2024 CARSI Small Grant QA list.docx

Question & Answer List 2024 CARSI ESF Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity: BH200-23-GR-200-WHA Issued: Dec 8th – Feb 15th, 2024

1. 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 SAM registration to submit a proposal.

1. 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.

1. Are Statutory Body’s eligible to apply?

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

1. 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 once it is justified and will require the approval of the Grant Officer.

1. Would a grant proposal that covers training, equipment, and mobilization of people and resources for long-term fire management in protected areas be considered?

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

1. Do programs have to start in June, or can they start in January 2025 and run till December of 2025 (fiscal year of the organization)?

As per the NOFO, if the project is approved, you must be ready to start implementation June 1, 2024.

1. How many partner organizations can be included?

There is no limit to the number of partner organizations.

1. If our have a SAM.gov registration will expire in November 2024, can we still apply for a CARSI-ESF grant?

Yes, you can apply once you have an active SAM.gov registration at the time of the award. You are required to update your registration when it expires.

1. 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

1. What is the maximum time for implementation?

The project should be implemented within two years, max.

11. What is the grant award amount and is it in US or Belize Dollars?

Proposals should be for an amount between $150,000 and $250,000 and the funds are in US Dollars.

12. Who is considered a subgrantee/subrecipient?

A subrecipient is an entity/organization that receives a subaward to carry out specific activity within the overall scope of a grant on behalf of the main recipient.

13. Could an organization join efforts with a municipality, other government or other civil society organization.

Yes, the goal is to improve governance.

14. Is an established partnership with government agencies required?

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.

15. Are supporting documents needed?

Support letters are needed if the project makes mention of partner organizations.

16. Is the NOFO opportunity only specific for Belize?

Yes. The project must benefit and be implemented in Belize.

17. Can you provide direct assistance with SAM.gov and grant.gov registration process?

These platforms are external to the embassy so we are unable to provide assistance but please use the helpdesk and call/live chat features. For SAM.gov Call and Live Chat

18. 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 in sam.gov.

19. 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.

20. Do programs have to start in June, or can they start in January 2025 and run till December of 2025 (fiscal year of the organization)?

As per the NOFO, if the project is approved, you must be ready to start implementation June 1, 2024

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. Can we purchase vehicles with project funds?

Project funds cannot be used to purchase vehicles but renting is allowable with proper justification.