Learn and Serve America Higher Education College Student Social Media Initiative FY 2008

End Date: 5/9/2008
CFDA # 94.005

NOTICE: The Corporation for National and Community Service is extending the deadline to apply for College Student Social Media grants to Friday, May 9 at 5:00pm EDT for applicants that have initiated an application in e-Grants by 5:00pm today, May 7. We are taking this step because of intermittent outages in eGrants this week, which may have hampered the submission of some applications by the deadline. Any applicant that has already submitted their application and would like to revise it prior to the new deadline should contact me at lsahighered@cns.gov

The Corporation for National and Community Service (the Corporation) announces the availability of approximately $2.3 million of grant funding to support the facilitation of better engagement of college students in service through social media.

Some examples of social media include: social networking (i.e. Facebook, MySpace, Ning, or integrating social networking capacity into existing sites), wikis, podcasts, blogs, RSS feeds, mashups, social bookmarking, widgets, etc. Successful applicants must demonstrate how their program can use these tools to engage increased numbers of college students, especially in partnership with other nonprofit or for-profit entities.

The Corporation will make one-time awards of approximately $100,000 to $750,000 to an estimated twelve eligible applicants for a project period of up to three years. While all applicants can build in funds for subgrants as part of their program model, the Corporation expects to fund at least one partnership dedicated primarily to disbursing small subgrants (under $10,000 each) to seed student-driven projects. This awardee must promote, review, and award subgrants using social media. Under this model, it is expected that the grantee will allocate at least 80% of funding for subgrants.

Eligible applicants include higher education partnerships, defined as one or more public or private nonprofit organizations, or public agencies, including States, and one or more institutions of higher education. Thus, all partnerships must include at least one institution of higher education. Examples of such partnerships include: a national service-focused organization and colleges and universities where it has affiliated chapters; a national non-profit partnering with a Business School to run a national subgranting competition; a regional group of non-profit student organizations working with an institution of higher education which would serve as the legal applicant. Applicants should have demonstrable experience in planning and implementing significant service, volunteering or technology programs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Questions specific to the Social Media NOFA

1. Who are eligible applicants for this initiative?
   As stated in the Notice of Funding (NOFA), eligible applicants are higher education partnerships which are defined as one or more public or private nonprofit organizations, or public agencies, including States, and one or more institutions of higher education.
        
2. The NOFA states that successful applicants will use social media tools in partnership with non-profit and for-profit entities. What does this mean?
   For application purposes, the Corporation for National and Community Service (the Corporation) may not legally fund a “partnership” that includes a for-profit entity. Applicants are encouraged to work with for-profit entities as they can provide excellent sources for expertise, technical assistance, and funding match. Applicants may want to document this collaboration through a separate contract, collaborative agreement, or ancillary partnership agreement and should describe the way in which they will work together in the narrative of the grant application.
        
3. Can a grantee develop software under this grant that would generate revenue for the grantee?
   Technically, yes. However, any income generated using software developed under the grant will likely be considered program income. To learn more about how program income is treated under your grant, contact your grants officer. Reference: 45 CFR § 2541.250.  
        
4. I want to apply using the subgranting model described in the NOFA that allocates at least 80% of funding to my subgrantees. Does that 80% apply to the grant total or just the CNCS share?
   The grant total includes 50% grantee match + 50% Corporation funds. Under the subgranting model described in the NOFA, it is expected that grantees would expend at least 80% of Corporation funds on subgrants. The Corporation expects to fund at least one program that uses this model. Please remember, applicants choosing to use this model should promote, review, and award subgrants using social media tools.  
        
5. If I want to have subgrantees, do I have to subgrant out 80% of my CNCS funds?
   No. While the Corporation expects to fund at least one program model that disburses at least 80% of its funds to small subgrants, all applicants may build in funds for subgrants as part of their program models.  
        
6. Is it expected that we should develop our own social media tools or technology with grant funds?
   No – applicants may propose ways in which they will use existing social media tools in an innovative way.  
        
7. What do you mean by a “project period of up to three years?”
   Selected grantees will receive their award monies in total at the beginning of the grant period. However, grantees may spend this money to implement their project plans over time for up to three years. Grantees are required to demonstrate match as they spend their awards and will report spending and match on their biannual financial status reports.  
        
8. When you say that the “purpose of the grant is to facilitate better engagement of college students in service through social media,” what do you mean by service?
   Service may be defined broadly for the purpose of this grant. However, please note that certain restrictions do apply as far as what activities can be supported with Corporation funds (e.g. efforts to influence legislation; fundraising for an organization). Please refer to the grant provisions for more information: higher education grant provisions.  
        
9. May I provide stipends to student participants?
   Grantees may not provide stipends for students participating in service activities. They may provide reimbursement for transportation, meals, and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses directly related to program participants.  
        
