NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY Texas Disaster Volunteer Generation Initiative

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1 ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITY Commission Name: OneStar National Service Commission, OneStar Foundation Federal Agency: Corporation for National and Community Service CFDA Number: Funding Opportunity Types: Volunteer Generation Fund FY 2013 Notices of Intent to Apply Due (optional): Application Deadline: Friday, January 17, 2014 by 11:59:59 PM CST Thursday, January 30, 2014 by 11:59:59 PM CST OVERVIEW The mission of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic participation through service and volunteering. CNCS through its AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs, Volunteer Generation Fund and Social Innovation Fund has helped to engage millions of citizens in meeting community and national challenges through service and volunteer action. CNCS seeks to direct the power of national service to solve a common set of challenges, expand opportunities for all Americans to serve, build the enduring capacity of individuals, organizations, and communities to effectively use service and volunteering to solve community problems, and embrace innovative solutions that work. OneStar National Service Commission (OneStar) serves as the Governor-designated National Service Commission in Texas and also administers the AmeriCorps*State grant program. The Governor-appointed Board members oversee the legal and policy governance of the AmeriCorps*Texas program portfolio. OneStar s mission is to build a stronger nonprofit sector for a better Texas. OneStar connects faith-based and community organizations, businesses, government and foundations to resources and information about the nonprofit sector. We promote innovative strategies and public-private partnerships to drive community solutions. OneStar is a statewide convener of nonprofit networks, developing a coordinated approach to building the strongest most impactful nonprofit sector. Learn more about OneStar at: The Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF), a program authorized by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009, is designed to increase the number of people who serve in meaningful roles as volunteers dedicated to addressing important needs in communities across America. OneStar has received a FY 2013 Volunteer Generation Fund grant from CNCS to launch the Texas Disaster Volunteer Generation Initiative, which will strengthen the State of Texas infrastructure and ability to harness the potential of unaffiliated, spontaneous and other community volunteers generated in times of disaster through increasing the capacity of volunteer connector organizations and their partners. This initiative will benefit from OneStar s partnerships with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TX VOAD), the Texas Association of Volunteer Centers (TAVC), and the University of Texas at Austin s RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service (UT RGK). FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION A. Purpose of Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) Grants Volunteers provide significant social and economic benefit to our communities and the nation. In 2012, 64.5 million adults volunteered through formal organizations. Whether tutoring at-risk students or providing job training to veterans or responding to natural disasters, volunteers have a powerful impact on critical challenges facing our nation. Volunteering also provides important benefits to those who serve helping them develop and maintain skills, expand professional networks, stay connected to their community, and experience physical and mental health benefits. Researchers have found that when citizens volunteer, they have higher lifetime rates of civic engagement, educational attainment, social capital, and life skills (Frumkin & Jastrzab, 2010; Simon & Wang, 2002; Tschirhart et. al, 2001). Volunteering can play an important part in putting unemployed Americans back to work, especially those that have been unemployed for a long period of time. As Hilda L. Solis, Secretary for the Department of Labor (DoL) has said Volunteerism can be a way to help unemployed workers expand their network of contacts, improve their Page 1 of 6

2 resumes and make a positive impression in a competitive job market. Finally, a report issued last year by the National Conference on Citizenship (NCOC) reported that states and localities with higher indices of civic engagement and volunteering were also able to recover from the recession quicker than communities with lower levels of civic engagement (NCOC, 2012). Volunteer Generation Fund grants, serve to retain and increase the number of people who volunteer in meaningful roles. The Volunteer Generation Fund grants will be used to develop and/or support community-based entities to recruit, manage, and support volunteers. CNCS seeks to fund effective approaches that expand volunteering, strengthen the capacity of volunteer connector organizations to recruit and retain skill-based volunteers, and develop strategies to effectively use volunteers to solve problems. Specifically, the VGF grants will support efforts that expand the capacity of volunteer connector organizations to recruit, manage, support and retain individuals to serve in high quality volunteer assignments. In order to measure performance, programs funded through the Volunteer Generation Fund will establish outputs to measure the number of both new and retained volunteers managed and supported by grant funds awards and the types and amounts of activities carried out by volunteers. In 2012, Texans contributed 571 million hours of volunteer service to their communities (Volunteering in America, 2012). Despite this, Texas ranks 42 of 50 states in overall volunteer rates, with only 24.7% of residents reporting that they formally volunteer. As OneStar identified in a 2011 multi-phase study ( Analysis of the Texas Nonprofit Infrastructure and Capacity-Building Resources ), this is likely the result of a lack of volunteer coordination and nonprofit infrastructure across the state. The study, conducted by Angela Bies, Ph.D., of Texas A&M University s Bush School of Government & Public Service, identified a resounding need for formal networks and alliances to increase coordination and communication across the sector and expanding nonprofit infrastructure provision in underserved areas. Texans, as a whole, lack access to meaningful, coordinated volunteer opportunities and volunteer connector organizations. At the same time, over the past decade, Texas has experienced a significant number of high-profile natural and manmade disasters. These disasters, ranging from floods to wildfires, hurricanes to drought, and the recent West fertilizer plant explosion, have led to both economic devastation in under-resourced regions of the state as well as a growing number of concerned citizens who wish to help but lack coordination, training, and supervision. Since 2005, when Hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall on the American Gulf Coast and left the region devastated within the course of a single month under the lens of national media exposure, the American public has become keenly and increasingly aware of the vital role volunteers can play in times of disaster. The, administered by OneStar Foundation, will strengthen the State of Texas infrastructure and ability to harness the potential of unaffiliated, spontaneous and other community volunteers generated in times of disaster through increasing the capacity of volunteer connector organizations and their partners. The project, which will focus on the CNCS Focus Area of Disaster Services, will benefit from OneStar s strategic, cross-sector partnerships with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TX VOAD), the Texas Association of Volunteer Centers (TAVC), and the University of Texas at Austin s RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service (UT RGK). By the end of the one year project period, OneStar and its subgrantees and partners will recruit 2,000 disaster volunteers who will have contributed at least 1,000 hours of service in total to Texas communities. B. Funding Priorities In this competitive grant opportunity, OneStar expects to fund applicants that successfully meet the requirements described in this Notice. Within that context, OneStar will target its grantmaking towards applicants that: Demonstrate a track record of successfully recruiting, managing and mobilizing large groups of volunteers. Describe how they will identify and implement evidence-based strategies and best practices related to volunteer recruitment and management in times of disaster. Build strategic partnerships with local government and emergency management officials to prepare in advance for volunteer mobilization in times of disaster. Develop high-quality disaster volunteer programs and volunteer assignments that will help Texas generate and retain an unprecedented number of volunteers available in times of disaster. Page 2 of 6

