LANO has just learned that there is up to $40 million available in federal grants to assist in reaching eligible but un-enrolled children in state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP).
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals intends to apply for one of the approximately 200 grants to be awarded to help reach and enroll the vulnerable populations around the state.
Because of the fast turnaround for this grant application (final documents are due August 6th), DHH is reaching out to stakeholders and partner agencies requesting your assistance in developing a plan to reach these uninsured populations through the use of the HHS outreach grant funds.
A stakeholders meeting will be held on Thursday July, 16th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Room 118 of the Bienville Building located at 628 North 4th Street in Baton Rouge. Parking is available in the Galvez Parking Garage on the corner of North 5th and Main Streets.
The purpose of this meeting is to provide input on the geographic areas and populations with the greatest number of eligible but unenrolled children that should be targeted through the grant funding. This meeting is open to any agency, organization or individual that would like to have input on how to best reach and enroll the remaining uninsured children in the state of Louisiana. This meeting is also open to any agency or organization who would like to partner with DHH in this grant application.
DHH strongly encourages any agency or organization that is considering submitting an individual grant to attend the meeting as well. Additional information on the CHIPRA outreach and enrollment grants can be found here.
If you do plan to attend the stakeholders meeting on Thursday July 16th, please RSVP by responding to Hexter.Bennett@la.gov with the total number of people who will be attending from your organization.
Also, if your agency is interested in submitting an application independently, but cannot attend the meeting, please let DHH know of your intent as the grant application requires that they work with non-state agencies to develop the proposal.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Tips on How to Apply for Federal Grants
The federal stimulus package has sparked a renewed interest in the nonprofit sector to apply for federal grants. LANO has put together the following recommendations for nonprofits to consider if they decide to go after any federal grant opportunity.
1.) Assess your organization’s capacity and ability to apply for a federal grant. Federal grants require a large amount of staff time to complete and usually involve a significant amount of reporting conditions. If you feel that your organization does not have the required level of capacity, please see LANO's calendar for upcoming federal grant workshops.
2.) Currently, applications for federal grant funding are most likely to be awarded to prior federal grant recipients. If your organization has not received federal dollars before, the learning curve and time demands coupled with increased federal accountability and reporting should be heavily considered. In addition, federal grants do not always cover the entire cost of providing services and the money often flows slowly.
3.) Prior to submitting an application, an organization must register with grants.gov and have in place a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS number) The wait time after applying is 3 weeks or more. If you plan to apply for a federal grant you should apply for your DUNs number as soon as possible.
4.) Read the releases very carefully to understand the type of programs, criteria, evaluation models and participation requirements. Most announcements are limited to federally recognized 501c3 organizations and require cash and/or in-kind matches.
5.) Federal funds must be used in accordance with grant guidelines. Federal awards can be withdrawn for failure to meet the requirements of the grant. In addition, grantees can be asked to return funds if auditors find that funds have not been used in accordance with the guidelines.
6.) Federal agency websites are a good source of information. The federal agencies that have the most grant opportunities for nonprofits include the Administration on Children and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Justice, and Housing and Urban Development. Finally, you can access all federal grants by going to http://www.grants.gov/.
7.) For those nonprofits working in primary and secondary education: Most ARRA dollars, such as funds through the Individual with Disability Education Act (IDEA), are going to school districts so your school district should have further information.
8.) Act quickly because deadlines to apply for ARRA dollars and other federal grants are approaching soon. Deadlines will vary but all require quick turnaround.
9.) Small and midsize organizations should consider collaborating and consulting with each other when constructing applications. They should also consider applying for grants to work in other states where local groups may be unable to provide services alone.
10.) Reporting requirements are stringent for federal grants. The organization must provide quarterly reports and be responsible for tracking any flow-through dollars to sub-grantees. The organization will also need to conduct an independent audit and evaluation.
