[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 241 (Friday, December 14, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64806-64810]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-30843]


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CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE


Funding Opportunity for AmeriCorps*VISTA Financial Asset 
Development Projects, Placements of AmeriCorps*VISTA Members, and 
Supervisory Grants

AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service.

ACTION: Notice of funding opportunity.

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SUMMARY: Subject to the availability of appropriations, 
AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America), a program of the 
Corporation for National and Community Service, is seeking applications 
to sponsor AmeriCorps*VISTA projects to build financial assets for low-
income individuals and communities. This includes three types of 
program activity: (1) Building individual assets (individual 
development accounts, micro-enterprise development, entrepreneur 
education, financial literacy, home ownership, etc.), (2) building 
organizational assets (helping nonprofit organizations to achieve long 
term financial security through their purchasing of real estate, 
developing diversified income streams, creating efficiencies through 
the application of technology, etc.), and (3) building community assets 
(developing new credit unions, establishing cooperatives, creating 
business opportunities, etc.). Applicants will sponsor a project of 
three (3) or more AmeriCorps*VISTA members. Projects under this 
announcement may be national, regional, state, or local in scope. The 
sponsor will participate in recruiting and training the members and 
will provide supervision and project support. State and/or local public 
agencies, and nonprofit private organizations including faith-based 
organizations that are local, statewide, regional, or national in scope 
are eligible to apply under this announcement. Applicants should be 
organizations that are currently developing financial assets in low-
income communities or are supporting social venture capital activities. 
Applicants must demonstrate that they have the capacity to support and 
supervise AmeriCorps*VISTA members.
    It is anticipated that proposed projects will create new capacity 
in the sponsoring organization (or nonprofit organizations targeted by 
venture philanthropists) to develop financial assets in communities 
with demonstrated needs. Sponsors should be self-sustaining following a 
specified period of AmeriCorps*VISTA support, usually three (3) years.
    AmeriCorps*VISTA intends to enter into Memoranda of Agreement with 
organizations selected under this announcement.
    A total of up to 400 AmeriCorps*VISTA members with an established 
Corporation allocation of approximately $1,420,000 may be allocated for 
placement. Applicant organizations will be expected to place no less 
than three (3) AmeriCorps*VISTA members per site. Under this 
announcement, small supervision grants for all sponsors selected for a 
supervisory grant of up to approximately $200,000 total, will be 
considered based on the size and scope of the project. Short-term, 
eight-to-ten week summer placements may also be requested under this 
announcement.
    While sharing the cost of a cadre of members is not a requirement, 
the contribution of resources by applicants to support the 
AmeriCorps*VISTA members will be considered in the rating of 
applications. For example, applicants are encouraged to collaborate 
with financial institutions and other businesses to provide mentoring, 
training, and additional resources to AmeriCorps*VISTA members. 
Applicant organizations are encouraged to create partnerships with 
colleges and universities to provide academic credit for 
AmeriCorps*VISTA service and service-related technical training, 
without compromising the full immersion experience of AmeriCorps*VISTA. 
Additional consideration also will be made to organizations that 
provide housing for members.

DATES: All applications must arrive at the Corporation no later than 
5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, January 28, 2002. Applications 
submitted via overnight mail that arrive after the closing date will be 
accepted if they are postmarked at least two days prior to the closing 
date. Otherwise, late applications will not be accepted. The 
Corporation anticipates announcing its selections under this 
announcement in early March. Projects awarded under this announcement 
should be prepared to (1) attend supervisors training in April 2002 and 
(2) recruit AmeriCorps*VISTA members for the July 2002 Pre-Service 
Orientation.

