Office of Community Services; Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) Demonstration Program, 22331-22341 [05-8608]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Administration for Children and Families
• Children and Families Administration

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 82 (Friday, April 29, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22331-22341]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-8608]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Office of Community Services; Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) 
Demonstration Program

    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-OCS-EJ-0035.
    CFDA Number: 93.009.
    Due Date for Applications: Application is due June 13, 2005.
    Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families 
(ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) announces that applications 
will be accepted for new grants pursuant to the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS) Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) 
authorized under Section 1110 of the Social Security Act governing 
Social Services Research and Demonstration activities and the 
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005, Public Law 108-447.
    Pursuant to this announcement, ACF will award funds to experienced 
organizations to deliver capacity-building services to faith-based and 
community organizations through the provision of training, technical 
assistance, and sub-awards.
    Intermediary organizations will assist faith-based and community 
organizations with capacity-building activities in five critical areas: 
(1) Leadership development, (2) organizational development, (3) 
programs and services, (4) funding, and (5) community engagement. 
Capacity-building activities are designed to increase an organization's 
sustainability and effectiveness, enhance its ability to provide social 
services, diversify its funding sources, and create collaborations to 
better serve those most in need.

Priority Area I

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of 
Community Services (OCS) announces that applications will be accepted 
for new grants pursuant to the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS) Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) authorized under Section 
1110 of the Social Security Act governing Social Services Research and 
Demonstration activities and the Departments of Labor, Health and Human 
Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005, 
Pub. Law 108-447.
    Pursuant to this announcement, ACF will award funds to experienced 
organizations to deliver capacity-building services to faith-based and 
community organizations through the provision of training, technical 
assistance, and sub-awards.
    Intermediary organizations will assist faith-based and community 
organizations with capacity-building activities in five critical areas: 
(1) Leadership development, (2) organizational development, (3) 
programs and services, (4) funding, and (5) community engagement. 
Capacity-building activities are designed to increase an organization's 
sustainability and effectiveness, enhance its ability to provide social 
services, diversify its funding sources, and create collaborations to 
better serve those most in need.

A. Background

    Faith-based and community organizations have a long history of 
providing an array of important services to people in need in the 
United States. These organizations possess unique strengths that the 
government cannot duplicate. As a result, they are well positioned to 
assist individuals and families with the most pressing social service 
needs.
    In recognition of this history and ability, President Bush believes 
it is in the public's interest to broaden Federal efforts to work with 
faith-based and community organizations and has made improving funding 
opportunities for such organizations a priority. CCF is a key part of 
the effort to enhance and expand the participation of faith-based and 
community groups serving those in need. Intermediary organizations 
awarded funds under this announcement will serve as partners to both 
the Federal government and to the faith-based and community 
organizations that they assist. The intermediaries will represent a 
diverse set of affiliations, and will assist community-level 
organizations that have a range of service goals, target populations, 
affiliations, and beliefs.
    Historically, the CCF program has identified the following social 
service priorities: homelessness, prisoners reentering the community, 
children of prisoners, at-risk youth, addicts, elders in need, families 
in transition from welfare to work and organizations that provide 
marriage education and preparation services to help couples who choose 
marriage for themselves, develop the skills and knowledge to form and 
sustain healthy marriages. Although the CCF program has addressed 
issues of at-risk youth in the past, this year, President Bush has 
specifically identified the need to focus on helping at-risk youth 
overcome the perilous risk of gang influence and involvement. 
Consequently, those interested in proposing at-risk youth activities 
are encouraged to propose projects that address these critical youth 
issues.
    This announcement represents a new direction resulting from 
experience over the first three years of the CCF program. Consistent 
with the aim of a demonstration project, we intend to test innovative 
and creative approaches to grants in aid. Consequently, this 
announcement proposes a 17 month

[[Page 22332]]

project and budget period. These grants will be funded to cover an 
entire project and budget period. In addition, it should be noted that 
the amount required to be awarded by the intermediary grantees to sub-
awardees is 40 percent of the Federal share.

