List of Q&A 2025.pdf

Question & Answer List 2024 CARSI ESF Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity: BH200-24-GR-200-WHA Issued: November 22, 2024 Deadline: February 4th, 2025

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.

2. Do programs have to start in June, or can they start in January 2026 and run till December of 2026 (fiscal year of the organization)?

As per the NOFO, if the project is approved, you must be ready to start implementation June 2, 2025.

3. If our SAM.gov registration will expire in November 2025, 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.

4. What is the maximum time for implementation?

The project should be implemented within two years, max.

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

Yes, the goal is to improve governance.

6. What is the Unique Entity ID and do I need a UEI and SAM registration to qualify?

The Unique Entity ID is a 12- number code used to identify entities doing business with the U.S.

Government. Yes, a UEI and active SAM.gov registration is needed to apply. UEI is like your organization Identification number.

7. Can we purchase vehicles with project funds?

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Are there geographic restrictions or requirements for this grant (e.g., must applicants be in a specific region or country)?

Project must be implemented in and benefit Belize

11. Can individuals apply for this grant, or is it only available to organizations?

Opportunity is open to organizations only

12. What is the typical timeline for the entire grant review process, from application submission to decision notification?

The review timeline for this cycle is from February 4 (deadline for applications) to June 2 as the anticipated project start date.

13. Is there an application form or template that must be followed, and where can it be accessed?

There is no application form, however, there is a budget template and budget narrative template that must be used. Sample templates are also available for monitoring and evaluation plan

14. What criteria will be used to evaluate grant applications and who is involved in the decision-making process?

The evaluation criteria are included in the NOFO on page 17. Applications are reviewed by a technical committee.

15. Are there any specific goals or outcomes you expect from grant recipients?

The projects must align with one of the three listed NOFO objectives. The NOFO also includes required outcome indicators for which the applicants are expected to identify targets based on what can be reasonably achieved.

16. Are matching funds or co-funding from other sources required or preferred?

Matching funds nor co-funding is not required. If provided, the applicant is required to meet that commitment by the end of the project.

17. Are there any preferences or priorities for projects addressing specific social, economic, or environmental issues (e.g., climate change, racial equity, poverty alleviation)?

The NOFO provides several potential project ideas/activities but not limited to what is outlined within.

18. Could you please clarify whether the total number of allowed pages for the “Attachment” section of the proposal is 9 or 7 pages?

The page limit for the attachment section is 9 pages

19. Could you please provide a definition for a Civil Society Organization (CSO)? Are Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) considered within the scope of CSOs.

A Civil Society Organization (CSO) is defined as a non-governmental organization that operates in the public interest. CBOs are also considered a subset of CSOs.

20. Is it possible to offer a portion of supportive program facilitation and join forces with others you select for different elements? Or is it necessary to secure a team to execute all deliverables sought in advance of submission?

Only legally registered non-profit NGOs/civil society organizations, academic institutions, or public international organizations are eligible for this funding opportunity; individuals are not eligible.

Multiple organizations can collaborate to implement different components of a program, but there must be one primary organization that submits the proposal and administers the grant if selected.

Things to remember:

1. www.grants.gov – find the full NOFO, apply and submit applications

2. www.SAM.gov – find or register for a Unique Entity Identification # and update or register for SAM

3. BelmopanCARSIESF@state.gov – to email question or concerns

4. https://bz.usembassy.gov/education/#grant - find more information about the CARSI-ESF program

5. Eligibility requirements:

a. Legally registered

b. Not-for-profit organization

c. Civil society or non-governmental organizations (local or international)

d. U.S. and overseas-based public and private institutions of higher education

e. Public International organizations http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:BelmopanCARSIESF@state.gov https://bz.usembassy.gov/education/#grant