The 2011 Capacity-Building Grant Awardees have been announced. Click here to view the 2011 Awardee List. No future Capacity Building grants will be awarded.
Grant FAQ
1) What is Capacity Building?
Capacity building is assistance provided to organizations that have a need to develop a certain skill or competence, or for general upgrading of performance ability. Capacity Building is used by government to transform community and industry approaches to social and environmental problems.
2) What can I use the funds for?
This grant helps local organizations-that have or want to build a fatherhood component-to build their overall capacity to serve fathers and families in the following four categories: leadership development, organizational development, program development and community engagement. It cannot be used to fund direct program services (e.g., salaries, heat, light bills, etc.). Your organization may, for example, use the funds to develop a website that provides information on your organization or fatherhood program, bring in a consultant to advise you on some aspect of organization operations and pay for additional training to build your organization's capacity. If your organization is awarded a grant, NFI must sign off on your expenses, and we've been instructed by our funder not to allow expenses related to direct services. NFI's finance team will assist grantees prior to and during the Certification College with drafting strategic plans and budgets.
3) Can I use funds to purchase a curriculum?
Yes, in cases where the purchase of a curriculum that the organization does not currently use expands the organization’s programming.
4) What else can awardees use the grant to pay for?
As long as an expense enhances a grantee's organizational capacity, its leadership, its program development and its improved engagement with the community, it should be an allowable expense. NFI will examine each expense to determine whether it is allowable.
5) Should applicants submit a budget with their proposals?
It is not necessary to submit a budget, provided you describe the spending priorities in your application. If you submit a budget, NFI will consider it to be preliminary, with a final version developed during the Certification College in collaboration with NFI staff. Final approval will follow the college.
6) Is this a reimbursement-based grant?
Yes. After signing a Memorandum of Agreement, (MOA) where each grantee agrees to abide by federal regulations with their grant spending, NFI will reimburse funds on a monthly basis.
7) What is the process for reimbursement?
Awardees must submit a monthly reimbursement form (provided by NFI) along with original receipts for each expense. NFI will review each expense to determine whether it is allowable and reimburse grantees after approval of their monthly expenses.
8) Are organizations eligible for this grant if they receive other funding?
Organizations receiving state or local government funding or private funding (e.g., family foundations) are eligible. Eligible applicants may also receive funds from federal sources with the exception that they may not receive funds from current Promoting Responsible Fatherhood programming sponsored by the Office of Family Assistance at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
9) Can awardees provide sub-awards to other organizations?
No. The award/grant is intended for use only by the awardee. The awardee may, however, upon approval of NFI secure capacity-building resources (e.g., training) from another organization.
10) What can disqualify a proposal submission?
Disqualification takes place when an applicant does not follow the submission guidelines. Please take note of the ways in which a proposal would be disqualified.
Proposal is submitted after the deadline
Proposal is not done in the application form provided
Proposal exceeds the 5 page limit
Proposal is not double spaced
Proposal does not include the applicant's User ID
Proposal received is from a current or former capacity-building awardee