B. Program Purpose and Objectives

    The goal of the Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) Demonstration Program 
is to help grassroots faith-based and community organizations maximize 
their social impact as they provide services to those most in need 
including the homeless, prisoners reentering the community, children of 
prisoners, at-risk youth, addicts, elders in need, families in 
transition from welfare to work and couples who choose marriage for 
themselves, to develop the skills and knowledge to form and sustain 
healthy marriages.
    The CCF Demonstration Program provides funding for intermediary 
organizations in well-defined geographic locations with a proven track 
record of community involvement and experience in providing training 
and technical assistance to smaller faith- and community-based 
organizations in their communities. These intermediary organizations 
serve as a bridge between the Federal government and the grassroots 
faith-based and community organizations that the CCF Demonstration 
Program is designed to assist.
    The CCF Demonstration Program does not fund direct social service 
provision. Rather, the CCF Demonstration Program funds capacity-
building activities that produce measurable impact resulting in more 
sustainable organizations. By addressing issues that are critical to 
the long-term viability of non-profit organizations, faith-based and 
community organizations are better prepared and positioned to 
understand and meet the needs of their communities.
    ACF encourages applications from organizations that propose to work 
with and have experience working with faith-based and community 
organizations that historically have not been supported by governmental 
funds. Intermediaries must be established organizations with well-
developed connections to and working relationships with the non-profit 
community in the geographic area they propose to serve. In most cases, 
intermediaries or their partners will be physically located in the 
geographic area they propose to serve. In addition, for an intermediary 
organization to provide effective training and technical assistance in 
capacity building, they should demonstrate a cultural sensitivity that 
establishes credibility with their target audience of faith-based and 
community organizations in the geographic area they select.
    Intermediary organizations will provide two services within their 
communities:
    1. Capacity-building training and technical assistance to faith-
based and community organizations; and
    2. Financial support--through sub-awards--to some subset of the 
organizations receiving training and technical assistance.
Training and Technical Assistance
    ACF seeks intermediary organizations with demonstrated ability to 
provide training and technical assistance to faith-based and community 
organizations in five critical areas of capacity building: (1) 
Leadership development, (2) organizational development, (3) programs/
services, (4) funding, and (5) community engagement. Applicants must 
demonstrate the ability to provide training and technical assistance in 
all five areas of capacity building. This may be accomplished by a 
single organization, or through partnerships among several 
organizations. If organizations propose to collaborate to provide CCF 
intermediary services, they must have a well-developed working 
relationship and a history of working together prior to announcement of 
this funding opportunity.
    Applicants must submit a coherent plan for providing training and 
technical assistance in all five of the critical areas of capacity 
building. Training and technical assistance activities must produce 
measurable results for the organizations served. Examples of the kinds 
of activities that relate to each element are listed below. This list 
is intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Critical areas                          Examples
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Leadership Development....  --Board Composition and Function
                               --Staff Professional and Career
                                Development
                               --Volunteers Training and Development
                               --Succession Planning
2. Organizational Development  --Board Governance
                               --Systems: Management, Human Resources,
                                Financial, Information Technology,
                                Planning
                               --Policies and Procedures
                               --Fiscal Controls
                               --Comprehensive Communications Strategy
                               --Non-profit Incorporation
3. Programs/Services.........  --Program Design that expands or enhances
                                program or service delivery
                               --Program Monitoring
                               --Evaluating Program Outcomes
4. Funding...................  --Diversified Funding Sources
                               --Financial Sustainability
                               --Donor Development
5. Community Engagement......  --Community Asset Mapping
                               --Level of Community Participation
                               --Community Needs Assessment
                               --Leveraging Resources/Collaborative
                                Relationships
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Intermediaries must demonstrate their ability to correctly assess 
the highest impact capacity building needs of the organizations they 
propose to serve. Applicants must describe the process they will use to 
assist faith-based and community organizations with the identification 
of organizational needs. Applicants must include a detailed description 
of pre- and post-assessment methods to be used to determine the 
measurable impact of training, technical assistance and sub-award 
activities provided.
    For purposes of this program announcement, training will refer to

