Direct Certification Improvement Grant
ID: 354848Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS1)

Award Range

$0 - $1M

Eligible Applicants

State Governments

Funding Category

Food and Nutrition

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/354848

Additional Information

https://www.fns.usda.gov/fm/grant-opportunities
Timeline
    Description

    The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the USDA is offering the Direct Certification Improvement Grant aimed at enhancing the direct certification rates for children in households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. State agencies that administer the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) are eligible to apply, with priority given to those with the lowest certification rates; agencies with rates above 95% must justify their need for additional funding. This initiative underscores the importance of improving food access among vulnerable populations through efficient certification processes, with approximately $2.3 million available for competitive grants, and an expected five awards to be made. Interested applicants must submit their proposals via grants.gov by July 29, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Grants Officer Anita Kirk at anita.kirk@usda.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    anita.kirk@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    FNS-906 - Grant Program Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire.pdf
    FNS-906.pdf
    The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service has issued a Grant Program Accounting System & Financial Capability Questionnaire to assess the financial management capabilities of organizations receiving Federal funds. This questionnaire complies with regulations outlined in 2 CFR §200.302 to ensure that recipients maintain adequate accounting systems for the transparent use of funds. Organizations must respond to various requirements, such as the existence of accounting software, the separation of financial duties among staff, and the management of property purchased under awards. Additionally, organizations are asked about their audit history, including any qualified opinions or material weaknesses identified in the last five years. The completion of this questionnaire is essential for organizations to demonstrate their accountability in financial management, which is vital to qualifying for federal grant programs. Overall, this document underscores the USDA's commitment to upholding financial standards and ensuring responsible use of federal funding in grant programs.
    FY 2024 Direct Certification Improvement Grant RFA.pdf
    FY.pdf
    The document outlines the Fiscal Year 2024 Request for Applications (RFA) for Direct Certification Improvement Grants under the Child Nutrition Programs, specifically targeting State agencies that administer the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). With approximately $2.3 million available, the grants aim to enhance direct certification rates for children in households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. States with the lowest certification rates will receive priority, although agencies with rates above 95% must justify the need for additional funding. Applicants must adhere to guidelines including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), registration in SAM.gov, and a submission via grants.gov by July 29, 2024. Key objectives for the proposals include improving data access and accuracy, enhancing direct certification methods, and increasing training initiatives. The selection criteria focus on project significance, planning, budget appropriateness, and sustainability. The grant administration requires adherence to federal guidelines, including fiscal responsibility and reporting requirements, and mandates acknowledgment of USDA support in any published materials resulting from grant activities. This RFA demonstrates the USDA's commitment to improving food access among vulnerable populations through efficient certification processes.
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