10. May I employ students as staff or technical consultants as a part of this grant?
    Students may be included as staff members in implementing the grant. They should be included under Personnel Expenses or Other Costs. However, students receiving academic credit for their service may not also receive financial compensation.  
         
11. My proposed program will be national in scope. Do I need to address the multiple needs that will be addressed in each community by my affiliates in the narrative section?
    If you are proposing a national program, you may describe your needs and activities on a national scale.  
         
12. What are the Corporation’s expectations regarding safety and privacy for the social media tools my program will use?
    The privacy and safety of program participants should always be considered when using social media and other online tools. Grantees should follow the rules and regulations dictated by their organization or state.  
         
13. What do you mean by promoting Learn and Serve America or the Corporation through co-branding strategies?
    Learn and Serve America grantees are expected to include the Learn and Sere America logo on documents, websites, or other materials produced using grant funds.  
         
14. I’m filling out the eGrants application and I don’t know my State Application Identifier. What should I put in this section?
    Please enter N/A for this section.  
         
15. If we have higher education questions as we move through this application process, whom do we contact?
    You can call or email Kirsten Breckinridge, LSA Higher Education coordinator, at 202-606-7570 or kbreckinridge@cns.gov.

Budget FAQ

16. What criteria should be used when developing a budget?
    Cost effectiveness and how the budget supports your proposal should be the basis for budget development.  
         
17. Could you delineate how we can leverage other funding?
    LSA requires matching funds to make sure that your program is not totally dependent upon LSA money. Applicants should work with their organizations as well as their community partners to make plans to support budget items necessary to continue a high-quality program. When programs achieve success, this helps demonstrate to others (i.e. foundations, community members) its value and could lead to additional financial or human resource support.  
         
18. What is the required match?
    This requirement varies depending on the type of LSA grant. Higher education applicants must match with cash or in-kind contributions at least 50% of the project's total costs (dollar for dollar).  
         
19. Could you define in-kind match support?
    In-kind match support is defined as the value of a non-cash contribution to the program. Examples would be equipment, supplies, and the value of goods and services directly benefiting the program.  
         
20. Where can I find information related to the use of administrative costs?
    See pages 19-21 of the College Student Social Media Initiative Grant Application Instructions for guidance.  
         
21. May we use other Corporation program funds to match LSA programs?
    No. You cannot use Corporation funds (LSA, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps) to match LSA programs. However, you may be able to use other federal money as a match. Check with the federal agency to see if it is possible.  
         
22. What portion of a person’s salary may be used for the program?
    Only the portion that supports the Learn and Serve America program.  
         
23. Should budget worksheets be used to determine each budget line item submitted?
    No. The budget worksheets are tools to help you calculate the line items.  
         
24. How do we know if our institution has an indirect cost rate?
    A cognizant agency can provide this information. The Department of Education or Health and Human Services are typically cognizant agencies that could provide this information. You can also check with the office in your organization that processes grants or other outside funding.  
         
25. Our institution's indirect cost rate should be approved after the LSA higher education application is due. What can we do?
    You can submit the provisional cost rate with your application. It must be submitted by the application deadline as well.  
         
26. Would supplies for training and technical assistance go under supplies?
    Yes. For example, binders and handouts for a subgrantee training conference should be listed under supplies rather than training and technical assistance.  
         
27. If we plan to purchase two computers at the cost of $5,000 each, would this be an equipment cost?
    Yes. If the acquisition cost is $5,000 or more per unit, it is considered equipment. If it is less than $5,000, it is considered supplies. Purchases of equipment are limited to 10 percent of the total LSA share.  
         
28. What percentage of funding should go to subgrantees? How many subgrants should be funded?
    There is no required percentage and no required number of subgrants per grant, unless you wish to apply for the one or more awards that will be given for subgranting through social media. Ad described in the NOFA, 80% of Corporation funds are expected to go to subgrants under this model.  
         
29. Are there any recommended percentages for each budget line item?
    No, other than those limitations shown on the budget form page (for example the 10 percent limit on equipment costs). The budget should clearly support the program design. It should give reviewers enough information so they can determine whether costs are reasonable, allowable, and necessary to support program goals.  
         
30. Under personnel expenses, the budget worksheet highlights position/title. If we know the person who will be in that position, is it appropriate to provide the name?
    Yes, if possible.  
         
31. If an applicant plans to subgrant, could they require subgrantees to provide a dollar-for-dollar match?
    The grantee is responsible for the full matching share of the grant but may choose to pass along some or all of that requirement to the subgrantees. The statutory budget requirements indicate that you must match at least 50% of the project's total costs with cash or in-kind contributions. The source(s) may be federal (non Corporation), state, or local (public or private). If subgrantees do not match dollar-for-dollar, the grantee must ensure that they make up the remaining match difference.  
         
