lead to the outcomes identified in the applicant’s theory of change.

The applicant clearly describes how the AmeriCorps members will produce significant and unique contributions to existing efforts to address the stated problem.

The logic model shall depict:

Logical alignment of all elements.

A summary of the community problem outlined in the narrative.

The inputs or resources that are necessary to deliver the intervention, including:

o Number of locations or sites where members will provide services o Number of AmeriCorps members that will deliver the intervention

The core activities that define the intervention or program model that members will implement or deliver, including:

o The duration of the intervention (e.g., the total number of weeks, sessions or months of the intervention).

o The dosage of the intervention (e.g., the number of hours per session or sessions per week.)

o The target population for the intervention (e.g., disconnected youth, third graders at a certain reading proficiency level, description of who/what is being served).

The measurable outputs that result from delivering the intervention (i.e. number of beneficiaries from the target population served.) Identify which National Performance Measures or other measures will be used as output indicators.

Outcomes that demonstrate changes in knowledge/skill, attitude, behavior, or condition that occur as a result of the intervention.

The logic model shall be no more than three pages in length.

Programs may include short, medium, or long-term outcomes in the logic model. While performance measure outcomes should be consistent with the program’s theory of change, programs are not required to measure all outcomes that are included in the logic model. The Logic Model should identify which

National Performance Measures will be used as outcome indicators.

Applicants with multiple interventions should complete one Logic Model chart which incorporates each intervention.

3. Evidence Base (8 points)

Applicants will be awarded up to 8 points for providing evidence that their proposed intervention will lead to the outcomes identified in the theory of change. Applicants shall provide a description of the http://www.nationalservice.gov/ studies and evaluations conducted that provide evidence that the proposed intervention is effective for the proposed population and community challenge, and should describe how this evidence places them in one of the five evidence levels listed below. Applicants must fully describe how they meet the requirement of that level, using results from studies and evaluations. Applicants are strongly encouraged to describe the evidence that supports the strongest evidence tier, and all relevant evidence presented must be included in this section. This section must include specific citations of studies and/or evaluation and research reports.

Applicants classifying their evidence as Moderate or Strong must submit up to two studies, evaluation reports, briefs, or peer-reviewed articles cited in this section as separate attachments. Studies should be sent to AdditionalDocuments@cns.gov by the application deadline and include in the subject line the application ID and “evaluation studies.”

For each report cited, include the date of the report, a description that shows its relevancy to the proposed program model, the methodology used in the study, and the strength of the findings (e.g. confidence level.)

For current grantees that are required to submit an evaluation report: The evaluation report will be considered as part of the evidence base of the program. Grantees may opt to include that evaluation report as one of the two studies, or submit two separate studies in addition to the evaluation report. In the latter case, all three studies will be reviewed against this criterion.

Reviewers will assess one of the five tiered evidence levels as follows:

No evidence (0 points): The applicant has not provided evidence that they have collected any qualitative or quantitative data to date.

Pre-preliminary evidence (1 point): The applicant presents evidence that it has collected quantitative or qualitative data from program staff, program participants, or beneficiaries that have been used for program improvement, performance measurement reporting, and/or tracking. An example could be gathering feedback from program participants following their receipt of the intervention.

Preliminary evidence (2 points): The applicant presents an initial evidence base that can support conclusions about the program’s contribution to observed outcomes. The evidence base consists of at least one non-experimental study conducted on the proposed program (or another similar program that uses a comparable intervention). A study that demonstrates improvement in program beneficiaries over time on one or more intended outcomes OR an implementation (process evaluation) study used to learn and improve program operations would constitute preliminary evidence. Examples of research that meet the standards include: 1) outcome studies that track program beneficiaries through a service pipeline and measure beneficiaries’ responses at the end of the program; and 2) pre- and post-test research that determines whether beneficiaries have improved on an intended outcome.

Moderate evidence (4 points): The applicant presents a reasonably developed evidence base that can support causal conclusions for the specific program proposed by the applicant with moderate confidence.