ADDRESSES: One (1) signed original and three (3) copies of the 
application must be submitted to the Corporation for National and 
Community Service, AmeriCorps*VISTA, 1201 New York Avenue, NW., Attn: 
David Gurr, Washington, DC 20525. The Corporation will not accept 
applications that are submitted via facsimile or e-mail transmission.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on how to 
apply under this announcement, go to www.americorps.org/vista/sponsorinfo.html, call (202) 606-5000, ext. 204, or e-mail 
[email protected]. Background information, including project 
applications, are available from the Corporation for National and 
Community Service, AmeriCorps*VISTA, 1201 New York Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20525, (202) 606-5000, ext. 134; TTY (202) 565-2799, or 
TTY via the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    The Corporation is a federal government corporation that encourages 
Americans of all ages and backgrounds to engage in community-based 
service. This service addresses the nation's educational, public 
safety, environmental, and other human needs to achieve direct and 
demonstrable results. In addressing those needs, we strive to foster 
civic responsibility, strengthen the ties that bind us together as 
Americans, and provide educational opportunities for those who make a 
substantial commitment to service. We support a range of national 
service programs, including AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and 
the National Senior Service Corps.
    AmeriCorps*VISTA, a component of AmeriCorps, is authorized under 
the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as amended (Pub. L. 93-
113). The statutory mandate of AmeriCorps*VISTA is ``to strengthen and 
supplement efforts to eliminate and alleviate poverty and poverty-
related problems in the United States by encouraging and enabling 
persons from all walks of life, all geographical areas, and all age 
groups . . . (to) assist in the solution of poverty and poverty-related

[[Page 64807]]

problems, and . . . to generate the commitment of private sector 
resources, to encourage volunteer service at the local level, and to 
strengthen local agencies and organizations to carry out the purpose 
(of the program).'' (42 U.S.C. 4951) AmeriCorps*VISTA carries out its 
legislative mandate by assigning individuals 18 years and older, on a 
full-time, year-long basis, to public and private nonprofit 
organizations whose goals are in accord with AmeriCorps*VISTA's 
legislative mission. Each AmeriCorps*VISTA project must focus on the 
mobilization of community resources, the transference of skills to 
community residents, and the expansion of the capacity of community-
based organizations to solve local problems. Programming should 
encourage permanent, long-term solutions to problems confronting low-
income communities rather than short-term approaches for handling 
emergency needs.
    AmeriCorps*VISTA project sponsors must actively elicit the support 
and/or participation of local public and private sector elements in 
order to enhance the chances of a project's success as well as to make 
the activities undertaken by AmeriCorps*VISTA members self-sustaining 
when the Corporation no longer provides resources.

B. Purpose of This Announcement

    The purpose of this announcement is to support the use of 
financial/business strategies to fight poverty by building financial 
assets for individuals, organizations, and communities. Financial asset 
development is an important strategy designed to move people out of 
poverty. It provides people with the financial security to escape 
poverty for the long term by purchasing a car or home, furthering their 
education, or starting a business. For community organizations, it can 
provide the means to achieve long-term stability by adopting recognized 
business practices, diversifying revenue streams, and applying 
technology.
    Financial assets for individuals include individual development 
accounts (IDAs), home ownership, small business start-up, financial/
entrepreneurial education, or other equity-building strategies. 
Increased equity offers financial stability for individuals moving out 
of poverty, provides opportunities for investment in education, 
diversifies income streams, and enables low-income individuals to 
escape poverty.
    Likewise, many struggling nonprofit organizations can benefit from 
organizational financial asset development. Some examples of 
organizational financial asset development include diversifying income 
sources (including for-profit enterprises within nonprofit structures), 
purchasing real estate, and increasing efficiencies through the 
application of technology.
    For many low-income communities with little economic development 
and few service providers, there are few opportunities to use new 
skills or to build asset values in property. With limited small 
business development and single, large employers, the community becomes 
over-dependent on one source of jobs and can be devastated by small 
changes in the economy or choices to move production elsewhere. 
Community asset development strategies to overcome these structural 
problems include developing credit unions, cooperatives, and small 
business opportunities for low-income entrepreneurs. Each of these 
institutions can enable low-income, asset-poor communities to become 
self-sufficient and not dependent on single financial, employment, or 
consumer institutions. The designation of enterprise zones is an 
excellent example of targeting resources to specific communities in 
order to build community assets.

