2023 CARSI Small Grant QA list.pdf

Question & Answer List 2023 CARSI ESF Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity: BH200-23-GR-200-WHA Application period: March 10 – May 11th, 2023 Deadline for Questions: April 21st, 2023

1. Is the NOFO opportunity only specific for Belize?

Yes. The project must benefit Belize.

2. If you already have a DUNS number and SAM registration, can you use those numbers to apply for the award?

The DUNS Number is no longer being used and is replaced by the Unique Entity ID. If you are already registered in sam.gov then you have already been assigned a Unique Entity ID. It is viewable on the entity registration record insam.gov. Click here additional guidance.

3. Are international (UK) for-profit organisations eligible for this opportunity as the grant lead?

For-profit entities are not eligible for CARSI-ESF funding.

4. Can Village Councils or government agencies be considered partner organizations?

Yes, we encourage collaboration with government entities.

5. How many partner organizations can be included for each proposal?

There is no limit to the number of partner organizations.

6. What documents are required indicating non-profit status in Belize?

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

7. Would a proposal for a wheelchair program for individuals with diabetes qualify?

Activities should be linked to the objectives outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity

8. 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, overseas-based NGOs, institutions of higher education, and public international organizations (PIOs); Belizean NGOs are strongly encouraged to apply.

9. Are Statutory Body’s eligible to apply?

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

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

Once a grant is approved funds are disbursed on a quarterly basis or as payment requests are submitted.

11. Is an established partnership with government agencies required?

https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0041254&sys_kb_id=875189f21bee8d54937fa64ce54bcbaa&spa=1

No, it is not a disqualifier. While a partnership is not required, we encourage applicants to form local partnerships and alliances with the relevant government entities.

12. 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 requirements with a valid Unique Entity ID to submit a proposal.

13. What format must be used in the proposal?

The NOFO includes the technical format requirement and explains which documents and sections must be included in the proposal submission. Click here for the proposal outline.

14. In the NOFO it says awarded funds cannot be used to provide social service. Can you tell me what this includes?

This opportunity cannot support food assistance programs/welfare program or any other direct social support programs.

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

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 Budget guidelines, which form a part of the NOFO documentation package for information regarding direct and indirect costs.

16. Are these single year or multiple year proposals?

The project period should not exceed two years.

17. Can this opportunity support program for youths?

Any program should be aligned with one of the three objectives outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

18. How do I submit my proposal? Do we fill forms online or we upload as attachments?

The complete proposal, forms included, should be submitted through grants.gov or emailed to BelmopanCARISEF@state.gov . The grants.gov system allows applicants to fill out the SF-424 and SF424A forms online and upload the rest of the proposal. If you are submitting via email, please be sure to complete and submit the required forms included in the related documents tab. For more information about applying to grants through grants.gov refer to the Grants.gov Online Help page.

19. Can an NGO submit more than one application/proposal?

An NGO can submit more than one proposal. However, only one award will be granted per applicant.

20. When is the deadline for applications?

The deadline for submission is May 11, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

Links for information session held on April 14th, 2023:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1264714267489214 https://usdos-my.sharepoint.com/personal/valeriocd_state_gov/Documents/Documents/CARSI%20ESF%20PLANNING%20STAGES/2022/Required%20forms/Project%20Proposal%20Template.pdf mailto:BelmopanCARISEF@state.gov https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm#t=GetStarted%2FGetStarted.htm https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1264714267489214