11.) If your organization does receive ARRA funding or any federal grant, develop a strong strategic plan. Although this funding may be temporary, it should be seen as an opportunity to provide a solid foundation for your future work.
12.) Make sure your organization documents the goals and accomplishments achieved as a result of receiving ARRA dollars. The Federal Government, just like your organization, will want to showcase its impact.
For questions or further information please contact Elisabeth Gehl at elisabeth@lano.org or by calling (504) 309-2081 ext. 310.
1.) Assess your organization’s capacity and ability to apply for a federal grant. Federal grants require a large amount of staff time to complete and usually involve a significant amount of reporting conditions. If you feel that your organization does not have the required level of capacity, please see LANO's calendar for upcoming federal grant workshops.
2.) Currently, applications for federal grant funding are most likely to be awarded to prior federal grant recipients. If your organization has not received federal dollars before, the learning curve and time demands coupled with increased federal accountability and reporting should be heavily considered. In addition, federal grants do not always cover the entire cost of providing services and the money often flows slowly.
3.) Prior to submitting an application, an organization must register with grants.gov and have in place a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS number) The wait time after applying is 3 weeks or more. If you plan to apply for a federal grant you should apply for your DUNs number as soon as possible.
4.) Read the releases very carefully to understand the type of programs, criteria, evaluation models and participation requirements. Most announcements are limited to federally recognized 501c3 organizations and require cash and/or in-kind matches.
5.) Federal funds must be used in accordance with grant guidelines. Federal awards can be withdrawn for failure to meet the requirements of the grant. In addition, grantees can be asked to return funds if auditors find that funds have not been used in accordance with the guidelines.
6.) Federal agency websites are a good source of information. The federal agencies that have the most grant opportunities for nonprofits include the Administration on Children and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Justice, and Housing and Urban Development. Finally, you can access all federal grants by going to http://www.grants.gov/.
7.) For those nonprofits working in primary and secondary education: Most ARRA dollars, such as funds through the Individual with Disability Education Act (IDEA), are going to school districts so your school district should have further information.
8.) Act quickly because deadlines to apply for ARRA dollars and other federal grants are approaching soon. Deadlines will vary but all require quick turnaround.
9.) Small and midsize organizations should consider collaborating and consulting with each other when constructing applications. They should also consider applying for grants to work in other states where local groups may be unable to provide services alone.
10.) Reporting requirements are stringent for federal grants. The organization must provide quarterly reports and be responsible for tracking any flow-through dollars to sub-grantees. The organization will also need to conduct an independent audit and evaluation.
11.) If your organization does receive ARRA funding or any federal grant, develop a strong strategic plan. Although this funding may be temporary, it should be seen as an opportunity to provide a solid foundation for your future work.
12.) Make sure your organization documents the goals and accomplishments achieved as a result of receiving ARRA dollars. The Federal Government, just like your organization, will want to showcase its impact.
For questions or further information please contact Elisabeth Gehl at elisabeth@lano.org or by calling (504) 309-2081 ext. 310.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Recession's Impact: Louisiana Nonprofit Sector Fiscal Health Report
LANO has just published the Louisiana Nonprofit Sector Fiscal Health Report.
The report examines the state of the nonprofit sector in this troubled economy. Based on information gathered in a statewide survey of nonprofits conducted this spring, the report gauges trends and projections for funding, needs for service, cost saving measures and more.
Additionally, LANO is distributing a supplemental report (available only online) that provides a more detailed look at how the recession impacts each region of the state. Both documents can be downloaded from www.lano.org/downturn.
According to the report, the economic downturn threatens the well-being of Louisiana’s nonprofit sector. The survey data clearly indicates that Louisiana nonprofits are feeling the effects of shrinking pools of funding including a decrease in charitable giving and state budget cuts, and an increase in rising costs to operate and demand for services.
Nonprofit organizations, funders, policymakers, the business community, and residents must understand the impact of the recession on the nonprofit sector so that they can plan and develop solutions together to address the challenges and embrace the opportunities resulting from the current economic climate.
