2023 Capacity Strengthening Initiative RFP Questions and Answers
The question-and-answer period closes on Nov. 10, 2023. To ensure all applicants have access to the same information, questions submitted after Nov. 10 will neither be answered nor posted to the website.
Topics:
- General
- Funding and project dates
- Eligible applicants
- Collaborations
- Information Session
- Eligible Projects
- Project requirements and deliverables
- Eligible and ineligible expenses
- Application review and selection process
- Application instructions and submission
General
Question:
Where can I find data on counties in MN that have highest priority populations?
Answer:
The Minnesota Department of Health collects data on key indicators for public health and environmental categories across Minnesota counties. You can find that information here: Minnesota County Public Health Profiles. Grantees can also utilize census data and resources available at Minnesota Compass or Minnesota state demographic center. The Minnesota Compass website Minnesota Compass | Tracking trends & progress provides socioeconomic/demographic information by county.
Question:
How does MDH define "community-based organizations"?
Answer:
Community-based organization (CBO), for the purpose of this RFP, is defined as an entity dedicated to enhancing a community's social health, well-being, and/or overall functioning. These communities may be defined by geographical, psychosocial, cultural, and/or spiritual boundaries. Furthermore, a community-based organization is characterized by its commitment to being community-driven, with the community influencing all aspects of its existence.
Question:
Are you able to share the webinar attendee list and their contact info please, and are there current awardees of the CSG grant? Can you share the list of them and their contact info?
Answer:
We do not disclose lists of webinar attendees or their contact information. The Community Strengthening Grant (CSG) is a new grant program, so there are no current grantees.
Question:
Could we schedule a brief virtual meeting to discuss the grant in detail, its specific requirements as it relates to our work, and how we can prepare a strong application? Your expertise will be invaluable in our journey to operationalize and scale our initiatives.
Answer:
To ensure no applicant has an undue advantage, our staff cannot meet with any applicants individually to support their application process.
Question:
What type of fundraising support can be funded by this grant? Would this grant be limited to supporting the capacity building of organizations to access state funding and contracts only, or can the grant support the capacity building of general fundraising which goes beyond state funding?
Answer:
Both types of capacity-building projects could be considered eligible.
Question:
We are two separate LGBTQ+ organizations in Minnesota, with one being a registered 501(c)3 and the fiscal sponsor of the other. Our organizations were both separately planning on applying, but we’re wondering if having two applications from the same fiscal agent would disqualify us. They would be separate applications for separate organizations, but one would still be the fiscal agent for both applications. Is that allowable, or does that count as submitting two applications?
Answer:
Yes, that would be allowable as long as the lead organizations are different.
Question:
Will the application be online or on paper, and is there anything we need to do between now and November 20 to prepare for the application process?
Answer:
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications via email. Applicants who are unable to submit via email may submit their application via postal mail. Please refer to RFP Part 3 on page 25-30 for submission requirements. Note that all parts of the application must be submitted by Monday, November 20, 2023 (11:59 p.m. CT).
Question:
I am not sure how to save and leave the application form when I am not completing the application.
Answer:
Applicants should download the application form and save it to their computer before completing the form.
Question:
When I go to the FAQ page, the links for the different topics do not work so I am not able to see any of the questions/answers. How can I access them?
Answer:
Scroll down the page to view all the questions and answers.
Question:
Many grants exclusively prioritize direct service organizations and activities. Does this grant fit into that priority viewpoint?
Answer:
The primary aim of this grant is not to fund direct service activities; rather, the goal of this grant is to enhance the capacity of community-based organizations to apply for and secure funding, enabling them to accomplish their objectives and better serve their communities.
Question:
Regarding the interest in targeting social determinants of health (SDOH), what is MDH's frame of reference for what constitutes a social determinant of health? There are many different SODH frameworks; some include only 5 determinants and others identify up to 20.
Answer:
For this grant, we are not using one model or framework. Broadly, we acknowledge that social determinants of health can encompass a multitude of factors including food, housing, education, employment opportunities, etc.
Question:
Can diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) activities such as reviewing, creating and/or rewriting DEI statements be funded?
Answer:
Yes.
Funding
Question:
Is this grant a one-time grant? If we are awarded and use the grant money to hire a person to do grant writing, will the funding for that person continue or will the grant be a one-time award?
Answer:
This is a one-time grant award. We expect the grant to begin in April 2024 and to end on June 30, 2025.