[[Page 22333]]

group-based adult education and skill-building activities (e.g., 
workshops); technical assistance will refer to consultation that is 
specifically customized or tailored to the needs of particular faith-
based and community organizations.
    Technical assistance must be provided on a long-term, ongoing 
basis, rather than through single or short-term contacts (such as a 
nationwide series of seminars or conferences). The training and 
technical assistance strategy must address a minimum of two (2) of the 
identified needs for each faith-based and community organization 
served; although, it is expected that in aggregate the faith-based and 
community organizations served will represent the full range of all 
five critical areas. A minimum of fifty percent (50 percent) of 
training and technical assistance provided by an intermediary must be 
in the form of direct and individualized technical assistance to 
address the identified priority needs of the faith-based and community 
organization (i.e., ``one-on-one'' assistance to the organization's 
leadership, key staff and/or board). It is expected that intermediaries 
will deliver both training and technical assistance. Training 
conferences and workshops may be part of an applicant's plan, but they 
must not be its sole focus. Training and technical assistance 
activities funded under CCF are to be offered at no cost to interested 
faith-based and community organizations.
Sub-Awards
    CCF intermediaries will be required to issue sub-awards in an 
amount representing at least forty percent (40 percent) of the total 
Federal funds requested. (Please see section V.1 for a detailed 
description regarding sub-award strategy).
    ACF expects to work closely with organizations that receive funding 
to ensure that CCF monies are used appropriately and in the most 
effective manner possible. Intermediary organizations that receive CCF 
awards will be required to develop, with guidance from and in 
consultation with ACF, a detailed plan to issue sub-awards within 60 
days of receipt of an award under this announcement. Please note that 
this plan will be based on the sub-award strategy outlined in Section 
V.1. ACF will work with grantees to develop their sub-award strategy 
into a concrete sub-award plan. ACF must review and approve this plan 
prior to the issuance of any sub-awards using Federal funds awarded 
under this announcement. Intermediary organizations must report on the 
use of funds for sub-awards. Intermediary organizations will also be 
required to develop, with guidance from and in consultation with ACF, 
an evaluation plan within six months of receipt of an award for working 
with sub-awardees to develop outcome measures and to evaluate the 
activities supported by the sub-awards.
    Approved applicants must be willing to work closely with ACF, and 
any entities funded by ACF, to coordinate, assist, or evaluate the 
activities of the intermediary organizations providing technical 
assistance and issuing sub-awards.
    Conditions for the Cooperative Agreement: Organizations selected to 
receive an award will be responsible for implementing activities 
described in the project description of the approved application; 
developing and implementing work plans that will ensure that the 
services and activities included in the approved application address 
the needs of faith-based and community organizations in an efficient, 
effective, and timely manner; submitting for Federal review and 
approval, within 60 days of receipt of the Financial Assistance Award 
and prior to the issuance of any such sub-awards, plans and procedures 
for the issuance of sub-awards; submitting regular semi-annual 
financial status and progress reports that describe project activities; 
working cooperatively and collaboratively with ACF officials, other 
Federal agency officials conducting related activities, the other 
intermediary organizations approved under the CCF program, and other 
entities or organizations contracted by ACF to assist in carrying out 
the purposes of the Compassion Capital Fund program; ensuring that key 
staff attend and participate in ACF sponsored workshops and meetings, 
including the initial orientation meeting; and ensuring that Compassion 
Capital Funds are not used to support religious practices such as 
religious instruction, worship, prayer or proselytization.
    Proposed budgets should include the cost of travel-related expenses 
for two key personnel with responsibility for the CCF award to attend a 
two-day orientation workshop with Federal officials in Washington, DC. 
This meeting will focus on orientation to Federal objectives for the 
project; information about related activities supported by HHS and 
other Federal agencies; Federal grants management requirements; and 
coordination between and among the approved intermediary organizations 
and other entities funded by ACF to be involved in the CCF initiative.
    Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under the 
Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration Program shall not be used to 
support inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, 
worship, or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps 
to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities 
from the CCF-funded services. Regulations pertaining to the Equal 
Treatment For Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the prohibition 
against Federal funding of inherently religious activities, can be 
found at either 45 CFR 87.1 or the HHS Web site at https://
www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf.
    Grantees may be asked to participate in a national evaluation of 
the Compassion Capital Fund program. The program will cooperate with 
any research or evaluation efforts sponsored by the Administration for 
Children and Families (ACF).

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.