C. Eligible Applicants

    State and/or local public agencies, and nonprofit private 
organizations that are local, statewide, regional, or national in scope 
are eligible to apply under this announcement. Organizational and 
community financial asset development efforts are frequently supported 
through social venture capital institutions that are committed to 
investment in antipoverty enterprises with a view toward long-term 
return. These types of philanthropic entities, if public or non-profit 
private organizations, are encouraged to apply.
    Pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, an organization 
described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 
U.S.C. 501(c)(4), which engages in lobbying, is not eligible to apply.

D. Scope of Project

    AmeriCorps*VISTA projects traditionally work with local community-
based organizations and it is anticipated that all projects under this 
announcement will have at least three (3) AmeriCorps*VISTA members. If 
a project is national in scope, it is anticipated that each project 
will support between 25 and 50 AmeriCorps*VISTA members on a full-time 
basis for one year of service and that each local project affiliated 
with the national project will support at least three (3) members.
    Applicants are encouraged to request AmeriCorps*VISTA Leaders for 
projects of eight (8) or more members. Leaders are former 
AmeriCorps*VISTA members who have completed a year of service in the 
AmeriCorps*VISTA program or have completed two years of service with 
the Peace Corps. They are charged with coordinating member activities 
across the project and assisting in recruitment and training 
activities.
    Some applicants may want to apply for the Summer Associate program 
as part of their application. Summer Associates serve for 8-10 weeks on 
a full-time basis to bring an additional infusion of energy and 
expertise to achieving the projects' goals. Summer Associates receive 
the same living allowance (pro-rated for their length of service) and a 
partial education award, but are not eligible for relocation funds or 
national training. For example, applicants may consider incorporating 
into the proposal the placement of MBA students or business major 
undergraduates as a Summer Associate component to their project. An 
organization cannot propose a Summer Associates program without also 
proposing a full-year AmeriCorps*VISTA project.
    Quality supervision of AmeriCorps*VISTA projects are critical for 
their success. At a minimum, there should be one full-time supervisor 
dedicated exclusively to the project for every 20 AmeriCorps*VISTA 
members and the equivalent prorated level for projects with fewer 
members. Supervision grants, if requested, are restricted to supporting 
a portion of the salary package of a person employed to directly 
supervise AmeriCorps*VISTA projects and for travel by staff listed 
under Project Personnel in the budget. No supervision grant can be less 
than $20,000 and typically does not exceed $1,000 per AmeriCorps*VISTA 
member requested.
    Project applicants, particularly those applying for supervision 
grants, should demonstrate their commitment to matching the federal 
contribution toward the operation of the AmeriCorps*VISTA project by 
offsetting all, or part of, the costs of member supervision, 
transportation, on-site orientation and training, as well as the basic 
costs of the program itself (e.g., space, telephone, etc.). This 
support can be achieved through cash or in-kind contributions, and it 
must be documented in the budget.
    Further, applicant organizations are encouraged to share in costs 
traditionally covered by federal funds.

[[Page 64808]]

In a cost-share arrangement, sponsoring organizations cover the living 
allowance (approximately $9,400 per member) for a specified number of 
AmeriCorps*VISTA positions. The Corporation will pay for training, 
relocation allowances, education awards, health care, and other 
expenses relating to the members' service.
    Applications must demonstrate a multi-year development plan 
including work plans for individual members, broken down by quarter. 
Projects may be awarded for a three or five year project period and 
approved on a twelve-month cycle. The Corporation has no obligation to 
provide additional funding or AmeriCorps*VISTA placements for 
subsequent years. Continuation of a project, and possible funding of a 
supervisory grant, for approved projects is contingent upon the 
availability of funds, satisfactory progress in relation to the 
approved objectives, submission of proposed changes in activities or 
objectives, a detailed budget and budget narrative for the applicable 
program year, and other criteria established in the Memorandum of 
Agreement and grant award agreement. AmeriCorps*VISTA projects are 
usually expected to achieve capacity-building goals at a given site 
within three (3) years, or five (5) years if there is significant cost-
share participation. Typically, these project time lines are broken 
down into quarterly benchmarks to ensure the achievement of work plan 
objectives. Applicants under this announcement should describe a clear 
time frame for the project to achieve new capacity, identify regular 
objectives and/or outcomes for intermediate achievements, and describe 
the proposed transition at the conclusion of the project time line. 
Satisfactory performance ratings during annual reviews will be based on 
meeting the time lines proposed in the application.
    Publication of this announcement does not obligate the Corporation 
to award any specific number of grants, or to obligate the entire 
amount of funds or members available, or any part thereof, for grants 
under the AmeriCorps*VISTA program, or to approve any specific number 
of non-grant projects for the placement of AmeriCorps*VISTA members.
    The Corporation will provide technical assistance to applicants 
under this announcement to complete project applications, including 
detailed budgets.