The evidence base consists of one or more quasi-experimental studies conducted on the proposed program

(or another similar program that uses a comparable intervention) with positive findings on one or more intended outcomes OR two or more non-experimental studies conducted on the proposed program with positive findings on one or more intended outcomes OR one or more experimental studies of another relevant program that uses a similar intervention. Examples of research that meet the standards include:

well-designed and well-implemented quasi-experimental studies that compare outcomes between the group receiving the intervention and a matched comparison group (i.e. a similar population that does not receive the intervention).

Strong evidence (8 points): The applicant presents an evidence base that can support causal conclusions for the specific program proposed by the applicant with the highest level of confidence. This consists of one or more well-designed and well-implemented experimental studies conducted on the proposed program with positive findings on one or more intended outcomes.

The description of evidence in this section should include as much detailed information as possible.

Applicants are advised to focus on presenting high-quality evidence from their strongest studies rather than only cursory descriptions of many studies. Reviewers will examine criteria that may include: a) how closely the program model evaluated in the studies matches the one proposed by the applicant; b) the methodological quality of the studies presented (e.g., statistical power, internal and/or external validity, sample size, etc.); c) the recency of the studies, with a preference towards studies that have been conducted within the last six years; and d) strength of the findings, with preference given to findings that show a large and persistent positive effect on participants demonstrated with confidence levels.

4. Notice Priority (3 points)

The applicant clearly describes how its proposed program is within one or more of the 2015

AmeriCorps funding priorities as outlined on page 3.

Not applicable if program is not proposing to work in one of the focus areas described on page 3.

5. Member Training (4 points)

The applicant clearly describes how members will receive high quality training to provide effective service.

The applicant clearly describes how members and volunteers will be aware of, and will adhere to, the rules including prohibited activities.

6. Member Supervision (3 points)

The applicant clearly describes how supervisors will be adequately trained/prepared to follow

AmeriCorps and program regulations, priorities, and expectations.

The applicant clearly describes how supervisors will provide members with excellent guidance and support throughout their service.

7. Member Experience (3 points)

The applicant clearly describes how AmeriCorps members will have access to meaningful service experiences and opportunities for reflection.

The applicant clearly describes how AmeriCorps members will have opportunities to establish connections with each other and the broader National Service network to build esprit de corps.

members

The applicant clearly describes how the program will recruit AmeriCorps members from the communities in which the programs operate.

The applicant clearly describes how AmeriCorps members will gain skills and experience as a result of their training and service that can be valuable to future employers after their service term is completed.

The applicant clearly describes how AmeriCorps members will develop an ethic of and skills for active and productive citizenship including continuing to engage in public and community service after their AmeriCorps term.

8. Commitment to AmeriCorps Identification (3 points)

The applicant clearly describes how members will know they are AmeriCorps members.

The applicant clearly describes how the staff and community members where the members are serving will know they are AmeriCorps members.

The applicant clearly describes how AmeriCorps members will be provided with and will wear service gear that prominently displays the AmeriCorps logo daily.

C. Organizational Capability (25 percent)

Reviewers will consider the quality of the application’s response to the following criteria below. Do not assume all sub-criteria are of equal value.

1. Organizational Background and Staffing (7 points/10 points for new applicants)

The applicant clearly describes how it has the experience, staffing, and management structure to plan and implement the proposed program.

The applicant clearly describes how it has adequate experience administering AmeriCorps grants or other federal grants.

The applicant clearly describes how it has sufficiently engaged community members and partner organizations in planning and implementing its intervention.

2. Compliance and Accountability (11 points/15 points for new applicants)

The applicant clearly describes how in implementation and management of its AmeriCorps program, it will prevent and detect compliance issues.

The applicant clearly describes how it will hold itself, subgrantees, and service site locations (if applicable) accountable if instances of risk or noncompliance are identified.

The applicant clearly describes how it will comply with AmeriCorps rules and regulations including those related to prohibited and unallowable activities at the grantee, subgrantee, and service site locations (if applicable). The prohibited activities (45 CFR §§ 2520.65) can be accessed here:

http://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/page/AmeriCorps_Regulations_9_11_13.pdf

3. Past Performance for Current Grantees and Former Grantees Only (7 points for recompeting applicants): Any applicant that has received competitive or state formula funding for the same project in any of the past three years must address this criteria.