3 Priority will be given to applicants that are existing volunteer connector organizations (VCO), members of the state or local Volunteer Organization s Active in Disasters (VOADs), and entities that propose to partner with national service programs in their area (AmeriCorps or Senior Corps). C. National Performance Measures The Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF), places strong emphasis on measuring the impact of service. As such, OneStar and its VGF grantees will be required report on specific National Performance Measures to allow CNCS to demonstrate aggregated impact of all VGF grant recipients. National Performance Measures include Priority and Complementary Measures. OneStar VGF applicants are required to use the following Priority Performance Measure to assess the outcomes of their VGF project. Priority National Performance Measure (required) Number of community volunteers recruited by CNCS-supported organizations or national service participants and hours of service contributed by community volunteers who were recruited by CNCS-supported organizations. In addition to the selected Priority Measures, applicants may also select one or more of the optional Complementary Measures below: Complementary National Performance Measures (optional) Number of military family members engaged in service opportunities as a National Service participant or volunteer. Number of veterans engaged in service opportunities as a National Service Participant or volunteer. Number of organizations implementing three or more effective volunteer management practices as a result of capacity-building services provided by CNCS-supported organizations or national service participants. D. Program Deliverables Successful applicants will be required to meet and report on several additional deliverables designed to build longterm organizational capacity and achieve OneStar s Texas-specific goals. As a condition of funding, subgrantees will be required to: Appoint and train a disaster response volunteer coordinator or specialist within their organization. Participate in at least one grantee kick-off training and subsequent monthly conference calls conducted by OneStar Foundation. Design and launch a disaster volunteer recruitment campaign in their local community that results in measurable disaster volunteer registrations and disaster volunteer data tracking. Track and report on two required CNCS National Performance Measures: 1) number of volunteers recruited and 2) number of volunteer hours contributed as a result of receiving funding. Submit a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) to ensure their organization s ability to sustain itself and continue operations in the event of a disaster. Plan and host at least one Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) simulation in their local community to train and prepare staff, volunteers and partners for coordinating large groups of volunteers in a disaster. Consult with local emergency management and government officials on the most appropriate role of their organization in the local emergency management plan with relation to spontaneous volunteer management as an emergency support function. Document project results by maintaining photographs, videos, press releases, program materials, articles, media clippings, etc. Submit a mid-year and year-end Progress Report on their progress toward meeting CNCS National Performance Measures as well as the above program deliverables. Page 3 of 6