Question:
Are we able to decrease the grant amount we've requested if upon receipt we have already accepted another grant?
Answer:
Yes.
Eligible applicants
Question:
To what degree must the impact of this project or applicant organization relate to health? Would a proposal from a housing nonprofit focused on one of the stated objectives, increasing funding diversity, be competitive? Either the organization or the project must be related to health in some way. Is that correct?
Answer:
Yes, the aim of this grant is to strengthen organizational capacity so that community-based organizations are better equipped to apply for and receive funding to achieve their goals and serve their communities, which will ultimately reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes. As long as the issues addressed by the organization are related to reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes, then it could be a good fit for this grant.
Question:
We are a 501(c)3 but do not have the Minnesota certificate of incorporation. Are we eligible to apply for this grant?
Answer:
Applicants are eligible to apply if they have state or federal recognition as a formal entity, such as a Federal Employer Identification Number or 501(c)3 status, and they meet the eligibility criteria (refer to page 12 of the RFP for additional details). Applicants that do not have state or federal recognition may apply with a fiscal agent.
Question:
According to the competitive priorities in the RFP, our organization meets the first two criteria, but not the “applicants with current annual budget less than $500,000 “criteria. Our organization has an annual budget of $11 Million. Will we still be considered as competitive?
Answer:
Yes, an applicant will be considered a priority organization or entity if they meet two or more of the following:
- Applicants serving people of color, American Indians, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disabilities in Minnesota metro and rural communities.
- Applicants that are within counties that have a higher proportion of Black or African American, nonwhite Latino(a), LGBTQIA+, and disability communities to the extent possible.
- Applicants with current annual budgets less than $500,000.00.
Question:
If your budget is over $5 million, can you still apply?
Answer:
Yes. There is no operating budget limit for this RFP; however, applicants with current annual budgets less than $500,000.00 may be considered priority applicants. For more information on competitive priorities, refer to page 15 of the RFP.
Question:
Is an LLC eligible to apply for this grant?
Answer:
Yes, non-profit LLCs are eligible to apply for this grant.
Question:
Our organizational budget is sitting at over $10 million general operating budget. The program that we would pursue this grant for is under the $500,000. Would we still be competitive or eligible for these funds?
Answer:
There is no operating budget limit for this RFP; however, applicants with current annual budgets less than $500,000.00 may be considered priority applicants. For more information on competitive priorities, refer to page 15 of the RFP.
Question:
I have an LLC established. Is there a requirement to be a 501(c)3 for the grant? I have sponsorship support from a medical college in support of my proposal.
Answer:
Applicants are not required to be a 501(c)3. Nonprofit LLCs are eligible to apply. For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.
Question:
Our nonprofit empowers East African immigrants through youth mentoring, family education, and connections with community resources. We are not exclusively focused on improving health and advancing racial equity, but they are large outcomes of our programming. Is our organization markedly less competitive for this grant because we are not strictly a health-focused organization? Our project is related to this grant program's key objectives.
Answer:
An applicant organization that is not strictly health-focused in its programing will not necessarily be less competitive.
Question:
Would I qualify to apply if I only have registered with the state as an LLC and have an EIN without articles of incorporation, bylaws, financial statements, annual reports, etc., and will my fiscal agent have to submit on my behalf because I don't have these?
Answer:
Applicants are eligible to apply and may submit their applications directly if they have state or federal recognition as a formal entity, such as a Federal Employer Identification Number or 501(c)3 status and meet the eligibility criteria. If an applicant is using a fiscal agent, please note that the fiscal agent will assume full legal and contractual responsibility for the fiscal management and award conditions of the grant funds and has authority to sign the grant agreement. Refer to page 12 of the RFP for additional details.
Question:
Is an LLC is eligible to apply for this grant?
Answer:
Limited liability company (LLC) nonprofits are eligible for funding. For-profit organizations are not eligible for this RFP.
Question:
Are for-profit companies and/or LLCs eligible for funding under the Capacity Strengthening Initiative grant program? In particular, I am thinking of a new home care company that is owned, operated by, and serves Native American people in the metro.
Answer:
Limited liability company (LLC) nonprofits are eligible for funding. For-profit organizations are not eligible for this RFP.
