EFSP grant funding is allotted by the Federal Government and administered federally by United Way of America. Local grant decisions are made by a local board of volunteers in compliance with requirements of the EFSP Program. United Way of Howard County provides administrative support for Tipton County Awards.
All requests will be reviewed by the Tipton EFSP board to determine grant amounts. Submissions will be reviewed based on directives from the National EFSP requirements for program funding. Full descriptions of areas that can be funded can be reviewed at www.efsp.unitedway.org. Application questions can be directed to Cheryl Graham, EFSP Staff Coordinator, cgraham@unitedwayhoco.org or message, 765-457-4357 ext 320.
Grant recipients must provide all information needed to comply with EFSP local recipient organization (LRO) requirements and agree to comply with reporting requirements and timelines established by either the National or Local Board. Grant recipients will be responsible for obtaining access to the National EFSP website and using the website as directed to supply required information. (Training is available on the website as well as the required forms.) Failure to fulfill LRO requirements could result in a reduction in the amount of the grant received.
Following the initial request, LROs, will electronically sign documents, submit reports/receipts in hard copy or electronically and send requests per the deadlines established in the program. All related records must be retained for a minimum of 3 years after submission of the final report or when all issues are in compliance. Failure to do so could affect future eligibility for additional funding in successive phases.
Funds awarded are to be used to supplement current food and shelter programming and emergent programming to address those affected by COVID 19, not for reimbursements or new programming. Any unused funds must be returned to the National Board for redistribution. Purchases and service provision shall occur during the spending period for each phase. Large purchases at the end of the phase do not meet the intent of the program and will be considered ineligible. There is never a guarantee of funding and EFSP funds should not be included in an organization’s budget. It is to be used to enhance existing programming.
Cash payments are ineligible for use as a grant expense. Personal credit/debit card use is also prohibited. Funds cannot be used for lobbying activities and must be used for approved expenses as allowed. A full description is available in the EFSP Responsibilities and Requirements manual for the corresponding phase. Full and final compliance of expenditures is determined by the National EFSP Board upon review of submissions.
The local board sets the eligibility criteria and must provide for assistance to needy individuals within their jurisdiction (Howard County).
Funds must be distributed without discrimination, with sensitivity to transitions from temporary shelter to permanent homes, with attention to the specialized needs of homeless individuals with mental and physical disabilities or illness.
During this phase, there is emphasis on service to the homeless with mental health needs, veterans, families with children and seniors. Funding can be used for two months rent or utility costs to avoid shut off or eviction and to meet food needs of the above described.
Programming will facilitate access for homeless individuals to access other sources of services and benefits. Proof of citizenship or alien status of recipients is not required.
No individual, family or household may be charged a fee for service or be required to attend religious/counseling services with relation to assistance received from EFSP funds. Documentation of service provided will not include specific client information to protect confidentiality.
Eligible Program Costs Could Include:
*Annotated listing, this list is subject to change at any time. It is provided to give you a general idea of eligible expenses but does not guarantee approval of any request.
Food purchases for food banks, pantries and food providers– Should include only food for nutritional meals, not non-nutritive items. Funding cannot be used for a singular event.
Transportation expenses incurred for picking up, delivery and distribution of
purchases and donated food.
Purchase of small equipment- (pots, pans, microwave, dining table, chairs, not exceeding $300 per item, essential to the operation of the food bank or pantry.)
Vegetable plants/seeds and canning supplies used by an LRO to garden onsite.
Consumable supplies essential to mass feeding- Cups, utensils, plates, detergent etc.
*For shelters of five or more beds, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, cleaning supplies as well as beds mattresses, linens and blankets are allowable.
*If the request is based on a per diem, the listed items would be included, no additional expense for consumables is allowed.
Minor emergency repairs of small equipment essential to mass feeding or shelter
Failure to repair would terminate or curtail services. Routine maintenance and service contracts are not eligible. *Not to exceed $300.
Hotel/Motel room/tax for off-site shelter- Only if there is no other appropriate shelter and the assistance is limited to 30 days per individual or household.
Rent/Mortgage (Principal, interest only)– Payment is in arrears or due within 10 calendar days, no other resources are available, the recipient must live in the residence and be responsible for payment of rent/mortgage. Payment is limited to one month’s assistance. Assistance is only provided once in a jurisdiction by one LRO in a phase. Payment must guarantee an additional 30 days of service and eliminate the threat of eviction.
Mobile home and lot fees- Must be paid directly to the vendor. (Deposit, condo, late fees,
legal fees, are ineligible) *Additional instructions and restrictions if the payment is for first month’s rent. *Under certain conditions a limited amount of funding is available for arrearages. Payment must guarantee an additional 30 days of service and eliminate the threat of eviction or loss of mobile home.
Utility Assistance- Gas, electricity, water and sewer service is available to residents of a
home or apartment. Conditions: Payment is in arrears or due within 10 days, all other resources are exhausted, assistance is limited to one month’s billed usage for each utility. An arrears can be owed from the previous EFSP phase, each utility can be paid once each award phase by one LRO. Payment guarantees an additional 30 days of service. Reconnect fees and budget amounts are eligible.
*Late fees and deposits are ineligible. *Firewood, oil, coal and propane are eligible for a one time minimum delivery amount.
Diapers and basic feminine hygiene items– Eligible for direct distribution to individuals, for residents of mass shelter and for vouchers to grocery stores.
If you have any questions you may direct them to Cheryl Graham, cgraham@unitedwayhoco.org, 765-457-4357 ext. 320
Entire program rules, documentation requirements and funding exceptions at https://www.efsp.unitedway.org/efsp/website/index.cfm
Please download the PDF, fill it out and when finished email to Cheryl Graham. CGraham@unitedwayhoco.org