32. Can you clarify the calculation of match under the administrative/indirect cost section of the budget form page?
    Higher education applicants are required to match Corporation funds dollar-for-dollar (50% of the total program budget). Detailed information can be found in the Budget Instructions section of the Application Instructions. In summary , the applicant may choose one of two methods to calculate the administrative/indirect cost section.
    • Corporation Fixed Percentage Method , or
    • Federally Approved Indirect Cost (IDC) Rate Method. With method 2, whether or not you use the entire IDC rate to calculate administrative costs is up to you.

Egrants

33. Where can I find help with eGrants?
    If there are problems, you can call the eGrants help desk at 1-888-677-7849. The help desk is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. Or you can contact someone by email (eGrantshelp@cns.gov ).  
         
34. Who can create an eGrants account for an organization?
    Work within your organization to find out who is best to set up an eGrants account. Once the account is set up, the organization may permit others to sign on and authorize the application.  
         
35. The eGrants system at the National Science Foundation has a failsafe mechanism that prompts applicants when something is done incorrectly. Is the same system in place at CNCS?
    Yes, there is a verification mechanism, which is another advantage eGrants provides. It identifies most submission errors before an application is submitted. However, it does not include a spell check function. Remember that once the application is sent, you cannot get it back. See eGrant Manual.  
         
36. Is the CNCS eGrants system like the Department of Education (DOE)?
    There are some differences. The Federal government is moving toward serving the public online and the eGrants system is part of this move. CNCS, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Education are three Federal agencies offering an eGrants application system to the public.  
         
37. What is the character limit for a LSA application narrative?
    Learn and Serve America applicants may submit a maximum of 41,000 characters (including spaces) for the proposal narrative. However, separate character limits are given for different sections of the application. Please adhere to the listed character limits in the application instructions.  
         
38. Can you periodically save what you enter in the eGrants system and return at another time to add information or complete the application?
    Yes. eGrants allows applicants to save periodically. We suggest that applicants type information in a word processing document and when complete and accurate, paste this information into the application. See eGrants Manual.

Evaluation

40. What is the difference between performance measurement and evaluation as defined by the Corporation for National and Community Service?
    Performance measurement is an ongoing process, designed to capture progress towards meeting results. Performance measurement is systematic, continuing (at least annually) and internal, that is, usually designed and implemented by the program staff and stakeholders.
    
    The Corporation defines evaluation as in-depth, rigorous studies that measure the particular impact of national and community service programs. While performance measurement and evaluation both include systematic data collection and measurement of progress, evaluation uses scientifically-based research methods to systematically investigate the effectiveness of programs by comparing the observed program outcomes with what would have happened in the absence of the program. Evaluation studies estimate the impacts of programs by comparing the difference between the outcomes for individuals receiving a service or participating in a program to the outcomes for similar individuals not receiving a service or not participating in a program.  
         
41. What resources are available to help me develop and track performance measures?
    Selected grantees will work with their program officer to develop appropriate performance measures prior to the beginning of their grant period. There are resources available to help grantees develop performance measures available through the National Service Learning Clearinghouse: NSLC resources. In addition, publications from the United Way of America and the Kellogg Foundation provide an overview of outcome-based evaluation, including an introduction to performance measurement, steps for measuring program outcomes, examples of outcomes and outcome indicators for various programs, and the resources needed for measuring outcomes.  
         
42. Where can I get help in developing an independent evaluation?
    Please visit the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse for evaluation resources. In addition, to assist CNCS programs in their evaluation efforts, Project Star has created a User's Guide to Evaluation for National Service Programs .
    
    The Corporation also encourages programs to partner with organizations and individuals in your local area who can provide evaluation assistance. For example, many programs have successfully partnered with local higher-education institutions that are routinely engaged in evaluating the effectiveness of programs.  
         
43. How can I pay for an independent evaluation?
    Programs may request funds for evaluation in their application.  
         
44. How should I go about accessing local resources, such as evaluation professionals at colleges and universities?
    Local resources can be helpful for program applicants in responding to the performance measurement section of the application. Suggested institutions to contact for assistance include universities/colleges, research firms, or other community organizations that may be using a local resource for their performance measurement/evaluation. Keep in mind that choosing the "right" local resource that will meet your needs is critical. Identify the specific tasks you would like the local resource to assist you with (e.g., instrument development, data analysis). We recommend that you stay involved in the performance measurement process throughout your program year. In other words, don't pass the entire task of performance measurement to your local resource. You may not get what you need in the end. The cost of having the local resource assist you is another issue to bear in mind. The cost will depend on the amount of effort you would like the local resource to assume. The more involved you are in your performance measurement, the less your local resource will need to do, reducing costs. One resource that discusses budgeting and planning for an evaluation is: W.K. Kellogg Foundation. (1998). W. K. Kellogg Foundation Evaluation Handbook. Battle Creek , Michigan : Collateral Management Company. Chapter Five of this document, on page 54, states, "Generally, an evaluation costs between 5 and 7 percent of a project's total budget." This document also describes a process (and provides a worksheet) for figuring out an appropriate budget for evaluation. This document can be downloaded from: Kellogg Foundation publication (1.12MB PDF).  
         