E. Responsibilities of Sponsoring Organization

    Applicant organizations must demonstrate: the existing capacity and 
experience needed to monitor and support a project; previously 
demonstrated strong institutional commitment of personnel, resources, 
training, and technical expertise; and a well-coordinated project 
rather than loosely tying together several unrelated activities.
    The Corporation State Offices will work with those governmental 
agencies and organizations selected as project sites to finalize Part B 
(CNS Form 1421B) (OMB Control Number 3045-0038) of the project 
application, assist in recruiting and training members to serve as 
AmeriCorps*VISTA members, and discuss various implementation issues 
including in-service training and technical assistance for members. The 
Corporation State Office also provides training to AmeriCorps*VISTA 
supervisors. The sponsoring organization is required to submit a 
Project Progress Report (CNS Form 1433) (OMB Control Number 3045-0043) 
to the Corporation State Office on a federal fiscal year quarterly 
basis.

F. Submission Requirements

    1. A one-page narrative summary description, single-spaced, single-
sided, of the proposed AmeriCorps*VISTA project including the name, 
address, telephone number, and contact person for the applicant 
organization. The summary should include the expected long-term 
antipoverty outcomes of the project, a description of what will be 
created that did not exist before the project started, and a 
description of how the project will be sustained once AmeriCorps*VISTA 
resources are withdrawn. The summary will be used as a project abstract 
to provide reviewers with an introduction to the substantive parts of 
the application. Therefore, care should be taken to produce a summary 
that accurately and concisely reflects the proposal.
    2. Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424) (OMB Approval Number 
0348-0043), including the Part II Budget. This is a standard form used 
by applicants as a required face sheet for applications requesting 
federal assistance. It includes attachments requiring signatures to 
ensure that applicants comply with all other relevant federal laws, 
rules and regulations, and certifications that: (a) The applicant has 
not been debarred from receiving federal assistance, (b) that it has a 
drug-free work plan, and (c) that it will comply with federal 
requirements governing lobbying activities.
    3. Part A (CNS Form 1421A) (OMB Control Number 3045-0039) 
containing a description of the organization's mission, population to 
be served, experience in the areas of service, and specific problems of 
poverty to be addressed. In addition, the applicant must state:
     The specific needs of the low-income community or 
communities that will be served by the project, particular challenges 
facing that community, the scarcity of similar programs providing 
financial asset development opportunities, and recent demographic or 
socioeconomic changes that have increased challenges to the low-income 
community or communities.
     The specific strategy that will be used to achieve the 
financial asset development goals and how the success of that strategy 
will be measured.
     The long-term impacts that the new strategy, once 
institutionalized, will have on helping people out of poverty.
     The elements necessary for that strategy to be sustainable 
after AmeriCorps*VISTA resources are withdrawn.
     The activities that members undertake in each of the three 
years to achieve institutionalization of the strategy.
     The applicant's experience in coordinating the efforts of 
community volunteers and/or service participants.
     The resources that exist to support the project, including 
the organizations that will serve as collaborators, the amount of cost-
share investment the applicant can make, the additional resources 
dedicated to training members, and whether housing will be provided.
    4. Part B (CNS Form 1421B) (OMB Control Number 3045-0038) which 
includes a measurable and quantifiable description of the specific 
problem(s) the AmeriCorps*VISTA project will address, current 
activities to address the problem, and how AmeriCorps*VISTA members 
will complement this effort. This section needs to address site 
specific information and include the following:
     A detailed work plan must be completed for the first year 
of the project; it should contain objectives that are measurable, 
quantifiable, and time-phased according to specific milestones 
established by the applicant. A more general work plan must be 
submitted for each of the subsequent years. While there is no standard 
project length, the AmeriCorps*VISTA resource is a time-limited form of 
assistance and the application should provide a timetable