Substantial Federal Involvement With Cooperative Agreement

    A cooperative agreement is Federal assistance in which substantial 
Federal Involvement is anticipated. Responsibilities of Federal Staff 
and the successful applicants are negotiated prior to an award. The 
grantees funded under this announcement will work collaboratively with 
the CCF program office on the development of products and prior to 
finalization and dissemination will submit products such as training 
and technical assistance plans and sub-award plans to the CCF program 
office for review and approval. Please see Section I. Funding 
Opportunity Description for a detailed description of the cooperative 
agreement.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $16,900,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: Up to 17.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards per budget period: None.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $1,000,000.
    Length of Project Periods: 17-month project with a 17-month budget 
period.
    This announcement is inviting applications for project periods up 
to 17 months. Awards, however, will be made on a competitive basis, for 
a 17-month budget period.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

State governments

[[Page 22334]]

County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (federally recognized)
Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than 
institutions of higher education
Non-profits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other 
than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
For-profit organization other than small businesses
Small businesses
Faith-based and community organizations
    Additional Information on Eligibility: Fiscal year (FY) 2003 and 
(FY) 2004 Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration Program grantees are 
ineligible to apply. Fiscal year (FY) 2002 grantees are eligible to 
apply, but will not be awarded additional points or given preferential 
treatment for past CCF experience.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

    Yes.
Matching/Cost-Sharing
    Grantees must provide at least 20 percent of the total approved 
cost of the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum 
of the ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may 
be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are 
encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. 
Therefore, a project requesting $500,000 in Federal funds (based on an 
award of $500,000 per budget period) must provide a match of at least 
$125,000 (20% of the total approved project costs). Grantees will be 
held accountable for commitments of non-Federal resources even if over 
the amount of the required match. Failure to provide the amount will 
result in disallowance of Federal dollars.

3. Other

    All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On June 27, 
2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal 
Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant 
applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a 
Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when 
applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after 
October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant 
is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide 
electronic portal (www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required for 
every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, 
including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block 
grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at https://www.dnb.com.
    Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to 
submit proof of their non-profit status.
    Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
     A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS Code.
     A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
     A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney 
general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the 
applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net 
earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
     A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status.
     Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above 
for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by 
the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' 
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: 
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

Disqualification Factors

    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date will not be considered for competition.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Attention: Eduardo 
Hernandez, Administration for Children and Families Office of Community 
Services, Operations Center, Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration 
Program, 1515 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 100, Arlington, Virginia 22209. 
Phone: 1-800-281-9519. E-mail: OCS@lcgnet.com.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

A. Required Format of Application
    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format.To submit an application electronically, please use the 
www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF 
will not accept grant applications via e-mail or facsimile 
transmission.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov
     Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly 
encouraged.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you 
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
     To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS 
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You 
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize 
you if you submit an application in paper format.
     You may submit all documents electronically, including all 
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary 
assurances and certifications.
     Your application must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this program announcement.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a 
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and 
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
     We may request that you provide original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
     You may access the electronic application for this program 
on https://www.Grants.gov.

[[Page 22335]]