The applicant clearly describes how it has met performance measurement targets during the last three years of program operations, or, if not, has an adequate corrective action plan in place.

The applicant clearly describes how it achieved 100% member enrollment, in the most recent full year of program operations, or if not, has an adequate corrective action plan in place.

The applicant clearly describes how it achieved 100% member retention, in the most recent full year of program operations, or, if not, has an adequate corrective action plan in place.

The applicant clearly describes any compliance issues or areas of weakness/risk identified during the last three years of program operations (if applicable) and describes an effective corrective action plan that was implemented.

D. Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy (25 percent)

Reviewers will consider the quality of the application’s response to the following criteria below. Do not

1. Cost Effectiveness (18 points)

The budget is sufficient to carry out the program effectively.

The budget aligns with the applicant’s narrative.

The program design is cost effective and the benefits justify the cost.

The applicant has raised or describes an adequate plan to raise non-CNCS resources to fully support the program. This applies to Fixed Amount and Cost Reimbursement grants.

The applicant, if recompeting, has a lower cost per Member Service Year (MSY – see Glossary) than approved in previous grants, or provides a compelling rationale for the same or increased cost including why this increase could not be covered by the grantee share.

Having a low Cost Per Member Service year (MSY) is a competitive advantage. New applicants that propose a low cost per MSY and recompeting applicants that submit with a lower cost per MSY than http://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/page/AmeriCorps_Regulations_9_11_13.pdf previously funded may receive higher priority for funding. Applicants requesting a higher cost per MSY than in previous years must justify their requests. If an applicant requests above the maximum cost per

MSY (see Section 5.C.), it must justify its request.

2. Budget Adequacy (7 points)

Budget is submitted without mathematical errors.

Budget is submitted with adequate information to assess how each line item is calculated.

Budget is in compliance with the budget instructions.

Applicants must fill out the budget and ensure the following information is included:

Identify the non-CNCS funding and resources necessary to support the project.

Indicate the amount of non-CNCS resource commitments, type of commitments (in-kind and/or cash) and the sources of these commitments.

E. Evaluation Plan (Required for recompeting grantees - 0 percent)

If the applicant is competing for the first time, please enter N/A in the Evaluation Plan field since it pertains only to recompeting grantees. If the applicant is recompeting for AmeriCorps funds for the first time (see definition of “recompeting” below) the program must submit its evaluation plan in the

Evaluation Plan field in eGrants. If the applicant is recompeting for a subsequent time, the program must submit its evaluation report via email to AdditionalDocuments@cns.gov by the application deadline, as well as an evaluation plan for the next three-year period in the Evaluation Plan field in eGrants.

Evaluation plans must include the following:

A description of the theory of change, or why the proposed intervention is expected to produce the proposed results.

Clear and measurable outcomes that are aligned with the theory of change and will be assessed during the evaluation.

Concrete research questions (or hypotheses) that are clearly connected to the outcomes.

A proposed research design for the evaluation.

Qualifications needed for the evaluator.

The estimated budget for evaluating the program.

The evaluation requirements differ depending on the amount of the grant, as described in 45 CFR

§2522.710:

If the applicant has an average annual CNCS program grant of $500,000 or more, it must arrange for an external evaluation of the program, and it must submit the evaluation with any subsequent application to CNCS for competitive funds as required in §2522.730 of this subpart.

If the applicant has an average annual CNCS program grant of less than $500,000 it must conduct an internal or an external evaluation of the program, and it must submit the evaluation with any subsequent application to CNCS for competitive funds as required in §2522.730 of this subpart.

A program will be considered a recompeting application if it satisfies the CNCS definition of “same project” (see Glossary) and has been funded competitively for at least one complete three-year cycle. If the project satisfies the definition of same project and the applicant has completed one three-year cycle, it will be required to submit an evaluation plan. If the project satisfied the definition of same project and the applicant has completed two or more three-year cycles, the applicant will be required to submit an evaluation report as well as an evaluation plan. If the project does not satisfy the definition of recompeting, it will not be required to submit an evaluation plan, summary, or completed evaluation.

The Evaluation Plan field of eGrants does not count towards the page limit of the application; however, it does have a set character limit. Applicants should print out the report to ensure the narrative is not cut off.

