Application Notes:

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 17, 2024.

Applications must be submitted online at www.ecivis.com/grants.gov.

Applications must include:

• Project narrative:
  • Table of contents
  • Project summary (1 page max)
  • Project narrative
  • Line-item budget and budget narrative
• Attachments:
  • Indirect cost agreement (if applicable)
  • Legal proof of nonprofit status (if applicable)
  • Additional eligibility documentation
  • Organizational capacity supporting information
  • Third-party agreements
  • Letters of support
  • Evidence of site control
  • Financial documentation
  • Market research and data
  • Evidence of participating business commitment to quality jobs
• Other required forms:
  • SF 424
  • SF 424A (if applicable)
  • SF 424B (if applicable)
  • SF 424C (if applicable)
  • SF 424D (if applicable)
  • SF LLL (if applicable)
  • Key contacts
  • Grants.gov lobbying form
  • Project/performance site location(s)

Applications must be submitted as two files plus the other required forms. The first file must include the project narrative, and the second file must include all attachments. File one and file two combined are limited to 200 pages, not including the evidence of site control. Applications must be formatted on standard-sized pages using one-inch margins and a 12-point Times New Roman font; however, a 10-point font may be used for footnotes and text in tables and graphics. If possible, page numbers should be included. The table of contents and project summary must be single-spaced. The project narrative must be double-spaced. The line-item budget, budget narrative, and attachments may be single-spaced, as may tables and footnotes throughout the application. The funding agency recommends that files be in .pdf format; however, the funding agency also supports the file formats listed on page 20 of the NOFA file.

The following are required in order to submit an application:

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number
• SAM (System for Award Management) registration
• SPOC (state Single Point of Contact) notification

Applicants may obtain a UEI number and verify or renew SAM registration status at www.ecivis.com/sam. Applicants in states participating in the SPOC program must contact the relevant SPOC listed in the SPOC file before applying.

The recording of a pre-application presentation can be viewed online at www.acf.hhs.gov.

Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Need for assistance (2 points)
• Objective and expected outcomes (3 points)
• Approach (12 points0
• Business plan - participating business viability (15 points)
• Business plan - high-quality job creation (15 points)
• Business plan - barrier reduction support services (15 points)
• Business plan - community revitalization (15 points)
• Organizational capacity (10 points)
• Letters of support (3 points)
• Project budget and budget justification information (10 points)
• Bonus points (15 points)

Additional details regarding criteria for bonus points can be found on pages 54-57 of the NOFA file.

Refer to the NOFA file for additional application information.

Match Notes:

Matching funds are not required for this program; however, the inclusion of matching funds will be considered during application review. Applicants that choose to include matching funds will be held accountable for any funds added, including through reporting.

Funding Notes:

An estimated $13.6 million is available through this program to support an expected 17 awards ranging from $100,000 to $800,000.

Projects must create at least the minimum number of jobs for the amount of the requested award. Refer to pages 71-73 of the NOFA file for a table with examples of the minimum number of jobs based on specific award amounts. Priority will not be given to applications that propose jobs above the required minimum.

The expected award date is August 30, 2024. Award notifications will be issued by September 30, 2024.

For projects not involving construction, the project period is 36 months with one 36-month budget period. For projects involving construction, the project period is 48 months with one 48-month budget period. Both types of projects must be ready to be implemented at the time of award and completed during the assigned project period.

Funds may not be used for:

• Pre-award costs
• Subawards/pass-throughs
• Capitalizing loan loss reserve funds
• Providing loans in which repayment begins after the end of the funded project period
• Creating or expanding microenterprise business training and technical assistance centers
• Providing as a primary activity job training, placement of individuals into existing positions, and technical assistance
• Placing individuals in jobs that existed prior to the proposed project

For FY 2022, more than $16 million was distributed via 22 awards ranging from $200,000 to $800,000 through this program. For FY 2021, 20 awards ranging from $325,000 to $800,000 were distributed. Refer to the Award file for details.

June 5, 2024
A revised full solicitation for this program has been released and attached as the NOFA file.

May 23, 2024
A list of answers to frequently asked questions regarding this program has been released and attached as the FAQ file. The Eligibility and Financial sections have been updated accordingly.

May 20, 2024
A recording of the webinar for this program has been released, and a link to the presentation is available in the Application section.