USAID Civic Initiatives Support Program Civic Initiatives Support Fund Annual Program Statement 2014 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) as of August 26, 2014 This document provides information on a variety of topics which potential Civic Initiatives Support Fund (CIS Fund) grant applicants should be aware. These Frequently Asked Questions arose during solicitation workshops held across the Kingdom in March and August 2014. Written requests for clarification are accepted via email on an ongoing basis and consolidated questions and answers will be posted regularly on the USAID CIS website (www.cisjordan.org) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cisjordan). Phone calls to USAID CIS staff and visits to the USAID CIS office are not permitted and may be regarded as grounds for disqualification. Updated Questions and Answers that have been submitted by August 26 are indicated in red. Please note that the Questions and Answers have been updated to reflect the CIS Fund APS Modification #2 issued on August 3. Significant changes include: 1. The Large grant format has been deleted (see page 4 of the APS). The new award ceiling is JOD 106,000 for the Medium grant format (see page 8 of the APS for updates on grant structures). 2. Non-Registered/Informal Groups are no longer eligible to apply for grants (see page 6 of the APS). Answers to frequently asked questions are organized by major topic. Applicants are encouraged to review the USAID CIS Grants Manual as details on similar topics can be found there (http://cisjordan.org/grantopportunities.aspx). Application-Related Questions Project-Related Questions Budget-Related Questions Cost-Share Related Questions Award-Related Questions Government-Related Questions Other A) Application-Related Questions 1. Q: According to APS modification #2 informal groups are no longer eligible for grants. Does this mean that non-registered/informal groups that applied before 3rd of August cannot receive funds? A: Non-registered/informal groups that have submitted applications for the September 15 deadline are not eligible to receive a grant. However we encourage Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 1
you to consider partnering with a registered organization that can serve as the lead grantee. 2. Q: How can I apply for a Grant? A: The first step is to read in detail the Annual Program Statement (APS) Modification #2 and the application materials (http://cisjordan.org/grantopportunities.aspx#cis). Detailed application instructions are included in the APS. Potential applicants must also read the USAID Civic Initiatives Support Program (USAID CIS) Grants Manual (http://cisjordan.org/grantopportunities.aspx) to ensure the applicant has the capacity to manage an award. All documents are available in Arabic and English. 3. Q: Please tell us where we can send the application for our initiatives. A: All applications should be submitted via email to jordanusaidcis@fhi360.org. Please refer to page 9 of the APS for detailed application procedures. 4. Q: We didn't attend a solicitation workshop, can we apply? A: Yes. 5. Q: Can an organization submit more than one application? Can more than one award be given to an organization? A: Yes more than one application may be submitted. Successful grantees may also receive multiple awards within the open competition period of the Annual Program Statement if the grantee can demonstrate capacity to implement. However, multiple submissions by the same organization within the same review period is not encouraged. 6. Q: Can organizations that already have grants from other USAID programs apply? A: Yes, if the applicant has the capacity to manage multiple awards. 7. Q: Can newly established organizations apply for a grant? A: Newly established organizations that are registered as legal entities in Jordan, with their headquarters based in Jordan, are eligible to apply. However, all applicants must demonstrate that they possess, or have the ability to obtain, the necessary management competence to comply with all conditions of the grant before it is awarded. After the grant evaluation committee short-lists applications, the FHI 360 Grants Team will conduct due diligence process. Due diligence is part of the evaluation process and the results must confirm that a potential Recipient can successfully comply with the financial, management and programmatic requirements of the grant. The short-listing of an application does not guarantee an award. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the USAID CIS Grants Manual, section 5.c. Due Diligence, in detail prior to applying for a grant. 8. Q: Our organization is newly registered and doesn t have experience, however its founding members do. Will the individual s experience be considered instead of the organization s experience? Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 2
A: The applicant must explain how the organization, or the proposed key personnel in the event the organization is newly registered, has the required experience to implement the proposed project activities and manage the administrative and financial aspects of the grant. If the organization is newly registered and has not yet acquired the necessary experience, the experience of the key personnel proposed to implement the project will be evaluated in lieu of the organization. 9. Q: In order to apply with a partner, do you want one application package? A: Yes, one application should be submitted. One lead organization must act as the grant applicant, and if selected for a grant, sign the grant agreement and assume responsibility for grant management and reporting requirements. 10. Q: Can we partner with an international organization instead of a local one? A: Yes, Jordanian organizations with their headquarters based in Jordan may partner with international organizations. However, applicants are encouraged to partner with other Jordanian-based organizations. 