[[Page 64809]]

necessary to complete the project. An evolution of AmeriCorps*VISTA 
member work plans from the first year of the project to the last should 
clearly show how the project will reach maturity and then phase out in 
a way that leads to sustained support from the sponsor and its 
community partners.
     A list of the tasks and activities of the AmeriCorps*VISTA 
member assignments, required skills and qualifications of members, and 
factors to be considered in assigning members with disabilities.
     A description of the applicant's strategy for recruiting 
qualified AmeriCorps*VISTA members, including a sample position 
description for the online AmeriCorps recruitment system for each type 
of member desired.
     A description of how members will be supervised.
     A description of how project beneficiaries will be 
involved in the planning of the project (including its development and 
implementation), what resources will be provided by the community for a 
successful project, and how the community will be involved in assuring 
project sustainability.
     An overview of the content of an on-site orientation and 
training (typically one to three weeks) that the applicant will provide 
to enable members to quickly understand their assignment and the 
community in which they are serving.
     A description of on-going training and technical 
assistance the applicant will provide to their AmeriCorps*VISTA 
members.
     Plans for publicizing the project, recognizing member 
accomplishments, and generating community support in sustaining the 
project.
    5. Documentation in the form of letters of support from 
collaborating organizations and/or individuals stating what will be 
provided by them in the overall project effort.
    6. Copy of Articles of Incorporation (not applicable to public 
governmental entities).
    7. List of Board of Directors or governing body (not applicable to 
public governmental entities).
    8. Organizational chart illustrating the location of the 
AmeriCorps*VISTA project within the overall applicant organization.
    9. List of Advisory Council Members if already selected.
    10. Tax exempt status: either IRS determination or copy of 
application to IRS for exemption (not applicable to public governmental 
entities).
    11. Copy of supervisor's resume and job description.
    12. Copy of most recent financial audit if available.
    13. A list of potential local project sponsors including all 
necessary contact information.

G. Criteria for Project Selection

    All of the following elements will be used in judging the 
applications:

I. Program Design

a. Getting Things Done
    The proposed project must:
    1. Describe the community or communities that will be served and 
explain why they are of particular need at this time. The explanation 
may include comparable poverty rates, recent demographic changes, or 
data indicating a concerning shift, lack of financial asset development 
programs (for individual asset development projects) or nonprofit 
management services available (for organizational projects), etc.
    2. Address the needs of low-income communities and otherwise comply 
with the provisions of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as 
amended (42 U.S.C. 4951 et seq.) applicable to AmeriCorps*VISTA and all 
applicable published regulations, guidelines, and Corporation policies.
    3. Contain clear and measurable objectives/outcomes in the project 
application during the proposed timeline for the project (with 
quarterly benchmarks) that address the overall objectives of the 
initiative. Applicants must show how the new capacity the 
AmeriCorps*VISTA members will build will contribute to specific 
outcomes related to increased opportunity for low-income people. It is 
expected that outcome objectives will reflect the evolution of the 
project.
    4. Indicate how the proposed project complements and/or enhances 
activities already underway in the communities that will be served by 
the project. To the extent possible, applicant organizations should 
seek out opportunities to collaborate with other Corporation programs, 
as well as with other community partners, including universities and 
colleges, the business sector, and foundations.
    5. Describe how the number of AmeriCorps*VISTA members requested is 
appropriate for the project goals/objectives, and how the skills 
requested are appropriate for the assignment(s).
b. Strengthening Communities
    The applicant organization must:
    1. Describe how the financial asset development strategy described 
will help provide a clear step on the road to allowing people to leave 
poverty for the long-term.
    2. Describe how the project will develop a new and sustainable 
capacity in the local community to effectively support the long-term 
financial asset strategies.
    3. Demonstrate collaboration with organizations that provide 
supportive services to enhance project outcomes.
    4. Explain how the project will be designed to generate public and/
or private sector resources, and to promote local, part-time volunteer 
service at the community level.
    5. Describe in measurable terms the anticipated outcomes at the 
conclusion of the project, including outcomes related to the 
sustainability of the project activities and the project's impact on 
poverty.
c. Member Development
    The applicant organization must:
    1. Clearly state how AmeriCorps*VISTA members will be trained, 
supervised, and supported to ensure the achievement of project goals 
and objectives as stated in the project work plan.
    2. Describe any additional benefits that will be provided members 
in order to make the assignment more attractive or offer value to the 
member when he or she has completed service. Additional consideration 
will be given to proposals that include partnering with universities 
and colleges for academic credit, collaboration with financial 
institutions and other businesses, and for housing the members. An 
AmeriCorps*VISTA member may take, at any given time, no more than one 
educational course that must be directly related to the member's 
project assignment and/or be part of a member's career plan. Advance 
permission of the project supervisor and the Corporation State Program 
Director is required to take these courses.
    3. Describe how AmeriCorps*VISTA assignments are designed to use 
the full-time AmeriCorps*VISTA members' time to the maximum extent.

II. Organizational Capacity

    The applicant organization must:
    1. Ensure that resources needed to achieve project goals and 
objectives are available.
    2. Have the management and technical capability to implement the 
project successfully.
    3. Have demonstrated experience in addressing the issues proposed 
by the project application.
    4. Have systems for evaluating and monitoring project activities. 
Applicants must describe the methods that will be

[[Page 64810]]

used to track progress toward the stated objectives, and the procedures 
that will provide the feedback needed to make adjustments that improve 
project quality.
    5. Invest its own resources in the administration, management, and 
supervision of members.
    6. Consider cost-sharing AmeriCorps*VISTA members and if they are 
unable to do so, including future plans for possibly supporting cost-
shared slots.
    7. Explore partnering with higher education institutions and the 
business community in order to support this antipoverty initiative.

III. Budget/Cost-Effectiveness

    The applicant organization must:
    1. Include a budget that adequately supports the project design.
    2. Include a budget that adheres to budget guidance provided with 
the application.
    3. Describe how the applicant organization is committing resources 
necessary for project implementation.

H. Application Review

Proposal Evaluation

    To ensure fairness to all applicants, the Corporation reserves the 
right to take action, up to and including disqualification, in the 
event that an application fails to comply with any requirements 
specified in this Notice.
    The following weights will be used in judging the elements 
described above.
    1. Program Design (60%) in the following order of importance:
    a. Responsiveness to Strengthening Communities Criteria (25%)
    b. Responsiveness to Getting Things Done Criteria (15%)
    c. Responsiveness to Member Development Criteria (10%)
    2. Organizational Capacity including demonstrated capacity in 
addressing proposed issues (25%).
    3. Budget/Cost-Effectiveness (15%).

I. Geographic Diversity

    After evaluating the overall quality of the proposal and its 
responsiveness to the criteria noted above, the Corporation will take 
into consideration whether funded projects are in areas of high 
concentration of low-income residents, including for example those in 
empowerment zones and enterprise communities, and rural champion 
communities.

J. Program Authority

    Corporation authority to make these grants and approve projects is 
authorized under Title I, Part A of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act 
of 1973, as amended (Pub. L. 93-113).

    Dated: December 10, 2001.
Robert L. Bush,
Acting Director, AmeriCorps*VISTA, Corporation for National and 
Community Service.
[FR Doc. 01-30843 Filed 12-13-01; 8:45 am]
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