     You must search for the downloadable application package 
by the CFDA number.
    An original and two copies of the complete application are 
required. The original and each of the two copies must include all 
required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices, be signed 
by an authorized representative, have original signatures, and be 
submitted unbound.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' 
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: 
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    General. The application must be double-spaced and single-sided on 
8 x 11 plain white paper, with 1'' margins on all sides. The 
application must use Times New Roman 12 point font or Arial 12 point 
font.
    The Table of Contents must not exceed one (1) page.
    The Project Abstract must not exceed one (1) page.
    The Project Narrative must not exceed twenty-five (25) pages. Pages 
submitted beyond the first 25 in the application's Project Narrative 
section will be removed prior to panel review.
    The Appendix must not exceed twenty (20) pages. The Appendix 
includes the sample assessment tool(s) to be used to assist 
organizations served in identifying organizational needs in the five 
critical capacity-building areas, cost share commitment letters, and 
any other additional supporting documentation.
    All pages of the application must be sequentially numbered. The 
Budget, Narrative Budget Justification, Standard Forms for Assurances, 
Certifications, Disclosures, and cost-share letters are not included in 
the Project Narrative and Appendix page limitations.
    Applicants are requested not to send pamphlets, brochures, or other 
printed material along with their applications as these pose copying 
difficulties. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in 
the review process. In addition, applicants should not submit any 
additional letters of endorsement beyond any that may be required.
    Standard Forms and Certifications: The project description should 
include all the information requirements described in the specific 
evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement under Section 
V Application Review Information. In addition to the project 
description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms 
required for making applications for awards under this announcement.
    Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement 
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal 
Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be 
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and 
return the standard forms with their application.
    Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the 
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for 
an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal 
funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance 
under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if 
applicable, with their applications (approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 0348-0046). Applicants must 
sign and return the certification with their application.
    Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for 
the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Title XII 
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A 
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking 
prohibition is included with forms. By signing and submitting the 
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not 
mail back the certification with the application.
    Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their 
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By 
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the 
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete 
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances 
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications 
may be found at: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Please see Section V.1. Criteria, for instructions on preparing the 
full project description.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Explanation of Due Dates: The closing time and date for receipt of 
applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. 
eastern time on the closing date will be classified as late.
    Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced 
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date 
referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring 
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of 
the application due date.
    Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other 
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers 
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are 
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section 
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
    ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile. 
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted 
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
    Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above 
are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant 
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
    Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the 
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
    Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two 
working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications. 
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not 
always deliver as agreed.
    Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when 
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or 
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare 
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests 
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
    Checklist: You may use the checklist below as a guide when 
preparing your application package.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        What to submit           Required content            Required form or format             When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents.............  See Section IV.2.  See Section IV.2..........................  By application
                                                                                                due date.

[[Page 22336]]

 
Project Narrative.............  See Section IV.2.  See Section IV.2..........................  By application
                                                                                                due date.
SF 424........................  See Section IV.2.  Please visit https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application
                                                    programs/ofs/forms.htm for a full           due date.
                                                    description..
SF 424A.......................  See Section IV.2.  Please visit https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application
                                                    programs/ofs/forms.htm for a full           due date.
                                                    description..
SF 424B.......................  See Section IV.2.  Please visit https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application
                                                    programs/ofs/forms.htm for a full           due date.
                                                    description..
Training and Technical          See Section I.     See Section I. and V.1....................  By application
 Assistance Plan.                and V.1.                                                       due date.
Certification regarding         See Section IV.2.  Please visit https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By Time of Award.
 Lobbying and associated                            programs/ofs/forms.htm for a full
 Disclosure of Lobbying                             description..
 Activities (SF LLL).
Certification regarding         See Section IV. 2  Please visit https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By Time of Award.
 Environmental Tobacco Smoke.                       programs/ofs/forms.htm for a full
                                                    description..
Proof of Non-Profit Status....  See Section III.3  See Section III.3.........................  By Time of Award.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additional Forms: Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged 
to submit with their applications the survey located under ``Grant 
Related Documents and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant 
Applicants,'' titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for 
Applicants,'' at: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        What to submit           Required content                   Location                     When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit  See form.........  May be found on www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ By application
 Grant Applicants.                                  ofs/forms.htm.                              due date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Intergovernmental Review:

State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
    This program is covered under Executive Order 12372, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100, 
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services 
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own 
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance 
under covered programs.
    As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to 
participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California, 
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New 
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South 
Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam, 
North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these 
jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order 
process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating 
jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert 
them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants 
must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate 
the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is 
required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2).
    A SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline to comment on 
proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to 
eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official 
recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are requested to clearly 
differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State 
process recommendations which may trigger the ``accommodate or 
explain'' rule.
    When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be 
addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management, 
Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade SW., 4th 
floor, Washington, DC 20447.
    Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate 
in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the 
program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State, 
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. Therefore, 
applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by 
federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to 
E.O. 12372.
    The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions 
elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following URL: 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
    A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory 
is included with the application materials for this announcement.