11. Q: Can individuals apply for grants under the Civic Initiatives Support Fund? A: No, individuals are ineligible to receive grants for any purpose including scholarships and training. 12. Q: Will there be a geographic distribution of the grants, i.e. North, Middle, and South? A: No. The grants will be evaluated based on the criteria listed in the APS and geographic diversity is encouraged. 13. Q: Can we submit the proposal in Arabic? Can the proposal be submitted via e-mail? A: Yes. Proposals can be submitted in either English or Arabic, although English language is preferable if the applicant has English language capacity. Electronic applications should be submitted via email to jordanusaidcis@fhi360.org, or on a CD to the address specified on page 9 of the APS. 14. Q: In case questions or clarifications are needed during the preparation of the proposal, is there any way to contact USAID CIS? A: Requests for clarification are accepted on an ongoing basis via email to jordanusaidcis@fhi360.org. Only written requests for clarification will receive a response and consolidated questions and answers will be posted regularly on the USAID CIS website (www.cisjordan.org) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cisjordan). Phone calls to USAID CIS staff and visits to the USAID CIS office are not permitted and may be regarded as grounds for disqualification. 15. Q: If the submitted proposal was not selected, can we amend and apply again? A: Yes. Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 3
16. Q: Is the five page maximum for the application form only, or for both the application and budget together? A: The five page maximum refers to only the application form. The budget is not considered in the page limit. 17. Q: Are the NGOs, not-for profit companies, media institutes, and research centers, for profit organizations, and companies eligible to apply for a grant for an initiative, and what are the conditions and registration that the company must adhere to in order for it to be able to apply? A: For-profit entities that are registered as legal entities in Jordan with headquarters based in Jordan are eligible to participate in this call for applications. Profit may not be included in the grant budget. Registration is required to prove that the company or organization is officially registered in Jordan. All not-for-profit and for-profit companies or organizations can apply provided their headquarters is based in Jordan. 18. Q: Can the chambers of industry and commerce apply? A: All not-for-profit and for-profit companies or organizations are eligible to apply provided their headquarters is based in Jordan. Registration is required to prove that the company or organization is officially registered in Jordan. Entities funded in whole or partially by the Government of Jordan should refer to section F Government-Related Questions. 19. Q: Are public universities allowed to apply to the CIS grant for: -Activities supporting social entrepreneurship among students? - Activities supporting the local community? -If yes to both shall we submit one application or two separate applications? A: Public universities may apply as long as the government does not own 50% or more of its assets; and/or the university has not received 50% or more of their financial support from the Government of Jordan. Applicants may be required to submit three years of financial records to verify that they meet these requirements. Proposed activities must respond to the objectives (at least one) stated in the APS. An applicant may apply for more than one grant, however, it is unlikely that more than one award will be issued to the same organization. 20. Q: Under the application form section contact information for donor or institutional references; please advise if we can reference a donor that has been awarding our company under subcontract rather than a grant? A: Yes, applicants should include reference information for donors or other institutions that are familiar with the applicant s work and the applicant s capacity. 21. Q: What is meant by the annual budget mentioned in the application form under the section of organizational details? Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 4
A: In this section the applicant should enter their organization s total institutional budget for the year 2013. B) Project-Related Questions 22. Q: Does the CIS Fund support service provision? Are grants awarded to organizations that are working to strengthen the charitable sector as a whole? A: Yes, please refer to the APS for a description of the Fund s objectives and supported activities. 23. Q: Can the CIS Fund cover income generating projects, infrastructure or vehicles that support the initiative? A: Yes, income generating projects, infrastructure and vehicles are allowable activities/costs under the CIS Fund if justified as part of a proposed project that meets the APS criteria, primarily in tackling priority issue(s) of public concern. Infrastructure and vehicle costs are subject to pre-approval. Infrastructure activities will require screening, monitoring and application of various mitigation measures that are outlined in Attachment II to the USAID CIS Grants Manual (http://cisjordan.org/grantopportunities.aspx). 24. Q: If the grantee produces publications or materials under the grant project, will they have the intellectual rights to it? A: The grantee may copyright any book, publication or other material developed under a USAID CIS funded grant provided that the grantee prominently acknowledges USAID and FHI 360 with the understanding that FHI 360 and USAID have royalty-free, non-exclusive, and irrevocable rights to reproduce, publish or otherwise use and to authorize others to use the work. In addition, the material must be available to the public free of charge. All materials produced with grant funds must adhere to USAID CIS branding requirements and display the USAID and FHI 360 logos. 