q&as (updated on april 10).docx

1. How can I get more information on this grant?

The detailed information of 2015 CARSI ESF Grants is on grants.gov. You should be able to find everything about this grant opportunity in the Notice of Funding Opportunity “full announcement” under the “related document” tab on grants.gov.

2. Could a for-profit organization or for-profit educational institution apply for this grant?

No. Per the NOFO eligibility, only the following may apply: U.S. or overseas-based non-governmental and non-profit organizations (NGOs), Public International Organizations (PIOs) and Non-Profit Educational Institutions.

3. Can a current grant recipient respond to the 2015 CARSI ESF NOFO?

Yes, this NOFO is opened to all eligible organizations and individuals. However, applicants must ensure that the new proposal focuses on responding to this year’s NOFO and the project objectives listed.

4. What are the required documents to fulfil the eligibility requirements? Do we need to prove that we are eligible?

All application requirements and documents needed are listed on the NOFO. Per the NOFO, applicants must complete forms SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B. Applicants may find links to these forms here, or on the application package under the grants.gov notice (http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=275213). Applicants must also submit a cover sheet, table of contents, executive summary, proposal narrative, budget narrative, line-item budget, and additional attachments. Please refer them to the NOFO for additional details. Applicants do not need to submit any additional documentation.

5. Can the target group considered “marginalized communities” be comprised of Belizeans older than the age range of 18 to 25 years old?

No, the projects should be focused on at-risk youth between the stated ages in the NOFO.

6. Does the proposed program have to be in Belmopan or can it be throughout Belize?

The proposed program does not have to be in Belmopan. The program can involve communities in different areas of Belize. However, applicants should do proper research about Belize prior to setting out the goals to ensure that the plan will be feasible.

7. Can a portion of the funds be used to grant startup funding for business initiatives for the intended beneficiaries?

In most cases, the answer is no. If sub-grant startup funding is absolutely essential to the project, the applicant should clarify what the costs would be (and that they’re allowable), what mechanism would be used to provide the cost (e.g., a sub-grant), how the implementer would track the use of the supplies, etc.

8. Is there any other way for us to submit our application if not through grants.gov?

All the application packages need to be submitted through grants.gov. This is the only way that your proposal can be received and reviewed.

9. What is the proper procedure to upload the application documents?

Please kindly follow the instructions given in the grant Application Package and the NOFO.

10. Who was awarded the grant last year? How much was awarded?

The recipients of last year are:

· Belmopan Active Youth (BAY); Job Creation and Entrepreneurship Development

· Caracol – Youth Community Development; Education, training and Employment for the Youth-Oriented Sector in the Belize-Guatemala Adjacency Zone

· Just US Inc. Job; Creation For AT Risk Neighborhoods in Belize

· Love Foundation; Summer Arts Academy & After School Program

· National Kriol Council; Bridging The Gap to Safer Communities through Education

· PathLight International; Youth Education and Leadership Training - Cayo District

· YWCA International; Creating A Safe Space Agenda: To increase and maintain productivity of girls and youths.

The awarded funds to these organizations are between $100,000 to $400,000.