Question:
We are a 501(c)3 private foundation that helps low-income single moms and families living in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro areas purchase a home in a safe neighborhood with access to better educational opportunities and community resources by providing the down payment, closing costs. Do we meet your eligibility for funding since we are a private foundation?
Answer:
501(c)3 nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.
Question:
Are local public health departments eligible to apply for the Capacity Strengthening Initiative grant?
Answer:
For-profits, community health boards (CHBs) or local public health, research firms, and public or private educational institutions are not eligible for this grant.
Question:
Are local public health and tribal health entities eligible to apply?
Answer:
Tribal health entities are eligible for this funding. Local public health entities are not eligible for this funding.
Question:
Could a housing nonprofit apply for funding for a Construction Coordinator through the 2023 Capacity Strengthening Initiative grant program? This person could greatly amplify our capacity for our Age in Place program that makes home adaptations for seniors, disabled, and other low-income homeowners needing help with safety and accessibility modifications in their homes. We help people stay in their homes, where they want to be, and where they tend to live longer with a higher quality of life. Does this appear to be a possible fit so that we could consider applying for this grant opportunity?
Answer:
The primary aim of this grant is not to fund direct service activities; rather, the goal of this grant is to enhance the capacity of community-based organizations to apply for and secure funding, enabling them to accomplish their objectives and better serve their communities.
Question:
Are for-profit organizations or LLCs eligible to apply?
Answer:
Nonprofit LLCs are eligible to apply. For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.
Question:
Are nonprofit health care clinics eligible to apply?
Answer:
Yes.
Question:
Can the fiscal agent have a budget higher than $500,000?
Answer:
There is no operating budget limit for this RFP; however, applicants with current annual budgets less than $500,000.00 may be considered priority applicants. For more information on competitive priorities, refer to page 15 of the RFP.
Question:
If an organization is incorporated in Minnesota but is national in scope, can they still apply? Minnesota is served, but there are also members from other states.
Answer:
Yes.
Question:
What if we are a startup with little data other than research? We need staff to help raise funds and our mission is to serve homeless who have experienced racism in housing. Are we still eligible?
Answer:
Eligible applicants may include, but are not limited to: community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, Tribal governments, and social service organizations. Please refer to page 12 of the RFP for additional details.
Question:
Does our fiscal sponsor have to be a model A or will you accept a model C sponsor?
Answer:
Both models are acceptable. Please note however that the organization carrying out the work of the grant must be located in and conduct grant activities in the state of Minnesota.
Question:
Are for-profit organizations that serve communities impacted by health inequities/disparities eligible to apply?
Answer:
No, for-profits are not eligible to apply.
Question:
Is the expectation that grant-funded activities result directly in improved health outcomes/decrease in disparities? Or are the desired outcomes about the capacity-building work that the organization will do that will eventually (and not necessarily during the grant period) result in improved health outcomes?
Answer:
The desired outcomes are about the capacity-building work that the organization will do that will eventually (and not necessarily during the grant period) result in improved health outcomes.
Question:
Are housing stabilization programs a good fit for this funding?
Answer:
The aim of this grant is to strengthen organizational capacity so that CBOs are better equipped to apply for and receive funding to achieve their goals and serve their communities, which will ultimately reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes. If the housing stabilization program meets the grant eligibility requirements, then it could be good fit for this funding.
Question:
My understanding is that the RFP does not limit applicants to those having less than $500,000 annual budgets. Is that correct?
Answer:
Yes.
Question:
If an organization is new to serving Minnesota, and their headquarters is in California, are they eligible to apply? Also, what is the operating budget maximum?
Answer:
Applicants must be located in and conduct grant activities in the state of Minnesota, but fiscal agents may be located outside of Minnesota. There is no operating budget limit for this RFP; however, applicants with current annual budgets less than $500,000.00 may be considered priority applicants. For more information on competitive priorities, refer to page 15 of the RFP.
Question:
If you are applying for your organization with an operating budget over $1 million, are we ineligible to apply? We are not working with a partnership organization.
Answer:
There is no operating budget limit for this RFP; however, applicants with current annual budgets less than $500,000.00 may be considered priority applicants. For more information on competitive priorities, refer to page 15 of the RFP.
Question:
We are a small nonprofit serving elderly and caregivers in four counties. Would we be the type of group the grant intends to fund?
Answer:
Yes, nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.
Question:
We are a school-based clinic run by the city health department serving students who are primarily Black, Indigenous, Latino and Asian. Many are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Are we eligible to apply for the Capacity Strengthening Grant?
