EJIG Option 1_FAQs.docx

Notice of Funding Opportunity Elder Justice Innovation Grants- FY2024

HHS-2024-ACL-AOA-EJIG-0011

Information Call Overview & Frequently Asked Questions

April 25, 2024

On April 25, 2024, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services held an informational call about the Elder Justice Innovation Grants funding opportunity (HHS-2024-ACL-AOA-EJIG-0011). Below is a summary of the information shared and a set of “Frequently Asked Questions” related to this funding opportunity.

The topics addressed below highlight information from this Notice of Funding Opportunity. This document is not a complete overview of the funding announcement, and prospective applicants should review the announcement closely for complete details. All referenced pages numbers correspond to those found in the lower right-hand corner of the Notice of Funding Opportunity announcement’s PDF.

I. General Information

· This opportunity is a full and open competition. Additional eligibility information can be found starting on Page 9. Applicants are also required to meet the responsiveness and screening criteria, which are listed on Pages 10-11 of the announcement.

II. Key Dates

· Letters of Intent (Page 13): requested by May 16, 2024.

· Letters of Intent are not required and need only be provided in the form of an email stating an intent to apply.

· Letters of Intent should be sent via email to Eden Ruiz-Lopez, Aging Services Program Specialist (Eden.Ruiz-Lopez@acl.hhs.gov).

· Applications are due by 11:59 PM ET on June 18, 2024.

III. Award Information

· Up to or approximately five (5) Cooperative Agreements will be awarded, ranging potentially from $350,000 to $500,000, per year, for a 24-month period.

· These awards will support new and existing elder shelter models across the country in addressing emergency and transitional supportive housing needs and wrap around services for older adults, including those with disabilities, experiencing abuse, neglect and/or exploitation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Q: “Does [my proposed activity] fit in the with the NOFO?”

A: Please look at the Funding Opportunity Description, starting on Page 4 to understand the purpose of this funding and review the scoring criteria on Page 23 to consider whether a reviewer reading your application will think your idea is responsive.

2. Q: Is my organization and/or agency qualified to apply to this NOFO?

A: Please refer to the following to understand the eligibility and qualifications for this opportunity:

· Page 9 under section “III.1 Eligibility Information” that indicates all who may apply.

· Page 4 section “I. Funding Opportunity Description” to understand the purpose of this opportunity.

· Page 10 section “III. 3. Responsiveness and Screening Criteria” that indicates the knowledge and capacity applicant organizations should have.

· Page 17 under section “IV.2 content and Form of Application Submission”, “Organizational Capacity” that describes the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities applicants should have to carry out the proposed project.

3. Q: Do the “state governments” eligible to apply for each type of EJI grant include those of Washington D.C., American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands?

A: Yes, per page 9 of 44 of the NOFO the eligibility is not restricted: "Domestic public or private non-profit entities including state and local governments, Indian tribal governments and organizations (American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native American), faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, and institutions of higher education."

4. Q: The opportunity lists several activities. Do I have to do all of those? What if we want to do just two, or add our own?

A: Yes, the opportunity clearly states in the funding opportunity description starting on Page 5 and on Page 15 under the “Proposed Approach, Proposed Activities” subsection that applicants must describe how they will carry out the five (5) required activities. At a minimum, proposals have to discuss and address all outlined activities. Applicants are free to propose more than the five, but, at a minimum, applications must include all five (5).

5. Q: Are there specific items that are not acceptable in the budget? For example, are construction costs allowable?

A: Refer to the Appendix section starting on Page 29 that outlines allowable costs, object class categories, and the Budget Narrative/Justification- Sample Format starting on Page 38. The Code of Federal Regulations 45 CFR part 75, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for HHS Awards describes what expenditures made by a non-Federal entity for a project or program for which a Federal award was received are allowable. Additionally, certain provisions of 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards provides information about expenditures for Federal awards. Specifically, construction costs are unallowable, per the Funding Restrictions section on Page 22 of the NOFO. If you have remaining questions on costs, please contact the Grants Management Specialist assigned to this funding opportunity, identified on Page 28.

6. Q: Where can more information be obtained about meeting match, cost sharing, or in-kind contributions?

A: Please refer to the “Cost Sharing or Matching” section found on Page 10 for more detailed guidance. If you have additional questions on match, please contact the Grants Management Specialist assigned to this funding opportunity, identified on Page 28.

7. Q: For the purposes of this opportunity, how are "older adults" defined?

A: This funding opportunity is authorized under two pieces of legislation; specifically the Older Americans Act (OAA) and Elder Justice Act (EJA). Both define an “older individual” as “an individual who is 60 years of age 60 or older”. For this funding opportunity, therefore, "elder" and "older" mean “an individual who is 60 years of age 60 or older”.

8. Q. Does the parenthetical phrase "including those with disabilities" mean that the grant cannot be used to serve adults who are not over 60 and live with disabilities?

A: When the announcement states this opportunity is to “support shelter models for older adults, including those with disabilities,” the parenthetical phrase is intended to remind or emphasize for applicants that some people over 60 have disabilities. The eligible population served is not limited to only those individuals who are 60 and over with a disability.