The Louisiana Nonprofit Sector Fiscal Health Survey and Report was made possible by the support of Capital One Bank.
Additionally, LANO is distributing a supplemental report (available only online) that provides a more detailed look at how the recession impacts each region of the state. Both documents can be downloaded from www.lano.org/downturn.
According to the report, the economic downturn threatens the well-being of Louisiana’s nonprofit sector. The survey data clearly indicates that Louisiana nonprofits are feeling the effects of shrinking pools of funding including a decrease in charitable giving and state budget cuts, and an increase in rising costs to operate and demand for services.
Nonprofit organizations, funders, policymakers, the business community, and residents must understand the impact of the recession on the nonprofit sector so that they can plan and develop solutions together to address the challenges and embrace the opportunities resulting from the current economic climate.
The Louisiana Nonprofit Sector Fiscal Health Survey and Report was made possible by the support of Capital One Bank.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
LANO Baton Rouge Has New Phone and Fax Numbers
LANO in Baton Rouge has moved to 8281 Goodwood Blvd. Our contact information has changed, so please take a moment to update your records.
The following is our new information:
Phone: 225-929-LANO (225-929-5266)Fax: 225-925-2711
Our mailing address has not changed: P.O. Box 3808, Baton Rouge, LA, 70821.
The contact information for our New Orleans and Shreveport offices remains the same.
Thanks for your patience during our transition! We look forward to serving Louisiana's nonprofit organizations from our new home.
Congress Passes War Supplemental that Includes Gulf Coast Provisions
Yesterday President Obama signed into law the Defense Supplemental bill that will fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Included in that bill are a number of Gulf Coast related provisions.
The first provision will provide $80 million to Gulf Coast states in housing vouchers. It has not been determined how much each state will receive. These vouchers have flexibility and can be used for either tenant-based or project-based vouchers. The provision does not specifically call for priority for residents living in FEMA temporary housing, but HUD still indicates that this is their intent. The vouchers will be dispersed by HUD soon.
A second Gulf Coast provision was clarification on Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO Zone) tax credit projects qualifying to apply for TCAP (gap financing) funds from the federal stimulus package, as long as the project has some allocation of regular low-income housing tax credits (LIHTCs). An allocation of LIHTCs can be concurrent to award of TCAP funds. This is good news for affordable housing developments.
Finally the bill included language for FEMA to extend reimbursement for case management relating to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita through March 2010.
If you have any questions, please contact Elisabeth Gehl at elisabeth@lano.org.
The first provision will provide $80 million to Gulf Coast states in housing vouchers. It has not been determined how much each state will receive. These vouchers have flexibility and can be used for either tenant-based or project-based vouchers. The provision does not specifically call for priority for residents living in FEMA temporary housing, but HUD still indicates that this is their intent. The vouchers will be dispersed by HUD soon.
A second Gulf Coast provision was clarification on Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO Zone) tax credit projects qualifying to apply for TCAP (gap financing) funds from the federal stimulus package, as long as the project has some allocation of regular low-income housing tax credits (LIHTCs). An allocation of LIHTCs can be concurrent to award of TCAP funds. This is good news for affordable housing developments.
Finally the bill included language for FEMA to extend reimbursement for case management relating to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita through March 2010.
If you have any questions, please contact Elisabeth Gehl at elisabeth@lano.org.
Monday, June 22, 2009
LANO Baton Rouge is Moving June 22nd & 23rd
Today and tomorrow, June 22nd and 23rd, LANO Baton Rouge is moving their office. Our phone and email system will be down these two days so please be patient with us during this transition. In addition, the website http://www.lano.org/ will be out of service temporarily.
LANO will be moving to 8281 Goodwood Blvd, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA, 70806.
We apologize for the inconvenience, and will be back up and running on Wednesday, June 24. We look forward to sharing our new office with you!
