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Abstinence Education Funding Opportunity

Request for Applications

2009 Abstinence Education Mini-Grant Projects

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Public Health, Lifespan Health Services

General Information

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Abstinence Education Program is pleased to announce the availability of funding for organizations and entities in Nebraska to support new or on-going activities as well as one-time projects specific to abstinence education. The funding period for this initiative shall begin on or after December 1, 2008 and run through June 30, 2009. Approximately $28,000 in funding is available for one-time awards ranging from $1500-$3500 each.

Awards will be issued based upon the applicant’s ability to meet the funding requirements as well as successful completion of the application form. Priority will be given to proposals which build upon previous abstinence education initiatives and which support a comprehensive community approach that includes on-going prevention efforts that address teen sexual activity and other youth risk-behaviors.

Project Description

Nebraska Abstinence Education program seeks to build capacity for abstinence education for youth at the local level. By offering support through these grant funds, communities and organizations are provided an opportunity to initiate or continue programming activities that stress the health benefit for youth who abstain from sexual activity prior to marriage.

Eligible Applicants

Public and private non-profit entities, including local health departments and federally recognized Native American Tribes headquartered in Nebraska whose work has a local, multi-community, multi-county or statewide focus are eligible to apply under this funding opportunity. A non-profit Applicant proposing to provide services on a Native American reservation or federally recognized Tribal land must include a letter of support from the applicable Tribal Council.

Each applicant must be or have a formal agreement with a fiscal agent that has a non-profit status at the time of the application, has a capacity to receive these funds and is committed to abstinence education. Applicants may be required to provide proof of non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) prior to any granting of award funds.

Funding Requirements

By submitting the approved application form, the applicant will be agreeing to the following requirements: Referenced supportive information is posted on this web site.

  1. Activity or project will address or support one or more of the A through H elements of abstinence education as defined by law.

  2. Recipients of the grant funds will not offer or promote an alternate message (i.e.contraceptive/condoms education) in same time and setting as the abstinence education activities.

  3. Funds will not be used to support inherently religious activities, including, but not limited to, religious instruction, worship, prayer or proselytizing (45 CFR Part 87).

  4. Proposed materials, curriculum, guest speakers etc. will be pre-approved by the state program or among those listed on the state-approved list for materials and resources meeting requirements for abstinence education.

  5. Funds will not be used to support personnel or administrative costs.

  6. Recipient will submit outcome and expenditure reports within two weeks of the conclusion of the funded project or activity or no later than July 15, 2008, which ever occurs first.

  7. Recipient will agree to use and submit participant data using the required state data tracking forms.

  8. Recipient will contribute match or cost sharing (either cash or in-kind) that is equivalent to 75% of grant amount requested. Source of cash match may not be from another federal source, i.e. federal grant.

Application and Submission Instructions

The application process is streamlined. Applicants must complete and submit the application form posted on this web site. Applicants may submit their application via FAX or Email any time on or before 5:00 PM on Monday, November 17, 2008. Awards will be announced on or before November 21, 2008. Projects may begin as early as December 1, 2008 but must be completed no later than June 30, 2009.

Steps for Making Application

  1. Complete and submit the application form no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, November 17, 2008.

  2. Submit the completed application via email or FAX to:
    linda.henningsen@dhhs.ne.gov or FAX to (402) 471-7049
    Subject line of the email application should read: 2009 Mini Grant Application.

Review Criteria, Award Process and Disbursement of Funds.

Funds allocated for this mini grant offer will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to successful applicants fulfilling the provisions of the Request for Applications. A total of $28,000 is available for one-time awards ranging from $1500-$3500 each. Applications will be evaluated in the order received based on established review criteria. Date and time documented on the submitted email or FAX transmittal sheet will determine review order. Applicants must receive a score of 60 or higher to be considered for funding.

Successful applicants will receive an award letter along with the grant Terms and Assurances document. Applicants should review the Terms and Assurances and Appendices posted on this web site thoroughly prior to submitting their application. The Terms and Assurances document outlines the provisions for sub granting with the Department of Health and Human Services, including program specific requirements. The award letter will be mailed to the successful applicants during the week of November 24, 2008. Upon receipt of this award letter, the applicant must sign and return the Terms and Assurances, along with the relevant certifications. Disbursement of funds cannot commence until these signed documents are received by DHHS.

Disbursement of Funds: Funds will be disbursed in whole or in part based upon the need of the successful applicant. Winning applicants must submit a request in writing requesting the release of funds. Purchase orders, confirmation notices, order forms or any other pertinent documentation of expected expenses should be attached to this request. Successful applicants to whom any funds have been disbursed prior to the start of their activity will be required to submit a project-specific expenditure report at the conclusion of their project. This report must include all supportive invoices, receipts, billing statements and other documentation for all funds expended. Any grant funds not documented as expended shall be returned to DHHS by the grant recipient at the end of the applicant’s project period.

Forms

MS Word Document Application Form (to be filled out and printed from your computer)
PDF Definition of Abstinence
PDF Approved Curricula
PDF Subgrant Terms and Assurances
PDF Review Critieria
MS Word Document Mini Grant Data Collection Form - FY 2009

Contact:  
Linda Henningsen
Project Director
Nebraska Abstinence Education Program
Department of Health and Human Services
Lifespan Health Services
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-0538
linda.henningsen@dhhs.ne.gov 

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