Grantees with an average annual CNCS program grant of $500,000 or more that are recompeting for funds are eligible to apply for approval of an alternative evaluation approach. Grantees requesting approval of an alternative evaluation approach should submit a request for approval of an alternative evaluation approach along with their evaluation plan in the Evaluation Summary or Plan field in eGrants.

The request should clearly explain: (a) the evaluation constraints faced by the program, (b) why the proposed approach is the most rigorous option feasible, and (c) how the proposed alternative approach will help the grantee build their evidence base. Evaluation plans should include, at a minimum, the required elements listed in this Notice. The evaluation plan must be consistent with the information submitted in the competitive funding application and in the request for approval of an alternative evaluation approach. More information on alternative evaluation approaches can be found at:

https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/files/guidance_for_grantees_approval_of_alternative_evaluatio n_approach.pdf.

F. Amendment Justification (0 percent)

Enter N/A. This field will be used if the applicant is awarded a grant and needs to amend it.

G. Clarification Information (0 percent)

Enter N/A. This field will be used to enter information that requires clarification in the post-review period.

H. Continuation Changes (0 percent)

Enter N/A. This field will be used to enter changes in the application narratives in continuation requests.

Planning Grant Application Fields and Page Limits

If you are applying for a Planning Grant, you will need to complete the following sections in eGrants:

Executive Summary

Program Design

Organizational Capability

Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy

You may not exceed 10 double-spaced pages in the Narratives, including the Executive Summary and

Cover Page, as the pages print out from eGrants. Reviewers will not consider material submitted over the page limit, even if eGrants allows you to enter and submit text over the limit. From the Review and

Submit page, print out your application prior to final submission to ensure it is not over the 10 page limit.

This limit does not include the budget and performance measures.

Selection Criteria

A. Executive Summary (fill in the blanks) (0 percent):

The [Name of the tribe] proposes to develop an AmeriCorps program serving in [the location(s) the

AmeriCorps program will serve] that will focus on the CNCS focus area(s) of [Focus Area(s)]. The

CNCS investment of $[amount of request] will be matched with $[amount of projected match], $[amount of local, state, and federal funds] in public funding and $[amount of non-governmental funds] in private funding. No AmeriCorps members will be needed to execute this plan.

Each applicant must clearly describe a plan and timeline for developing a project that will subsequently be able to deploy AmeriCorps members effectively to solve a significant community problem. We urge your organization to submit a high quality planning grant application following the guidance in this

Notice carefully. The quality of your application will be an important factor in determining whether your organization will receive funding.

https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/files/guidance_for_grantees_approval_of_alternative_evaluation_approach.pdf https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/files/guidance_for_grantees_approval_of_alternative_evaluation_approach.pdf

B. Program Design (50 percent) Reviewers will consider the quality of the application’s response to the following criteria below. Do not

1. Problem/Need (15 points):

The applicant provides a clear explanation for why a planning grant is needed and what will be achieved during the one year planning period.

The applicant clearly describes how the community need/problem is prevalent and severe in communities where the program plans to serve and the need has been well documented with relevant data.

The applicant clearly describes how it will develop an AmeriCorps program that will be able to address the community problem/need that the program plans to address in the future.

The applicant provides a preliminary description of how AmeriCorps members might be used to meet the identified community need.

2. Planning Process/Timeline (35 points):

The applicant describes a clear and logical planning process, including:

o A detailed description of the planning process and who is leading it.

o A well-developed timeline for planning activities.

o A clear description of how the planning period will be used to develop the necessary components to effectively manage an AmeriCorps program in the future.

The applicant includes development of the following program elements in the planning process/timeline:

o Theory of Change/Logic Model o Evidence base for the intervention o Member selection and training plan o Member supervision plan o Commitment to AmeriCorps Identity o Compliance and Accountability o Securing Match Support for the Program

C. Organizational Capability (25 percent) Reviewers will consider the quality of the application’s response to the following criteria below. Do not

1. Organizational Background and Staffing(25 points)

The applicant clearly describes how it has the experience, staffing, and management structure to plan the proposed program.

The applicant clearly describes how it has relevant experience administering federal grants or other grant funds.

The applicant clearly describes its prior experience in the…