Answer:
No. For-profits, community health boards (CHBs) or local public health, research firms, and public or private educational institutions are not eligible for this grant.
Question:
Our coalition has been meeting monthly for the past 2 years providing education, consultation and resource sharing in effort to support gender affirming care services. We currently have 55 members in the coalition. There is an increase in demand for education and training for healthcare providers who provide gender affirming services and I would like to host a 2-day summit specific to college health providers. Would a summit be appropriate for this type of project?
Also, we are a self-formed group and not connected to a specific agency. Do we need to be connected to an organization to be eligible for the grant?
Answer:
In general, this type of activity would not be eligible; proposals must directly relate to building or strengthening the capacity of the organization itself to better serve the community.
Applicants must have state or federal recognition as a formal organization or entity, such as a Federal Employer Identification Number or 501c3 status. Organizations or entities with a history of serving focus communities that do not have state or federal recognition may apply with a fiscal agent.
Question:
I work for a federally qualified health center (FQHC) and am interested in applying for the Capacity Strengthening Initiative RFP to fund activities to launch a foundation. The foundation is a separate nonprofit entity to increase the FQHC's social and community impact and radically disrupt inequities by fully addressing and supporting whole-person health and well-being. We want to focus on social drivers of health and increase our wrap-around services. After reviewing the RFP and eligible projects, I believe this falls under "Infrastructure Improvement to be better equipped for success." Would it be possible to apply for the grant to fund the launching of the foundation? Activities would include:
- Establishing efficient fundraising practices.
- Creating a mission, vision, values, and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
- Restructuring practices and services to increase the ability to access and sustain new funding for expanding programs.
- Upgrading/enhancing existing website to include foundation specific pages.
Answer:
Yes, these could be eligible activities.
Collaborations
Question:
Our organization is interested in applying for this grant with another agency. Do you have any additional information on multi-organization applicants. Should the non-lead organization contact info, EIN, Tax ID be included in some way? Should the non-lead organization prepare a Due Diligence Review Form? In the workplan, should the key staff be identified by which organization they work?
Answer:
Only the lead organization is required to provide details such as contact information, EIN, Tax ID, etc. It is not necessary to provide this information for non-lead organizations unless the non-lead organization is acting as your fiscal agent. In the work plan, key staff should be identified by which organization they work for. Collaboration is highly encouraged, so if you are partnering with other organizations, please refer to this collaboration in all relevant parts of the application.
Information Session
Question:
Is it possible to watch a recording of the Grant Info Session for the 2023 Capacity Strengthening Grant that was held on 10/26/2023?
Answer:
Yes, the information session recording will be posted on the 2023 Capacity Strengthening Initiative RFP webpage once it is made accessible.
Eligible Projects
Question:
Is the following considered an eligible project? An eligible applicant proposes to use CSG funding to form a collaborative partnership with a for-profit community health technology company that will strengthen their capacity to apply for and win future funding (i.e., boosting the operational capacity of the eligible applicant, empower them to reach more people in more places, making it possible to track data and meet reporting requirements, etc.).
Answer:
This could be an eligible project.
Question:
I'm reaching out from an affordable housing nonprofit that helps low-income and BIPOC residents preserve their housing by establishing and running cooperatives. We are interested in building our capacity to understand health outcomes in the communities we serve so that we can be better positioned to connect residents with health services that will improve their quality of life. For example, we would like to hire an evaluator to look at health issues in the communities we serve. Would this type of project be competitive for the Capacity Strengthening Initiative grant?
Answer:
The project you describe is in line with section 2.2 Eligible Projects on page 15 of the RFP.
Question:
I am wondering if you can clarify if grant money could be used for funding for CALS training for all inpatient staff? If I am reading correctly, I am assuming no, that is not a health disparity and does not relate to racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia. etc.
Answer:
The aim of this grant is to strengthen organizational capacity so that community-based organizations are better equipped to apply for and receive funding to achieve their goals and serve their communities, which will ultimately reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes. If this activity meets this aim, then it could be a fit for this funding.
Question:
Can we use this grant to fund the start of our community farm and are there safety liability issues with funding farm equipment? Does farm equipment count as office supplies? Can we pay for site insurance through this funding opportunity, does a laptop count as office supplies, and can we do buckets of funding in the budget rather than line items?