5. Funding Restrictions

    Fiscal year (FY) 2003 and (FY) 2004 Compassion Capital Fund 
Demonstration Program grantees are ineligible to apply.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original 
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized 
representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an 
explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to:

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),Administration

[[Page 22337]]

for Children and Families Office of Community Services,Compassion 
Capital Fund Demonstration,1815 North Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 
300,Arlington, Virginia 22209,Attention: Attention: Barbara Ziegler 
Johnson.
    Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application 
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two 
copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an explanation of due dates. 
Applications should be delivered to:

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),Administration 
for Children and Families Office of Community Services,Compassion 
Capital Fund Demonstration Program,1815 North Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 
300,Arlington, Virginia 22209,Attention: Attention: Barbara Ziegler 
Johnson.
    Electronic Submission: www.Grants.gov. Please see section IV. 2 
Content and Form of Application Submission, for guidelines and 
requirements when submitting applications electronically.

V. Application Review Information

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)

    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 20 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and 
reviewing the collection information.
    The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number.
    The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the 
``Project Summary/Abstract'' and ``Full Project Description'' sections 
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that 
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under 
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).

1. Criteria

Organizational Profiles
    Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and 
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial 
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public 
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers, 
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other 
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance 
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of 
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the 
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit 
status in its application.
    The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A 
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal 
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations 
described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax 
exemption certificate, (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State 
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that 
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the 
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a 
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or 
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status, (e) any of 
the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization 
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant 
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
    Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial, 
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need 
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate 
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting 
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from 
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any 
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred 
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and 
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the 
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to 
provide information on the total range of projects currently being 
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be 
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Approach
    Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how 
the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or 
activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might 
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the 
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of 
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in 
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
    Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the 
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such 
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities 
accomplished.
    When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, 
list them in chronological order to show the schedule of 
accomplishments and their target dates.
    If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated, 
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that 
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
    List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key 
individuals who will work on the project along with a short description 
of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Results or Benefits Expected
    Identify the results and benefits to be derived.
Budget and Budget Justification
    Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations 
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form. 
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit 
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the 
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding 
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
    Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the 
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness, 
and allocability of the proposed costs.
Personnel
    Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
    Justification: Identify the project director or principal 
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time 
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project 
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary, 
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel 
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to 
be financed by the applicant.

[[Page 22338]]

Fringe Benefits
    Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as 
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
    Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages 
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, 
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
    Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the 
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
    Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s), 
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if 
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs 
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
    Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable, 
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year 
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the 
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial 
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the 
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of 
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus 
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. 
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit 
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded 
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular 
written accounting practices.)
    Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a 
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units, 
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or 
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An applicant 
organization that uses its own definition for equipment should provide 
a copy of its policy or section of its policy which includes the 
equipment definition.
Supplies
    Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than 
that included under the Equipment category.
    Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their 
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports 
the amount requested.
Contractual
    Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except 
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment, 
supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts 
(if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations, 
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be 
financed by the applicant.
    Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will 
be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, 
open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than 
States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any 
anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without 
competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41 
U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).
    Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award 
review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or 
invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.

    Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the 
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed 
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency 
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in 
these instructions.

Other
    Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable 
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food, 
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs, 
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use, 
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs, 
and administrative costs.
    Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a 
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
    Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should 
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate 
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or 
another cognizant Federal agency.
    Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the 
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the 
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or 
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it 
should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal 
based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with 
the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates, 
and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of 
their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an 
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect 
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant. 
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is 
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the 
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the 
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
    Evaluation Criteria: The following evaluation criteria appear in 
weighted descending order. The corresponding score values indicate the 
relative importance that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; 
however, applicants need not develop their applications precisely 
according to the order presented. Application components may be 
organized such that a reviewer will be able to follow a seamless and 
logical flow of information (e.g., from a broad overview of the project 
to more detailed information about how it will be conducted).
    In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities 
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial 
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following 
criteria:
Organizational Profiles (30 Points)
    (a) Past Experience (15 Points). An application will be evaluated 
on the extent to which it demonstrates that the applicant has a proven 
track record in providing training and technical assistance to faith-
based and community organizations, including concrete examples with 
specific dates of training and technical assistance that the applicant 
has provided relating to the five critical elements of capacity 
building: (1) Leadership development, (2) organizational development, 
(3) programs/services, (4) funding, and (5) community engagement. If 
organizations propose to collaborate to provide Compassion Capital Fund 
(CCF) intermediary services, the application must demonstrate the 
extent to which these organizations possesses well-developed working 
relationships and a history of working together prior to announcement 
of this funding opportunity. Intermediaries or their partners should be 
physically located in the geographic area they propose since 
intermediaries are expected to develop