25. Q: Is sub-granting allowed? A: The applicant may propose sub-granting to other organizations IF it has a proven track record of sub-granting and adequate systems and procedures in place to monitor sub-grantees compliance per applicable USAID and FHI 360 regulations and procedures. Many of the regulations and mandatory provisions under the grant agreement must flow-down to any organization that a grantee supports through sub-grants. These regulatory flow-downs include those stated within the Mandatory Standard Provisions for Non-US Non-Governmental Recipients and Circular A-122 Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations (relocated to 2 CFR, Part 230 http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars_a122_2004). Sub-award parameters and requirements will be defined in individual grant agreements, as required. 26. Q: How do you measure impact? A: Shortlisted applicants will be requested to submit a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan to indicate how the project s outputs, outcomes and overall impacts will be determined, and to assist the Grantee to manage the collection of project Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 5
performance data. Grantees will be required to finalize the M&E Plan within 30 days after the grant award has been executed. FHI 360 will provide guidance and assistance to Grantees to ensure that the M&E Plan contains all essential information. 27. Q: What percentage must be spent on capacity building? What can it be used for? A: Applicants that apply for a medium grant must allocate ten percent (10%) of the total budget for institutional strengthening, technical assistance, or capacity building support for implementation of the proposed initiative and/or to strengthen the applicant in achieving its overall mission. Capacity building is optional for those applying for a small grant, based on a percentage proposed by the applicant. Examples of activities that may be covered under the capacity building component include providing training for the applicant s staff and partners in relevant fields, hiring consultants to enrich program offerings, engaging a third party to support development of an institutional strategic plan, enhancing internal management capacities in the areas of finance, human resources, procurement, or purchasing specialized equipment or materials that are required to enhance the capacity or efficiency of the applicant organization. International travel for consultants to deliver capacity building services, or staff to participate in capacity building activities outside of Jordan, requires pre-approval and will be considered on a case by case basis. 28. Q: We have an educational project that targets Syrian refugees and Jordanian host communities that might include more than one city in the North, are we eligible for the CIS grants? The project's main goal is to spread the love of reading for pleasure among children and would also empower youth and women who participate in the project. Proposed civic initiatives that include all members of targeted host communities are eligible for funding under the CIS Fund. 29. Q: Can a group of people apply to open a nursery in a specific area since there is no nursery in that area? A: Informal groups are not eligible to apply to the CIS Fund. USAID CIS staff cannot respond to questions about specific initiatives and encourage potential applicants to read the APS carefully to determine if their proposed civic initiative is aligned with the objectives of the CIS Fund. Please refer back to the published APS at the following link for further details (http://cisjordan.org/grantopportunities.aspx). 30. Q: There is a reference in the guide related to implementing initiatives that responds to community needs at a local, regional or national level, does regional mean that we can implement an initiative in more than one country, like Jordan and Tunisia for example? So can we partner with non-jordanian organizations? A: Regional means the northern, middle or southern regions of Jordan and not countries outside of Jordan. Applicants may partner with non-jordanian Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 6
organizations but all activities have to take place in Jordan and target people residing in Jordan. 31. Q: Can you give a grant for a productive project that has profit? A: Productive projects are eligible for funding if justified as part of a proposed project that meets the APS criteria, primarily in tackling priority issue(s) of public concern. Any program income generated under a grant award during the grant period of performance is subject to USAID s disposition of such program income in accordance with 22 CFR 226.24. Program income earned under the CIS Fund shall be applied and used in the following descending order (to be specified in the individual grant agreement): Added to funds committed by USAID and the Recipient to the project or program, and used to further eligible project or program objectives; Used to finance the non-federal share of the project or program (costshare); Deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the federal share of costs is based. In accordance with 22 CRF Part 226.81, no funds shall be paid as profit to any Recipient that is a for-profit organization. Profit is any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs. 32. Q: Is it eligible for a registered company to target university students for training inside the university or recruit them for training centers outside the university? (My question is about the target audience here and not the government entity.) A: Proposed grant activities may target any community members in Jordan. 33. Q: What is meant by ending the projects by June 30, 2016, does this mean that the implementer has to finish the project before that date or just that the supervision of the Fund ends. Is there a problem in implementing the project after that date? A: All grant related activities must be completed by June 30, 2016 and grant funds will only be provided for activities implemented through June 30, 2016. Grantees will be required to submit final reporting no later than a month after the grant end date and in accordance with the deliverables outlined in their individual grant agreement. Awardees may proceed with implementing a project after the grant agreement end date without the support of the CIS Fund. C) Budget-Related Questions 34. Q. Is there a minimum and maximum grant size? A: Yes. The award thresholds are described on page 3 of the APS as follows: Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 7