45. How should programs with many distinct service activities carry out a "rigorous evaluation of program outcomes," which might prove complicated and expensive undertaking?
    For programs with many distinct service activities, programs should select activities for rigorous evaluation that best reflect the overall mission of the program and the service activities carried out. The specific circumstances of the applicant and the program will be considered when evaluating applications.  
         
46. Is there a preference for external rather than internal evaluations?
    This depends on the organization and its capacity. Some internal evaluations can be very useful tools for improving programs. Be sure the evaluation relates to the program and shows how the program has used this information to improve.  
         
47. How important is it that evaluations on past service programs be mentioned?
    You should mention relevant information regarding evaluations in the program narrative under Organizational Capacity.  
         
48. If a community partner has completed an assessment, can this be mentioned?
    Yes, as long as it is relevant to your application.

Funding

49. Can you break down the number of new versus the number of experienced grant programs to be funded?
    No. We expect to fund a mix of programs based upon quality.  
         
50. Will there be annual renewals be at level funding?
    Funding for this competition is not renewable.  
         
51. Can we apply for less than the minimum amount listed on the NOFA?
    No. The minimum grant amount is approximately $100,000. The Corporation will consider applications for smaller grant amounts, but does not anticipate funding projects for much less than $100,000.  
         
52. If we have previously received LSA funding, will our application be reviewed differently?
    All applications will be evaluated using the criteria set out in the NOFA.

Program Design

53. We would like to include as part of our Learn and Serve America application a partnership with AmeriCorps. Is this allowed?
    Yes, however you cannot use Corporation dollars from one program to match dollars in another program. Learn and Serve America encourages applicants to collaborate with other Corporation programs since it improves their ability to meet program goals. If you are applying for grants from a variety of programs, you cannot make the success of your program dependent upon receiving a grant through another competition.  
         
54. If we are targeting more than one state with different needs, how should we reflect those needs in the narrative?
    The narrative should state clearly the needs that will be addressed through the program. This would include needs appropriate for all states involved.

Miscellaneous

55. Where can we find information on what LSA has funded?
    You can access information on LSA programs by visiting the National Service Learning Clearinghouse.  
         
56. Can attachments or hyperlinks be included with an application?
    No. If this information is important, a summary should be included in the proposal.  
         
57. Will we be notified by LSA whether we are funded or not?
    Successful applicants will be notified. Applicants that are not funded will also be notified and may request additional information regarding their application by making a written request to Learn and Serve America.  
         
58. Who will score the Learn and Serve America applications? Will each application be read by more than one person?
    Applications will be read by more than one reviewer. Applications are selected by using an extensive process that will include staff review and approval from the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer. Avoid using abbreviations or lingo that may not be familiar to outside reviewers. During the Learn and Serve America staff review, we determine the relative quality among applications but also consider statutory funding requirements and preferences addressed in the guidelines.  
         
59. What does a successful grant look like? Can we look at ones funded in the past?
    Yes, you can view grantees funded in the past, but understand that they were written to different guidelines. Past LSA grantees are included in the program directory.  
         
60. Do we need citations with the application?
    We cannot accept footnotes or attachments. If you want to cite a specific study, write this into the narrative.

Technical Assistance Information:

Learn and Serve America will be holding a series of technical assistance calls on the following dates:

CALL DATE: APR-3-2008 (Thursday)
CALL TIME: 01:00 PM EASTERN TIME
TOLL-FREE NUMBER: 888-455-9642
PARTICIPANT PASSCODE: 41053
LEADER: Ms Kirsten Breckinridge

CALL DATE: APR-7-2008 (Monday)
CALL TIME: 04:00 PM EASTERN TIME
TOLL-FREE NUMBER: 888-455-9642
PARTICIPANT PASSCODE: 41053
LEADER: Ms Kirsten Breckinridge

CALL DATE: APR-16-2008 (Wednesday)
CALL TIME: 11:00 AM EASTERN TIME
TOLL-FREE NUMBER: 888-323-2714
PARTICIPANT PASSCODE: 1357
LEADER: Ms Kirsten Breckinridge

A recording of the April 16th call is available for replay at 1-888-562-0519.