Answer:
The aim of this grant is to strengthen organizational capacity so that community-based organizations are better equipped to apply for and receive funding to achieve their goals and serve their communities, which will ultimately reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes. If starting a community farm program meets this aim, then it could be a fit for this funding. Please refer to the sample grant agreement for information regarding liability.
Regarding the questions about eligible expenses, farm equipment would not be considered office supplies, but a laptop could. Please note that any individual piece of equipment that costs more than $5,000 in not an allowable expense. Similar budget items may be grouped together (e.g., office supplies such as pens, paper, and notebooks for an estimated $200). Applicants should include all relevant direct and indirect costs in their budget, and if selected for a grant award, CHE staff will negotiate final budget items with the applicant before a grant agreement is finalized to ensure all costs are allowable and budgeted appropriately. Please refer to budget instructions on page 28-30 of the RFP for more information about how to complete the budget.
Question:
Would activities related to strategic planning be considered eligible?
Answer:
Activities related to strategic planning may be considered eligible.
Question:
Would either of these be an eligible project?
- Developing a strategic plan that would take into account reframing the programming and infrastructure of our organization based on the changing nature, needs and opportunities presented by the community we serve.
- Hiring a consulting firm to research and develop a list of funding prospects (primarily foundations and corporate giving programs). This would help diversify our funding base and open up more opportunities for general operating support.
Can a single proposal include both of these activities?
Answer:
Yes, they could be eligible, and a single proposal may include multiple activities.
Project requirements and deliverables
Question:
We plan to submit an application for a new staff position. We had planned a salary of $75,000 with estimated fringe of 35% which is over the max $100,000 threshold. If our reimbursement request stays within the max threshold, would that be fine? Otherwise, should we reduce the salary to $71,000 (plus $24,850 estimated fringe) to stay under the 100k?
Answer:
Per the RFP, the estimated award maximum for this grant is $100,000. An applicant may submit a request for more than that amount, but we recommend staying within the estimated award range. If funded, applicants may choose to pay any additional costs that exceed the award amount.
Question:
Are virtual methods such as podcasts, zooming workshops/seminars, and social media to reach priority populations acceptable activities for sharing health equity information?
Answer:
Yes, as long as the activities support the overarching aim of the grant to strengthen organizational capacity.
Question:
Would a new hire/role be categorized as Infrastructure Investment or Workforce Development?
Answer:
Workforce Development.
Question:
Is this grant program interested in capacity building for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the intersection of food and nutrition, BIPOC urban organic community agriculture, environmental health, clean water, air, climate resiliency, watersheds soil health, pesticides, and pollinators?
Answer:
Yes, as these issues can have impacts on reducing health disparities and improve health outcomes.
Question:
For the focus populations outlined in the RFP, does an applicant need to serve all of those populations, or focus on one/some (e.g., if an applicant serves primarily African Americans, is that applicant eligible?)
Answer:
Applicants are not required to work with all the populations mentioned in the RFP. It's acceptable if applicants choose to concentrate on a single priority population.
Eligible and ineligible expenses
Question:
Are laptops and monitors an eligible expense? Capacity is currently limited by outdated office equipment for some members of the coalition.
Answer:
Yes, laptops and monitors may be eligible expense.
Question:
Do you consider intake expenses as ineligible expenses?
Answer:
This may be considered ineligible if the intention is to provide a direct service, as the primary purpose of this grant is not to fund direct service activities. The goal of this grant is to enhance the capacity of community-based organizations to apply for and secure funding, enabling them to accomplish their objectives and better serve their communities.
Question:
We are trying to figure out if the indirect costs are included in the $100,000 max award ceiling or if that only applies to the direct costs.
Answer:
Yes, direct costs are included in the $100,000 max award ceiling.
Question:
How is capital improvement and alteration defined? Is this physical space related only, or are
other items covered under this? If we are submitting for a systems improvement but haven't officially selected a vendor yet, does this disqualify us; or can we submit parameters on timing of selecting vendor and a list of potential vendors and rough estimates?
Answer:
Capital improvement refers to permanent structural change or restoration of a property.
Applicants are not required to have all partner vendors identified upfront. They can reference this as needed in the application. In the budget, applicants can specify the services the vendor will provide along with the timeline in the contractual services categories.