Small Grants: up to JOD 25,000 Medium Grants: from JOD 25,000 JOD 106,000 35. Q: Can the budget be submitted in English or Arabic? What format should be used for the budget? A: Yes, the budget narrative may be in English or Arabic. However figures (numbers) must be in Roman numerals. Applicants must use the budget template provided (Attachment II) to prepare their budget. A sample budget is provided to assist applicants in preparing their budgets (Attachment III available at - http://cisjordan.org/grantopportunities.aspx). Attachment IV includes detailed budget instructions. 36. Q: What should be included in the budget narrative? A: The budget narrative should include a detailed description of each budgeted cost and support the figures in the budget table. For example, under the salary section, if staff member John Smith will charge 50% of his time to the budget, his name and title, total monthly salary, percentage of salary which will be charged to the project and total monthly cost billed to the project should be included in the budget narrative; for example: John Smith, Sr. Program Coordinator, has a monthly salary of 300 JOD and 50% of his time will be billed to the project: 300 JOD *50% = 150 JOD/month charged to the project. Please refer to the Budget Instructions attachment for more guidance and download our budget checklist for helpful tips. Please visit USAID CIS website to view a sample budget http://cisjordan.org. 37. Q: If the organization has a policy about severance or other staff benefits, would it be an allowable cost? How should it be budgeted? A: The salary amount for each staff should be budgeted on a separate line. The benefits can either be included in the salary amount with the calculation explained in the budget narrative, i.e. base salary of 500 JOD/month and 12.75% employer social security contribution = 563.75/month salary; or benefits can be included on separate lines in the budget template. Allowable benefits include insurance, severance, allowances and other benefits paid by an employer on behalf of its employees or paid directly to its employees as stated in the organization s bylaws. Applicants should ensure all benefits provided to staff are included in their budget. 38. Q: Can we budget a percentage of our staff's salaries? A: Yes, as long as the salary is supported with documentation and the percentage of time/job description is necessary to complete the proposed project as described in the application and budget narrative. 39. Q: Can we determine staff after receiving the grant? A: Yes, as long as their salaries fall within the market rates for individuals in similar positions and the salary is justified in the budget with supporting documentation. 40. Q: Is ICR (Indirect Cost Rate) allowed? A: An ICR will be considered if the organization submits an independent auditor s certification, on the audit firm s letterhead, attesting to the accuracy of the Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 8
indirect costs rate, accuracy of how the rate was calculated and confirmation that the rate is consistently applied across all funding sources. In addition, three years of annual financial audits must be submitted. USAID CIS will also accept a current USAID-approved NICRA (Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement). 41. Q: Can we receive an advance for a grant prior to signing a grant agreement? A: No, applicants will not be reimbursed for any costs incurred to prepare an application or prior to signing a grant agreement. 42. Are budget modifications accepted after the start of a project? A: Yes, a budget modification is required to transfer funds among cost categories which exceed 10% of the budget line (excluding budget lines for salaries which cannot be changed without prior written approval by USAID CIS). Budget modification requirements will be specified in individual grant agreements. 43. Q: Can tax charged on equipment or other costs be included in the budget? A: Yes, if the applicant organization is not tax exempt, applicable VAT and other taxes may be included in the budget. 44. Q: Are all celebration, events, meals and refreshments costs unallowable? A: Celebrations, dinners and iftars are unallowable. Events, meals and refreshments may be funded by the project if they serve an important programmatic purpose as defined in the proposal and action plan. For example, the public launch of a series of short-films created with grant funds would be considered an allowable event expenses. Or, if a grantee is providing a training, the training participants may be offered coffee and lunch during the training day. 45. Q: How can you verify a consultant s rate? A: Consultant rates will be verified based on payroll statements or rates paid through previous contracts, in addition a biographical data form or market survey for similar positions may be used. 46. Q: Is there a rate limit for the consultants? Is it the same for local and international ones? A: Yes. USAID CIS will not accept consultant daily rates in excess of 177 JOD per day; each proposed position should be commensurate with experience and previous salary history. This ceiling applies to all consultants, local and international. 47. Q: Can we include an international consultant(s) in the project? Would their travel costs be covered by the grant? A: Yes, international consultants may be proposed provided the applicant can demonstrate the necessity for such a cost. International travel requires preapproval and will be considered on a case by case basis. 48. Q: In order to set a budget do I have to send out the RFQ s, get three offers, evaluate and choose the best one according to a certain criteria and attached it Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 9
