For Prospective Grantees

AFI Individual Development Account Grant Funding

The Assets for Independence (AFI) program provides five-year grants to nonprofit organizations and government agencies that empower low-income families to become economically self-sufficient for the long-term.  Grantees provide financial education training on money management issues, and they assist participants with saving earned income in special matched savings accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs).  Participants use the IDAs to accumulate funds with the goal of acquiring a first home, post-secondary education, or starting up or expanding a small business.

The program is administered by the Federal Office of Community Services, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

See About AFI for important information regarding program guidelines, project activities, clients served, size of project grants, and AFI legislation.

How to Apply

We are accepting applications for funding new AFI projects now! All applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov as paper applications are no longer being accepted.

Applicants may submit materials at any time throughout the year. OCS will review and fund new grants in three cycles in calendar years 2012 and 2013. The application receipt dates are as follows. 

2012

Summer Cycle -- May 25, 2012

2013

Winter Cycle -- January 25, 2013
Spring Cycle -- March 25, 2013
Summer Cycle -- May 24, 2013

OCS must receive the applications no later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the receipt date. Note: Transmission may be slow the day of the application deadline, so applicants are encouraged to submit their application packages at least 24 hours in advance of the cut-off.

Upcoming Webinars

The AFI Resource Center is offering a summer webinar series for prospective grantees and project partners. Register online now to participate in these interactive calls to learn more about AFI application requirements and procedures.

• Thursday, April 26, 2:00 p.m. Eastern: AFI Program Overview and Grant Application Process
• Tuesday, May 8, 2:00 p.m. Eastern: Tips for Developing Resources and Partners for AFI Projects
• Monday, May 21, 2:00 p.m. Eastern: AFI Questions and Answers Conference Call for Prospective Grantees

Request an Application Kit

Request an application kit and ask your questions! Send an email note to info@idaresources.org or give us a call on 866-778-6037.

Full Funding Announcement

Read the full funding announcement.

How to Submit Your Application

Updated procedure: All applicants must submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov.

Visit Grants.gov to learn about the application process and submit an application. New applicants may find the "For Applicants" page helpful.

Download the Assets for Independence Grant Application Package on Grants.gov by using the program name, the funding opportunity number (HHS-2011-ACF-OCS-EI-0137), or the CFDA number (93.602).

Register for a Current Contractor Registration Number (New Requirement for 2011)

All AFI applicants and grantees must have a current Central Contractor Registration (CCR) numbers. CCR registration must be updated annually and must be active and maintained with current information at all times during which an organization has an active AFI award or an AFI application under consideration. This requirement applies to current grantees, subgrantees, and applicants.

CCR registration may be made online at: www.ccr.gov or by phone at: 1-866-606-8220. Due to heavy traffic at the CCR website at application due dates, applicant grantees and subgrantees are encouraged to register at the CCR well in advance of the application due date.

Required Standard Application Forms

All required Forms, Assurances, and Certifications are included in the Grant Application Package that is downloaded from Grants.gov. These include:

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance
SF-424A Budget Information - Non-construction programs
SF-424B Assurances for Non-construction programs
SF-P/PSL - Project/Performance Site Location(s) Certification Regarding Lobbying
Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Equal Opportunity Survey

Examples of Current Grantees

To learn more about previously-awarded applicants, please refer to the AFI Project Locator for a list of current AFI projects. Click on highlighted grantee names to link to one-page summaries including the grant amount, highlights, target population, and project description. Find existing programs in your area to contact for tips and information. You might even explore whether the current grantee organizations are interested in forming a collaborative with your organization to improve asset building opportunities in your community.