[[Page 22339]]

ongoing relationships with the grassroots organizations they serve.
    (b) Organizational Capability (5 Points). An application will be 
evaluated on the extent to which it describes how the organization is 
well positioned to support the project and how the proposed project 
fits into the structure of the applicant organization. The applicant 
should provide evidence of facilities, fiscal controls, and other 
resources that are adequate to achieve project goals. The applicant 
must address the issue of how their overall organization is positioned 
to support this project, and how this project may impact other (non-
CCF) activities which the organization plans to undertake.
    (c) Project Management Structure and Staffing (10 Points): An 
application will be evaluated on the extent to which it includes a 
listing of key positions required to carry out the project, the 
individuals proposed to fill the positions, and a detailed description 
of the kind of work they will perform. Applications will be evaluated 
on the extent to which evidence is provided demonstrating the staff's 
skill, knowledge, and experience in carrying out their assigned 
activities such as evidence that demonstrates not only staff's good 
technical skills, but also a clear record of working with faith-based 
and community organizations. Applications will be evaluated on the 
extent to which any proposed partnerships with other organizations for 
purposes of this CCF application are clearly defined and documented: 
e.g. significant contributions to the proposed project by each partner; 
a formal agreement among parties; defined roles and responsibilities 
appropriate to their natural strengths; shared decision-making 
responsibility.
    Applicants will also be evaluated on the extent to which the above 
information is provided with regard to consultants or staff from other 
organizations proposed to work on the project.
Objectives and Need for Assistance (10 Points)
    An application will be evaluated on the extent to which it 
demonstrates that the organization is established and has well-
developed connections to and working relationships with the non-profit 
community in the geographic area they propose to serve.
    (a) Service Area (2 Points): An application will be evaluated on 
the extent to which the applicant identifies the specific service area 
for project implementation. Applicants or their partners must 
demonstrate a prior history of involvement in and connectedness to the 
proposed service area to ensure that the impact of services provided is 
local and sustained.
    (b) Needs of Service Area (4 Points): An application will be 
evaluated on the extent to which it describes the specific needs of the 
targeted service area. Applications will be evaluated on the extent to 
which documentation is provided which demonstrates that the proposed 
project will be implemented in a distressed community, engages 
organizations that serve low-income populations, and addresses a vital 
need in a distressed community.
    (c) Needs of Non-profits in Service Area (2 Points): An application 
will be evaluated on the extent to which it describes the capacity-
building needs of non-profit organizations in their proposed service 
area and provides documentation of those needs from third party sources 
as available.
    (d) Project Objectives (2 Points): An application will be evaluated 
on the extent to which the applicant states all primary project 
objectives. Objectives must relate to the provision of training, 
technical assistance, and sub-awards to grassroots organizations to 
build their organizational capacity in five critical areas: (1) 
Leadership development, (2) organizational development, (3) programs/
services, (4) funding, and (5) community engagement.
Approach (30 Points)
    (a) Pre-Assessment Strategy (5 Points): An application will be 
evaluated on the extent to which it describes the methods, strategies, 
and/or tools, that will be used to provide a baseline assessment of 
faith-based and community organizations' capacity prior to receiving 
training and technical assistance from the intermediary. The pre-
assessment must address all of the five critical elements of capacity 
building: (1) Leadership development, (2) organizational development, 
(3) programs/services, (4) funding, and (5) community engagement. The 
needs of the faith and community based organizations served should be 
determined by the pre-assessment, not based on the preferences or 
specific interests and capabilities of the intermediary organization.
    (b) Training/Technical Assistance Strategy (10 Points). Applicants 
will be evaluated on extent to which they demonstrate their ability to 
provide training and technical assistance in all of the five critical 
elements of capacity building: (1) Leadership development, (2) 
organizational development, (3) programs/services, (4) funding, and (5) 
community engagement, either on their own or through partnerships. 
Applicants will be evaluated on the extent to which they describe the 
capacity-building activities proposed to address the needs of faith-
based and community organizations served in each of the five critical 
areas listed above. Applicants must also propose a logical and 
attainable schedule for accomplishing planned activities.
    Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which the outlined 
strategy is comprehensive, describes the process that the applicant 
will employ to outreach to and identify and select organizations to 
receive training and technical assistance, and estimates the types and 
number of organizations expected to receive training and technical 
assistance. For purposes of this program announcement, training will 
refer to group-based adult education and skill-building activities 
(e.g., workshops); technical assistance will refer to consultation that 
is specifically customized or tailored to the needs of particular 
faith-based and community organizations.
    Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which training and 
technical assistance plans address a minimum of two (2) of the 
identified needs for each faith and community based organization 
served. A minimum of 50 percent of the technical assistance provided by 
intermediaries must be in the form of direct and individualized 
technical assistance to address the identified priority needs of the 
faith and community-based organization (i.e., ``one-on-one'' assistance 
to the organization's leadership, key staff and/or board).
    (c) Sub-award Strategy (15 points). An application will be 
evaluated on the extent to which to which the applicant describes a 
plan for selecting sub-award recipients, describes the process that the 
applicant will employ to identify and select organizations to receive 
sub-awards; estimates the types and number of organizations expected to 
receive funding; and identifies the capacity building needs to which 
sub-awards may be used. Applicants will be evaluated on the extent to 
which they effectively demonstrate the following:
     Sub-award recipients will be chosen through a fair and 
open competitive process that includes outreach to both faith-based and 
community organizations.
     Sub-award recipients will not be pre-selected. The 
criteria for selection of sub-awardees will not include consideration 
of the religious nature of a group or the religious nature of the 
program it offers.
     Intermediary organizations will provide ongoing technical 
assistance