to the application when apply? Or shall I work on estimated budget according to my pervious experiences? A: It is not necessary to submit quotes or offers with the application. All budgeted costs should be aligned with fair market prices. 49. Q: In case the initiative was training related, were should the trainers fees be included? A: Trainer and other individual consultant fees should be budgeted under the salaries and honoraria section of the budget. 50. Q: Transportation costs: does it include all participants, trainers and consultants? A: Transportation related costs should be budgeted within the transportation budget item and aligned with the action plan. Applicants should explain the number of round trips budgeted to each destination per month, the estimated number of kilometers per trip, the purpose of the trip, and who is traveling, i.e. staff, participants, consultants, etc. The maximum mileage rate that can be budgeted is 0.248 JOD/KM based on the published State Department mileage rate as of January 2014. 51. Q: Does the CIS Fund cover purchasing of land and constructing a facility related to a proposed initiative (Community Center)? A: Costs for the acquisition of capital assets, including general purpose equipment (exceeding $5,000/unit), buildings, and land are unallowable unless approved in advance by USAID. 52. Q: The budget form doesn t include the capacity building line item, where should we add it? Under what category? Or should we have a new category and add the capacity building there? A: The costs for capacity building activities should be budgeted under the five main budget line items depending on the types of proposed capacity building activities, and defined in the budget narrative. For example, if a consultant will be hired to deliver M&E training and advisory services, that individuals time should be included under Salaries & Honorarium ; if an applicant proposes outfitting its training room, the costs for furniture should be budgeted under Equipment and Furniture. D) Cost-Share Related Questions 53. Q: What is cost share? A: Cost share (also known as matching funds) requires the grant recipient to provide a contribution of a specified amount or percentage to match USAID funds. Cost share can be funds or resources from other donors or the private sector to pay for program related activities, or payments from the grant recipient s own funds or the fair value of contributions in-kind, such as space, equipment, the value of volunteers or staff time, etc. Recipients are encouraged to actively seek ways to engage the Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 10
private sector in the achievement of the objectives and goals of their grant projects and to obtain cost share from private sector sources. Cost share may not be provided with US Government funds from another grant or contract. Grant recipients are contractually obligated to contribute cost share from sources stated in the Proposal and Budget and described in the Grant Agreement. 54. Q: Is cost-share required? A: A minimum of five percent (5%) cost share is required. Cost share should be calculated based on the total amount requested from USAID CIS, for example if the budget requested from USAID CIS is 20,000 JOD, a minimum cost share of 1,000 JOD (5%) is required; therefore the budget total would be 21,000 JOD. 55. Q: If my organization expects to receive funding from a donor, can we include it as cost share? A: Yes, if the organization has a proposal pending with another non-us Government donor, the organization may include it as a potential source of cost share for the proposed project. However, if the funding is not approved, the organization will need to identify other sources of cost share. 56. Q: Can the organization distribute the cost share unequally between different parts of the project budget lines? A: Yes. Applicants must explain the source of funds that will constitute their cost share contribution (membership fees, other products and services, in-kind contributions from volunteers, etc.) and identify other potential and/or committed sources of support for the proposed project. E) Award-Related Questions 57. Q: My newly registered organization has been short-listed for a grant, but it doesn't have an audited financial report, what can I provide instead? A: According to Jordanian law, all registered organizations are required to conduct annual external audits. If a recent audit has not been conducted, a revenue and expense statement and balance sheet for the previous financial year may be submitted, in addition to any written financial policies and cost data the organization may have available. 58. Q: What does the due diligence process include? A: Once Applicants have been short-listed by the Grant Evaluation Committee and before signing grant agreements, the final short-listed applicants will be asked to submit full supporting documentation to illustrate that the organization has the technical capacity to implement the grant, as well as the financial and administrative systems in place to adequately account for the grant funds as detailed in the USAID CIS Grants Manual. Short-listed organizations will be required to complete a financial pre-award assessment and site visits may be conducted by USAID CIS staff to evaluate the organization in these areas. 59. Q: Do we need approval for any foreign funding the organization receives? Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 11
