F.A.Q.

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?

As is stated in the RFP, 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 four categories described in the RFP: leadership development, organizational development, program development and community engagement. It can’t 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 Web site 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 during the Certification College (April 21-25, 2008) with drafting 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 grantees 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 and ICF International staff. Final approval will follow the college.

6) Is this a reimbursement-based grant?

Yes. After signing a Memorandum of Agreement, where each grantee agrees to abide by federal regulations with their grant spending, grantees will receive a small advance ($1500) to assist with transportation to the Certification College. Thereafter, NFI will reimburse funds a monthly basis.

6) What is the process for reimbursement?

Grantees 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.

7) 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.

8) Can awardees provide sub-awards to other organizations?

No.  The award/grant is intended for use only by the grantee.  The grantee may, however, upon approval of NFI secure capacity-building resources (e.g., training) from another organization