Assets for Independence Demonstration Program

HHS-2011-ACF-OCS-EI-0137

Summary

Funding Opportunity Title:

Assets for Independence Demonstration Program

Funding Opportunity Number (FON):  

HHS-2011-ACF-OCS-EI-0137

Program Office:

Office of Community Services

Funding Type:

Discretionary

Funding Category:

Grant

Announcement Type:

Modification

CFDA#:

93.602

Post Date:

01/03/2013

Application Due Date:

Fiscal Year 2011: 03/31/2011 and 5/25/2011

Fiscal Year 2012: 1/25/2012, 3/26/2012, 5/25/2012

Fiscal Year 2013: 3/25/2013 and 5/24/2013

Description

This announcement has been modified.  In Section IV.2. Content and Form of Application Submission, Required Forms, Assurances, and Certifications, the following forms have been added: SF-424C – Budget Information – Construction Programs and SF-424D – Assurances – Construction Programs.

In Section IV.5. Funding Restrictions, the following has been removed: “Construction is not an allowable activity or expenditure under this grant award.”

Note: The application kit that was posted to www.Grants.gov on December 6, 2012 is no longer valid. In order to be considered for funding, the application kit for the current modified FOA must be downloaded. The application kit for this modified FOA now includes the required standard forms for construction, SF-424C and SF-424D.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is requesting applications for grants to administer projects for the national Assets for Independence (AFI) demonstration of the use and impact of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) and related services.  Grantees will provide an array of supports and services to enable individuals and families with low incomes to become more economically self-sufficient for the long-term.  A primary feature of each AFI project is that project participants are given access to special matched savings accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDA).  Participants open an IDA and save earned income in the account regularly with the goal of accumulating savings to acquire an economic asset that will appreciate over time -- specifically, to purchase a home, capitalize or expand a business for self-employment, or attend higher education or training.  Grantees also ensure that participants have access to financial literacy education and coaching such as training on money management and consumer issues.

Grant recipients must finance the projects with a combination of the Federal AFI grant and non-Federal cash.  The non-Federal cash amount must be at least equal to the Federal AFI grant amount.  

Applications will be screened and evaluated according to requirements and criteria stated in this announcement. Unsuccessful applicants may submit new applications in any succeeding application cycle.

This is a standing announcement, which will be effective until cancelled or changed by the Director of the Office of Community Services (OCS).  There are multiple funding cycles in each of Federal Fiscal Years 2011, 2012, 2013, with application due dates for each cycle.