Q&As for FY27 Hixson RFA_BPM054527_1.9.26.pdf

Question & Answers

BHA25-027 / BPM054527

1.9.2026

SFY 2027 SHEILA E. HIXSON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM

Preface: Please make sure you are using the most recent version of the RFA. It was revised and uploaded on December 18, 2025.

Question #1: Will the 10-page limit for the Volume 1 - Project Narrative be expanded to include the request for new information in the SFY27 RFA?

Answer #1: No. The 10-page limit only applies to the Project Narrative (4.3.1.2). The Transmittal Letter, Credentials/Resumes, Work Plan or Letters of Support are not included in the 10 page limit, but are included in the Volume 1 - Project Narrative PDF document. Clarity was provided in the SFY27 RFA for requested items due to prior applicant responses. Each posting of this RFA has resulted in more applications to review, rank, and award in the same time frame.

Question #2: I want to clarify that any activity would have to be either a new program or an expansion of something that we're doing already. Is that correct?

Answer #2: Yes, that is correct. In section 3.2.2. G. of the RFA it states that “Program implementation is expected to expand existing operations or develop new services available to SMVF in Maryland.” In section 3.2.2. H. of the RFA it states that “Program implementation should not supplant existing services or operations.”

Question #3: Do we submit the budget in an Excel or PDF format?

Answer #3: The budget form is a fillable PDF. If you see a different version, you are using the wrong version from an earlier version of the RFA. Please download and use the RFA posted on December 18, 2025. The eMaryland Market Place (eMMA) can only utilize PDF documents.

Question #4: As a prior applicant, can we reuse our SFY26 RFA Letters of Support?

Answer #4: Yes, if they do not specify they are for the SFY26 RFA since this is the SFY27 RFA and your application should be different based on the answer to question #2.

Question #5: What are the biggest changes in the SFY27 RFA from the SFY26 RFA?

Answer #5:

(1) The maximum funding available to be requested is $225,000.

(2) Only 2 PDFs are permitted to be submitted in your application: Vol. 1 - Project Narrative and Vol 2 - Budget Narrative. Individual PDF files or folders of PDF files, zipped or otherwise, will not be accepted.

(3) The 10-page Project Narrative (section 4.3.1.2.) must be written following the format outlined.

(4) The Project Narrative (section 4.3.1.2.) must be numbered to show you have not exceeded the 10-page limit.

(5) Requesting your organization’s most recently filed 990 to be submitted.

Question #6: "The Hixson proposal puts a cap on indirect at 15%, however as with last year's addendum, there is a Maryland law that requires a NICRA approved indirect rate. I am wondering if you could provide clarity on this."

Answer #6: This award is not federally funded. After consulting leadership and counsel on the new State law (HB 300 / SB 127), the maximum Indirect Cost Rate allowed under this award is 15%.

Question #7: I am in the process of completing an application for the Hixson 2027 grant. I am finishing Volume 1, and I am looking at the Program Description which asks for "objectives and performances indicators for your current/proposed program (from the Work Plan-Attachment C)." Am I supposed to INCLUDE the formatted attachment in the document itself? In previous years, I had a table that provided this information, though it is now updated and I am unsure if I am to include this actual attachment in the document itself.

Answer #7: Per the RFA guidance inserted below, you are to (1) summarize the SMART goals, objectives, performance indicators, strategies and/or methods (from your Work Plan – Attachment C) you will use to measure and evaluate your success and (2) include the completed Work Plan – Attachment C document in the final Volume 1 PDF.

Section 4.3.1.2.E.3. states the following:

“SPECIFIC AND MEASURABLE PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES AND

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS: Briefly summarize your SMART goals, objectives and performance indicators for your current/proposed program (from the Work Plan - Attachment C). Include the strategies and/or methods you will use to measure and evaluate your success.”

Section 4.3.1.3.D. says to include the completed Work Plan Attachment C as part of the Volume 1 PDF document assembled in the order listed.

Question #8: We were awarded funds fort the FY26 Hixson grant. Since we applied in July 2025 we were able to demonstrate matching funds because we had awards letters for FY26 for multiple programs. Since the application process is starting early, we do not have award letters yet for FY2027 for any of our programs but our annual unrestricted contributions are triple the amount of $225,000. Can a copy of our FY2025 audit or form 990 count to demonstrate that we have matching funds? Otherwise I can include copies of unrestricted contributions that we have received in FY2026 that total up to $225,000. Can you think of anything else that would count towards the match documentation?

Answer #8: Per the RFA in section 3.2.1 General Requirements (posted below), there are many options to demonstrate your matching funds:

C. Secure commitments of contributions of an amount of money or other consideration at least equal in value to the amount of money being requested. Programs may demonstrate match eligibility by (1) providing documentation of a large monetary bequest, grant, or donations already raised; (2) submitting a copy of the prior year’s IRS 1099 to demonstrate the fundraising ability of the program’s ability to secure additional funding (up to the amount of the program's annual operating budget), and/or (3) submitting documentation of other consideration equal in value to the amount requested from the program such as donated operating space, committed volunteers, program income, or other in-kind contributions. All documentation related to matching funds must be dated no earlier than one year prior to the application submission date or must explicitly indicate that the funding or in-kind contributions will be provided during the grant period. All commitments must clearly specify the type and value of the contribution, including dollar amounts where applicable.

Question #9: Our 2025 990 will not be prepared by the due date of this RFA. Is our 2024 990 acceptable?

Answer #9: All documentation related to matching funds must be dated no earlier than one year prior to the application submission date or must explicitly indicate that the funding or in-kind contributions will be provided during the grant period