Question:
We are currently exploring alternatives to upgrade/replace our current operational program which collects and reports on data for clients, volunteers, services provided, miles, hours etc. Can funds be used to: modify our current program, purchase a replacement program, and purchase new or additional hardware?
Answer:
The aim of this grant is to strengthen organizational capacity so that CBOs are better equipped to apply for and receive funding to achieve their goals and serve their communities, which will ultimately reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes. If the housing stabilization program meets the grant eligibility requirements, then it could be good fit for this funding.
Question:
Could you please clarify if federal income tax, social security tax, Medicare, Minnesota income tax, and unemployment insurance are considered fringe allowances?
Answer:
Federal income tax, social security tax, Medicare, Minnesota income tax, and unemployment insurance are not considered fringe allowances. Fringe allowances typically include additional benefits or perks provided by employers beyond the regular salary or wages, such as health insurance, retirement contributions, or other non-monetary benefits.
Question:
When entering salaries for labor categories, are the employer tax portion of those salaries considered a fringe benefit? If the labor category is part time and the employer is not required to provide any health benefits, can we include the employer portion of taxes in the salary or must we separate that out as part of fringe benefits?
Answer:
Employer taxes are not considered fringe benefits. Applicants should include all relevant direct and indirect costs in their budget, and if selected for a grant award, CHE staff will negotiate final budget items with the applicant before a grant agreement is finalized to ensure all costs are allowable and budgeted appropriately.
Question:
Our fiscal sponsor takes a percentage of our awarded grants. Are we able to add that percentage into the request?
Answer:
Fiscal agents may be paid a portion of the grant award according to how they directly or indirectly support the project. Please note that any expense that covers other projects outside the scope of the proposed project for this application must be prorated accordingly.
Question:
Is the following considered an eligible expense? An eligible applicant proposing to use CSG funds to purchase a community health software platform tool that strengthens their capacity by streamlining operations, automating their processes, and creating a single source of data truth (i.e. streamlining community needs assessments, automating communications to the community, the ability to manipulate and evaluate data more efficiently and effectively, etc.)?
Answer:
This could be an allowable expense; however, any individual piece of equipment that costs more than $5,000 would not be an eligible expense with grant funds. MDH will review and approve any equipment expenses less than $5,000 on a case-by-case basis upon an award offer.
Question:
The RFP lists "minor" technology costs as being acceptable. How do you define "minor"? Under a certain dollar amount?
Answer:
Applicants have the option to incorporate minor technology-related expenses associated with project operation and management into their budget. These expenses may cover items such as software and IT costs, printing, and computer-related expenditures. Equipment costs over $5,000 are not allowable. MDH will review and approve any equipment expenses less than $5,000 on a case-by-case basis upon an award offer.
Question:
Can we include the employer portion of taxes on employee salaries?
Answer:
Employer taxes and fringe benefits are generally allowable expenses.
Application review and selection process
Question:
Because we are a start-up, we do not have the history required to answer some questions. How is this scored and/or evaluated in deciding awards?
Answer:
Applicants should provide thorough and accurate responses to all questions in the application to the best of their ability. Funding will be allocated through a competitive process with review by a committee representing the communities served by the CSG grants, as well as some MDH staff, agency partners and other state agency staff.
Question:
How is the due diligence form evaluated and scored? Is it higher scores are evaluated as lower ranking?
Answer:
The due diligence review is a component of MDH's pre-award assessment. These reviews enable MDH to assess applicant capacity and identify opportunities for technical assistance for grant recipients. It's important to note that this form does not contribute to the application scoring criteria upon which grant award decisions are made. Its purpose is solely to ensure appropriate levels of technical assistance are provided if the applicant is selected for funding.
Question:
Page 15 of the RFP describes other competitive priorities in which the State will consider an applicant a priority organization if they meet two or more of the three listed criteria. How will prioritization occur? Will extra points be applied for applicants meeting criteria or will there be an additional methodology used?
Answer:
For more information on how applicants will be scored, please refer to the Application Scoring Criteria on pages 32-33 of the RFP. There are 100 total possible points, and no extra points are awarded. Funding will be allocated through a competitive process with review by a committee representing the communities served by the CSG grants, as well as some MDH staff, agency partners and other state agency staff. Reviewers will provide recommendations to MDH based on the scoring criteria and discussions. In making final award determinations, MDH will consider review team scores alongside other factors including populations served, geographic distribution, total available funding, and the funding priorities stated in the RFP.