A: The majority of non-profit organizations and companies registered in Jordan are legally required to obtain Government approval of foreign funding. Although grants issued by the USAID CIS are considered to be foreign funding, USAID CIS does not require grantees to provide evidence of such approval. However, it remains the legal responsibility of the organization to obtain the approval and shortlisted organizations are encouraged to apply for approval upon notification to gain time and avoid impacting the project timeline. 60. Q: Are follow-on grants allowed? A: Yes. Successful grantees are eligible to apply for follow-on grants within the open competition period of the Annual Program Statement if the grantee can demonstrate capacity to implement. 61. Q: Does the USAID CIS require specific reports? A: Yes, grant recipients are expected to submit quarterly and final narrative reports, as well as monitoring and evaluation reports, in addition to financial reports and any other required reporting stated in the grant agreement. 62. Q: What happens if the grantee fails to submit the required reports or deliverables? A: No payments will be issued until the required reports or deliverables stated in the grant agreement are submitted and approved by USAID CIS. 63. Q: What is a fixed obligation grant? A: A fixed obligation grant (also known as a FOG) is a grant mechanism intended to support specific projects where costs are certain and where the accomplishment of grant "milestones" is readily discernible. Applicants should refer to section 6.b. Fixed Obligation Grants of the USAID CIS Grants manual for more detailed information. 64. Q: How do we get a DUNS for our organization? Must it be available before applying for a grant? A: Organizations that are short-listed for a USAID-funded grant equivalent to JOD 17,700 ($25,000) or more are required to obtain a DUNS before the grant award will be issued. FHI 360 will provide instructions and assistance to short-listed organizations to obtain a DUNS, as required. A DUNS can be requested at: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform F) Government-Related Questions 65. Q: Is a partnership with the Jordanian government allowed? A: Yes, organizations may partner with the Jordanian government, but no goods or payments of any kind (including incentives for government employees) can be provided to the government through grant funds. 66. Q: Can the development units at the municipalities apply to the CIS Fund? Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 12
A: Governmental institutions are ineligible for grants. Institutions are considered to be governmental if the Government of Jordan owns at least 50% share of it, or if it receives at least 50% of their financial support from the Government of Jordan. Individuals employed by such institutions are considered to be government employees and may not receive payments with grant funds. An entity considered to be semi-governmental may be requested to submit three years of documentation to prove that it meets the criteria stated above. 67. Q: Can we pay staff working for an entity that is funded by the government, if they aren t considered to be government staff (for example a university professor working as a consultant in his/her free time)? A: Institutions are considered to be governmental if the Government of Jordan owns at least 50% share of it, or if it receives at least 50% of their financial support from the Government of Jordan. Individuals employed by such institutions are considered to be government employees and may not receive payments with grant funds. 68. Q. Can retired people (receiving retirement from civil and military) take part in the proposal and receive funds (salary/incentives)? A: Yes, as long as an individual is not currently employed by the government, he/she may take part in a proposed grant project and receive a salary or honoraria. 69. Q: If the organization is paying for a governmental staff from its own resources would it be allowable to consider it as cost share? Is it allowable to pay for a government staff if they are taking vacation time from their governmental job? A: Payments of any kind to government staff are unallowable. Organizations that make payments to government staff with other funding resources may not include those costs as cost share. G) Other: 70. Q: What is the relationship between USAID and FHI 360? A: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the donor funding the USAID Civic Initiatives Support Program (USAID CIS) which aims at cultivating a strong and vibrant civil society in Jordan through supporting a broad range of civic initiatives. Working at both national and local levels, it supports civic initiatives and advocacy responding to common interests, strengthens the organizational capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and promotes Government of Jordan-civil society collaboration efforts to address reform and development challenges. USAID CIS is a three-year project (2013-16) implemented by FHI 360, a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. 71. Q: Please provide the dates and venues of any upcoming tours/visits or orientation sessions regarding the CIS Fund. A: USAID CIS will announce future training or orientation sessions on its website (www.cisjordan.org) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cisjordan). Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 13
The contents of this document are the responsibility of FHI 360 and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. Civic Initiatives Support Fund APS: Frequently Asked Questions, as of August 26, 2014, pg. 14