State of Colorado Veterans Trust Fund Grant (VTF) and Veterans Assistance Grant (VAG) Applicant Training Webinar December 2014 TOPICS TO BE COVERED Purpose of funding Eligibility requirements for both grant programs Application process Grantee Requirements Questions Next steps Purpose of Funding—VTF and VAG Both grant programs are designed to: Assist Colorado Veterans in Need Funds must be used to serve Colorado veterans with a Release or Discharge from Active Duty that is other than Dishonorable ELIGIBILITY VTF Nonprofit nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as an organization that can provide services to vets under Title 38, USC. VAG A 501(c) nonprofit organization other than a 501(c) 19 or 501(c)23 or a government entity located in the State of Colorado that provides direct assistance to veterans An organization may not receive funding from both grant programs Directly or Indirectly Types of Programs Funded VAG VTF Short-term Emergency Assistance Job Training/Education Assistance Homeless Prevention/Shelter Mental Health and Hygiene Medical Transportation Veterans Stand Downs Special Programs (based on need) Homeless Veterans Housing Veterans Mental Health Family Counseling Job Training Employment Other Veterans Services (based on need) Requirements and Limitations VTF VAG Funds can be expended ONLY for veterans in need of material or financial assistance May support several programs via subcontract or letters of agreement May not support memorials, club renovations, honor guards or tributes to veterans Administrative costs not allowed Applicant organization must provide direct services—strictly pass through funds are not allowed $100,000 maximum allowable Construction, remodeling, memorial, honor guards, veterans tributes are not allowed Administrative costs not allowed Narrative 1. Organization Description Describe your organization, including a brief description of all services your organization provides. 2. Statement of Community Needs /Partnerships to Address Needs Clearly describe the needs experienced by veterans within YOUR community. Describe partnerships established to address those needs, such as partnerships with the local County Veterans Service Officer(s), other Veteran Service Organizations and/or Service Providers. 3. Specific Program to be Funded a) b) c) d) e) Project description Goals of the Program Number of unduplicated veterans to be served Historical data on number of veterans previously served Summary of exact services to be provided: Specific issues to be addressed (how this will meet the needs identified); Specific activities to be provided; Timeline for service delivery. 4. Evaluation a) How the impact of services will be measured b) Total number to be served (outputs) and key OUTCOMES expected c) Statement of willingness to participate in evaluation efforts 5. Optional Information Any critical information not covered above Outputs and Outcomes Outputs—number served (unduplicated); units of service; number of transports; etc. Outcomes– changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, behaviors, condition or status Increased food security; Increased well-being; Increased economic stability; Decreased crisis; Decreased family conflict; Increased access to health care, etc. D. Budget Information a) Line item budget and budget narrative Example: Rent/Housing Assistance 20 Veterans @ $500/each $10,000 Assistance to veterans to remain housed and prevent homelessness Assistance is capped at a maximum of $500 per veteran. Second requests results in referral to Financial/Budgeting Program. b) Identify other funding that supports this project/program. c) If requesting a vehicle, attach a bid sheet to grant request. E. Attachments a) Proof of registration in good standing with Colorado Secretary of State b) Completed Form W-9 (with correct EIN) c) Copy of current (within 5 years) IRS nonprofit status determination letter Major Changes to Application The need for the program must be demonstrated The specific program/project must be described Partnerships must be identified (especially with the County Veterans Service Officer) Historical data on services provided to veterans should be included Activities and Timelines should be noted Outputs and Outcomes need to be identified Budget needs to be clearly justified and explained Review Criteria Demonstrated Need Expected Outcomes (what difference will the program make?) Program effectiveness Partnerships Number of vets to be served Budget appropriateness Geographic distribution Previous performance or new applicant REQUIREMENTS for GRANTEES SURVEYS FOR ALL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS NEW QUARTERLY REPORTING FORMS THAT INCLUDE UNDUPLICATED NUMBERS, INSTANCES OF SERVICES, AND OUTCOMES BACK-UP DOCUMENTATION TO BE SUBMITTED FOR EXPENDITURES DENIAL OF EXPENDITURES NOT SUPPORTED, FALLING IN ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS, OR FAILURE TO SUBMIT REPORTS IN TIMELY FASHION COST CENTER SPECIFIC TRACKING QUESTIONS To Apply Please visit the website www.colorado.gov/vets for more information and the application forms Additional Questions? Call Gail Hoagland (303) 284-6077 APPLICATIONS DUE 1 MARCH 2015 Must be sent to 1355 S. Colorado Blvd., Bldg. C, Ste. 113 Denver, CO 80222