Question:
If an organization has had few grants awarded in the past due to limited staffing, does this affect how the prospective grantee is scored?
Answer:
This organization's application could be competitive for this grant. For more information on how applicants will be scored, please refer to the Application Scoring Criteria on pages 32-33 of the RFP.
Question:
If an organization can make a strong case for the need for capacity strengthening, but has successfully received state funding for decades and currently has grants/contracts with multiple state agencies, is their application likely to be competitive in this RFP?
Answer:
Yes, your application could still be competitive. For more information on how applicants will be scored, please refer to the Application Scoring Criteria on pages 32-33 of the RFP.
Application instructions and submission
Question:
For the grant application, does the project served refer to the organization's mission or the project that is specific to how we want to use the funds for this grant?
Answer:
The communities served refers to those intentionally reached through the organization's mission, which will be furthered by the specific capacity strengthening project proposed in your application.
Question:
I submitted my application a week ago, and I since figured out that I must make some adjustments. Can I submit an updated one?
Answer:
Yes, applicants have the option of resubmitting their application. When resubmitting, please specify in your email that it is a resubmission and ensure that all revised application materials are received by Monday, November 20, 2023, by 11:59 p.m. CDT.
Question:
In question 2, you ask for an overview of the organization's leadership. Do you want names of our leadership team, details about their contributions to the team, or just a general overview?
Answer:
Please include both the names of the leaders, if known, and details about their contributions to the team. Question 2 also permits attachments. Please refer to page 30 of the RFP for examples on allowable attachments for this question.
Question:
I have a question about the due diligence form question number 2: "How many paid employees does your organization have (part-time and full-time)?" Our organization has one part-time salaried staff member and two hourly part-time staff. We also pay 10 facilitators every month for meetings. We are fiscally sponsored by another entity, but we use our own funds to pay all these people. How many employees do we have in this scenario? On the due diligence form there are several questions about accounting procedures and systems that I don't know how to answer because our funds are held by another entity as our fiscal sponsor. They have these systems in place and provide us with all our financial information, such as balance sheets, statements, and expenses. Do we answer these questions with another entity in mind (i.e., we DO have accounting systems, etc.), or do we state that we have none of these systems in place since our fiscal agent currently does this for us?
Answer:
Since you are applying with a fiscal agent, the fiscal agent should complete the due diligence form. The questions in the form will apply to the fiscal agent organization since they will be the one handling the funds.
Question:
In the due diligence form section 4, question 13 asks “Does your nonprofit have tax-exempt status from the IRS?” and question 15 asks “What financial documentation will you be attaching to this form?” Our organization is fiscally sponsored. Our tax-exempt status is essentially our fiscal sponsor's tax-exempt status. We don't have one of our own. How do I fill out question 15? If the answer is no, in question 13 what do we provide? We can’t answer question 15 because we don’t have an IRS 990 form, because we use the fiscal sponsor. But the grant is over 50,000. How do organizations that are fiscally sponsored answer these questions?
Answer:
Since you are applying with a fiscal agent, the fiscal agent should complete the due diligence form. The questions in the form will apply to the fiscal agent organization since they will be the one handling the funds.
Question:
The RFP asks for a list of names and qualifications of the people that will be working closely with the project. What do we do if some of those people are not hired yet? Does the application want us to mention the characteristics we are looking for?
Answer:
During the application period, applicants are not required to have all positions filled. Instead, they can note in their application materials that they intend to hire individuals who meet the specified qualifications for these roles.
Question:
Our agency includes people of each demographic option in the “Community Served” checklist, should we check each option?
Answer:
Yes, please check all the communities you intend to serve.
Question:
Several of the questions in the application refer to the “Lead Organization.” Can the “Lead Organization” be the agency?
Answer:
The lead organization refers to the primary organization that will carry out the grant objectives (not the fiscal agent). If you are collaborating with other organizations, please refer to this partnership in all relevant sections of the application. When collaborating, one organization must be designated at the lead organization.
Question:
When submitting all 5 components (via email), is each component submitted as a separate document or should they be combined in one PDF file?
Answer:
Applicants are strongly encouraged to email their application materials using the provided templates. The materials can be attached as separate documents to the same email.
Question:
Are graphics/tables/charts able to be added to the application docs?
Answer:
No; graphs, tables, and charts are not allowed in the application form.