• Who may apply?
• How can my agency/group use the funds?
• What is the award period?
• How do organizations apply?
• How will applications be reviewed?
• How will the awards be administered?
• How can I get my questions answered?

WHO MAY APPLY?
Nonprofit organizations including, but not limited to, community-based organizations and groups, minority-based organizations, schools, faith-based organizations, civic and fraternal groups, and local health departments and agencies may apply. Universities and university-affiliations, such as medical centers, are precluded from receiving an award directly, but are welcome to collaborate with community-based organizations.

HOW CAN MY AGENCY/GROUP USE THE FUNDS?
Projects must focus on eye health education and promotion activities. Only those expenses deemed appropriate for use of government funds will be considered for support. Funding is available for, but not limited to, consultant fees, project-specific supplies, project staff salaries, local travel, and community-based education and promotion activities.

Funding is not available for the following:

• Direct medical care.
• Purchase of personal eyewear.
• Purchase of eye examination equipment.
• Vouchers for professional services such as eye examinations.
• Creation of new organizations.
• Fundraising.
• Subgranting or regranting.
• Any activity that violates local, State, or Federal laws or the terms of the NEI contract with Macro International.
• Indirect costs/institutional overhead. "Indirect costs" are those not readily identifiable with a particular cost objective, but are necessary to the general operation of a nonprofit organization and the conduct of the activities it performs.

WHAT IS THE AWARD PERIOD?
The award period is for 12 months, beginning when the subcontract agreement with Macro International is signed.

HOW DO ORGANIZATIONS APPLY?
Applications for a 2009 award are currently being accepted and are due August 29th. Applications must be completed in full to be considered for a 2009 award. All application materials can be found at http://www.healthyvision2010.org/news/hvca/.

HOW WILL APPLICATIONS BE REVIEWED?
The review process will be administered entirely by Macro International and will include primary and secondary review panels of optometrists, ophthalmologists, and health education specialists.

The primary focus of the proposed project must be eye health education and promotion. Each application will be evaluated according to these criteria (100 total points).

1. Project Approach and Activities (40 points): A statement of your project objectives, your key activities, a description of project sustainability once funding ends, and a timeline of key activities. Describe in detail what makes your project innovative and/or unique to your community.



2. Project Director/Collaborations (15 points): A brief description of who will direct the project, including a resume of his/her skills and experience (a maximum of two pages) and a description of the role of collaborators on your project. Please list the names and contacts of community groups collaborating with you on the project. The number of collaborations is not limited. However, you must provide at least two letters of support that specifically outline how you will work with your collaborators. (Note: Letters of support are not subject to the narrative application page limit.)



3. Project Effectiveness (25 points): A description of your project measurement processes. You will be asked to describe how you will meet the objectives listed in the Project Approach section of your application.



4. Budget (20 points): A detailed, line-item budget and justification of the funding amount requested. A budget template is provided. You will be asked to provide details on your proposed personnel and other direct costs. The budget template provides a detailed listing of what is not fundable under this award. Complete instructions on how to develop your budget is outlined on the budget template. Should you have any questions while developing your budget, please e-mail HVCAmail@shs.net.

The final selection of award recipients will be based on the evaluation score, geographic and racial/ethnic representation, project innovation, documented financial sustainability, and availability of funds.

HOW WILL THE AWARD BE ADMINISTERED?
Funds will be administered by Macro International. Each awardee will enter into a subcontracting agreement directly with Macro International. Upon completion of the subcontract agreement with Macro International, 85 percent of the award will be paid to the awardee. The balance will be paid upon completion of the project and the submission of the required reports.

HOW CAN I GET MY QUESTIONS ANSWERED?
If you have questions about the application package or eligibility requirements, you can e-mail them to HVCAmail@shs.net.