LANO New Orleans and LANO North staff will be unaffected by the move.
LANO will be moving to 8281 Goodwood Blvd, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA, 70806.
We apologize for the inconvenience, and will be back up and running on Wednesday, June 24. We look forward to sharing our new office with you!
LANO New Orleans and LANO North staff will be unaffected by the move.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Great news for nonprofits: LRA approves Nonprofit Rebuilding Pilot Program and Emergency Rental Assistance
Nonprofit Rebuilding Pilot Program
Yesterday the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) Board approved its plan to establish a Nonprofit Rebuilding Pilot program. Originally the LRA proposed funding the pilot program at $5 million, but the Board approved a sizeable increase and raised the amount to $20 million. This is great news for nonprofit developers!
The board offered preliminary approval for the pilot program back in April. They opened a public comment period to gather input from the community and as a result of that feedback the LRA increased the funding level because of the great need for housing, and the strong work shown by nonprofits to assist those struggling to rebuild.
The program will award competitive grants to nonprofits and other organizations that have a proven track record in assisting homeowners to meet gaps in their rebuilding resources. Now the program must go before the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget to be approved by the Louisiana Legislature before the state submits it to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for final approval.
LANO hopes that the forthcoming process of approval will be fast and smooth so that nonprofits can start applying for the funds soon. For more detailed information about the program please contact Elisabeth Gehl at elisabeth@lano.org.
Emergency Rental Assistance
The LRA board also reallocated $5 million in unallocated funds from the Small Rental Property Program to the state's Rapid Rehousing program, which is run by nonprofit agencies under a contract with the state Department of Social Services. The additional funds will bring the program's total available funding to $12.7 million.
The LRA is working with FEMA, HUD, DSS and other state and nonprofit partners to assist those residents who are moving out of their FEMA trailers and off of the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP), which ends this fall. The Rapid Rehousing program is a key element of the state's strategy for ensuring that those affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita do not become homeless when temporary disaster assistance ends.
Rapid Rehousing funds are used to offer temporary rental assistance, pay utility connection fees and other costs necessary to assist families threatened by homelessness. Following a federally required public comment period, the state will submit its plan to add funds to the program for HUD approval.
Yesterday the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) Board approved its plan to establish a Nonprofit Rebuilding Pilot program. Originally the LRA proposed funding the pilot program at $5 million, but the Board approved a sizeable increase and raised the amount to $20 million. This is great news for nonprofit developers!
The board offered preliminary approval for the pilot program back in April. They opened a public comment period to gather input from the community and as a result of that feedback the LRA increased the funding level because of the great need for housing, and the strong work shown by nonprofits to assist those struggling to rebuild.
The program will award competitive grants to nonprofits and other organizations that have a proven track record in assisting homeowners to meet gaps in their rebuilding resources. Now the program must go before the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget to be approved by the Louisiana Legislature before the state submits it to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for final approval.
LANO hopes that the forthcoming process of approval will be fast and smooth so that nonprofits can start applying for the funds soon. For more detailed information about the program please contact Elisabeth Gehl at elisabeth@lano.org.
Emergency Rental Assistance
The LRA board also reallocated $5 million in unallocated funds from the Small Rental Property Program to the state's Rapid Rehousing program, which is run by nonprofit agencies under a contract with the state Department of Social Services. The additional funds will bring the program's total available funding to $12.7 million.
The LRA is working with FEMA, HUD, DSS and other state and nonprofit partners to assist those residents who are moving out of their FEMA trailers and off of the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP), which ends this fall. The Rapid Rehousing program is a key element of the state's strategy for ensuring that those affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita do not become homeless when temporary disaster assistance ends.
Rapid Rehousing funds are used to offer temporary rental assistance, pay utility connection fees and other costs necessary to assist families threatened by homelessness. Following a federally required public comment period, the state will submit its plan to add funds to the program for HUD approval.
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