[[Page 22340]]

and capacity-building support to the organizations to which they issue 
sub-awards.
     Priority for sub-awards will be given to organizations 
that historically have not received grants from the Federal government.
     Priority for sub-awards will be given to organizations 
implementing program(s) in several priority areas including: the 
homeless, elders in need, at-risk youth, particularly those facing the 
specific risk of gang influence and involvement, families in transition 
from welfare to work, those in need of intensive rehabilitation such as 
addicts or prisoners, and couples who choose marriage for themselves, 
to develop the skills and knowledge to form and sustain healthy 
marriages.
     Intermediaries will not require sub-award applicants to 
provide matching funds or give them a preference in the selection 
process if they offer matching funds in their applications.
     Intermediaries will not require sub-award applicants to 
have 501(c)(3) status or to identify a sponsoring organization with 
501(c)(3) status.
     Organizations that partner with an intermediary to deliver 
technical assistance or provide cost-sharing funds for the proposed 
project will not to be eligible for sub-awards, unless approved by the 
Administration for Children and Families (ACF).
     Sub-awards will be in amounts manageable for a small 
organization.
     Intermediaries will not provide recipients of a CCF sub-
award a second sub-award for the same purpose for the duration of the 
grant.
     Intermediaries will inform sub-awardees that their 
activities are governed by all applicable Federal laws and regulations 
including those in 45 CFR 87.1, which state that direct Federal grants, 
sub-award funds, or contracts under the Compassion Capital Fund 
Demonstration Program shall not be used to support inherently religious 
activities such as religious instruction, worship, or proselytization.
     The central focus of an intermediary proposed sub-award 
concept will be capacity-building activities that further the 
sustainability of sub-awardees' social service efforts. Sub-awards will 
be used to assist organizations in differing stages of development. For 
example, funds may be provided to fledgling organizations to improve 
their basic functions, such as attaining 501(c)(3) status or developing 
sound financial systems.
     Sub-awards will not be used to provide direct services, 
but rather improve the sub-awardee's efficiency and capacity.
Evaluation (20 Points)
    (a) Evaluation Design (5 Points): An applicant will be evaluated on 
the extent to which they include a program logic model or other 
illustration or narrative explanation of the relationship between 
proposed activities and anticipated outcomes. Applicants will be 
evaluated on the extent to which the evaluation design includes a 
process component that describes the activities of the project, how the 
project will operate, and the extent to which it is able to produce the 
expected results. Applicants will also be evaluated on the extent