4 E. Unallowable Activities Certain activities may not be supported with these grant funds. The prohibited activities include the following: Lobbying Inherently religious activities (such as religious instruction, worship or proselytizing) Organized fundraising (including campaigns, endowment drives, solicitation of gifts and bequests or other activities to raise capital or obtain contributions) Acquisition of real property or construction costs Purchase of vehicles or equipment ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION A. Eligible Applicants This opportunity is open to public or private nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and other community organizations; institutions of higher education; government entities within states or territories (e.g., cities, counties); labor organizations, partnerships and consortia; Tribes, and intermediaries planning to subgrant funds awarded are encouraged to apply. Receiving funding previously from CNCS or another Federal agency is not a prerequisite to applying under this Notice. Organizations that have been convicted of a Federal crime are disqualified from receiving the assistance described in this Notice. Pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Action of 1995, an organization described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4) that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to apply. Successful applicants must also meet the following selection criteria as required by OneStar: Have a permanent office or have operations based in Texas. Request a minimum of $25,000 in funding. Be able to provide dollar-for-dollar match (cash or in-kind), i.e., the Federal share may not exceed 50% of the total project cost. Demonstrate a readiness and commitment to recruiting and utilizing volunteers in times of disaster. Agree to work cooperatively with OneStar staff and/or contractors to fulfill grant requirements and evaluate progress Provide OneStar with a copy of their A-133 Audit or Independent Financial Audit. The applicant organization will also certify they have experience in managing state and/or federal grant funds. Priority will be given to applicants that are existing volunteer connector organizations, members of the state or local VOADs, and entities that propose to partner with national service programs in their area (AmeriCorps or Senior Corps). B. Match Requirements OneStar VGF grantees will be required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match (cash or in-kind); the Federal share of the allowable costs of carrying out a Volunteer Generation Fund program may not exceed 50% of the total project cost in accordance with federal VGF requirements. For example, an applicant proposing a total project budget of $100,000 could request no more than $50,000 (50%) in Federal Share and would have to provide $50,000 (50%) in Grantee Share (match). Applicants will be asked to describe the expected sources of their matching share in their application to OneStar. (Examples of in-kind match include personnel, training, office space, supplies, etc.). OneStar will provide fiscal monitoring and oversight of VGF grantees to ensure match is adequate, allowable, and documented correctly. Page 4 of 6

5 AWARD INFORMATION A. Funding Available OneStar has allocated $150,000 for the. B. Award Amount OneStar expects to award up to five (5) grants of between $25,000 $50,000. At its discretion, OneStar may award fewer grants or grants of different amounts, if any. C. Award Period OneStar anticipates making one-time grant awards that span an eight (8) month project period (March 1 October 31, 2014). Therefore, applicants must submit applications for funding that are based on an 8-month project and budget period. Additional continuation funding may become available but is not guaranteed. Factors considered in awarding continuation grants include satisfactory performance, demonstrated capacity to manage the grant, compliance with grant requirements, agency priorities, and the availability of appropriated funds. OneStar and CNCS reserve the right to adjust the amount of a grant or elect not to continue funding for subsequent years. D. Reporting Requirements All selected applicants must submit mid-year and year-end progress and financial reports as stated in the grant award reporting schedule. E. Disclaimer This Notice of Funding Opportunity was created in good faith and based on the most recent guidance provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Publication of this notice does not obligate OneStar to select any specific number of projects. OneStar reserves the right to cancel this notice, or to select no projects if it determines that such action is in the best interest of the State of Texas. TIMELINE The proposed timeline for implementing the Texas Disaster Volunteer Generation project is as follows: Event Date Grant Application becomes Available January 9, 2014 Q & A Conference Call January 15, 2014 Notice of Intent to Apply Deadline (optional) January 17, 2014 Application Deadline January 30, 2014 Hold for Clarification February 10 28, 2014 Grant Award Start Date (tentative) March 3, 2014 VGF Kick-Off Meeting (required) March 20 21, 2014 Mid-Year Progress Report Due July 21, 2014 Grant Award End Date October 31, 2014 Final Progress Reports and all Closeout Documents Due November 21, 2014 The VGF Grantee Kick-Off Meeting, which is required for successful applicants, will be held in Austin, Texas; travel funds to attend may be paid by awarded grant funds. All other training and technical assistance will be completed virtually by phone, webinar, and/or . OneStar staff may conduct site visits of VGF grantees. HOW TO APPLY Notice of Intent to Apply Applicants are strongly encouraged to send a Notice of Intent to Apply by to grants@onestarfoundation.org, SUBJECT: Notice of Intent to Apply, by Friday, January 17, Submitting a Notice of Intent will help OneStar plan Page 5 of 6

6 more efficiently. The Notice of Intent to Apply should include the name of the applicant organization, address, contact person, address, and phone number. Providing an address will also allow OneStar to contact applicants directly if application materials are updated. Application Form and Submission Download the Application Instructions and Form online at: Applications must be submitted to OneStar Foundation at by 11:59:59 PM CST on Thursday, January 30, Project proposals may be no longer than 20,000 characters (5-7 pages in length). Materials that have not been specifically requested should not be submitted and will not be reviewed or returned. ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION A. Anticipated Announcement and Selection OneStar anticipates announcing the results of this competition in early March B. Grant Administration Requirements As with all federal grant programs, selected applicants must ensure that their activities will be conducted, and facilities operated, in compliance with the applicable civil rights statutes and their implementing regulations. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CONTACT INFORMATION Interested applicants are invited to participate in a technical assistance conference call to discuss this funding opportunity and ask questions regarding the submission and preparation of the application. One (1) Q&A conference call will be held prior to the application submission due date. Written FAQs and a recording of the call will be posted to the OneStar website. Q&A Conference Call: Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. To attend the webinar you must register at: All communication relating to this Notice of Funding Opportunity must be directed to the contact person named below. Emily Steinberg OneStar Foundation Phone: emily@onestarfoundation.org All s and phone calls will be returned within a reasonable amount of time. Questions related to this funding opportunity will not be addressed after 5:00 PM CST on the date that applications are due. Page 6 of 6