AmeriCorps Formula Traditional (Illinois) Technical Assistance, Appendices, Questions & Answers (24-444-80-2810)

Technical Assistance Session:

This technical assistance session will provide participants with an overview of the 24-444-80-2810-02 AmeriCorps Formula Traditional (Illinois) Notice of Funding Opportunity and information on how providers can apply for FY24.

AmeriCorps Formula Traditional (Illinois) Appendices:

Questions and Answers:

April 10, 2023:

  1. Question: For the UGA - should the estimated funding totals in question 45 reflect the full 12-month grant cycle (to match eGrants), or only the 10 months that would be included in the state's fiscal year?
    Answer:     12 months
  2. Question: In a continuation application, would the total budget need to match our current award, or can the budget/award request be updated to reflect the increase in the minimum living allowance for the new grant year?
    Answer    : Continuation applicants should indicate any major budget revisions in the "Program Narrative Update" section of the continuation application
  3. Question: I have been trying since mid March to apply for a SAM ID as my first step in the process. I put that we have a DBA name by mistake and now it is wanting documentation of that. The problem is that we just go by our name 'Rolling in Faith Corporation'. Do you have any idea how to go about fixing this? I have sent a help desk ticket and called the help desk.
    Answer:     Visit FSD.gov to search frequently asked questions, chat live with a support agent, submit a web form, or call for assistance. Call and Live Chat Hours: Monday - Friday from 8am - 8pm EST. U.S. calls: 866-606-8220.
  4. Question: My grant is in place and ready to be submitted into eGrants, but it will not let me put in a start date prior to Sept 1st.
    Answer:     This has been fixed in eGrants and an August 1st start date should be able to be selected.
  5. Question: Access has been gained to eGrants. From there, I selected from a drop down menu 'Americorps' and didn't see the corresponding NOFO number/due date in the information section.
    Answer:     You should be able to select: FY23 AmeriCorps State and Territory Commission (New and Cont.) Due Date: 06/01/2023
    Summary: This application is for new, recompeting, or continuation state commission applicants, including territories with commissions, apply for cost reimbursement grants.
  6. Question: In years past, we applied in Nov/Dec for a June notification and an Aug/Sept program start date. With an application date in April, will we still receive notification in the summer and a fall program start date?
    Answer:     Yes, that is correct

April 25, 2023: 

  1. Question: If we are applying for a continuation, do we have to apply for the same amount as we did last year or can we adjust our budget given the increase in the maximum cost per MSY allowed?
    Answer:     Continuation app will be forthcoming for subgrantees. Any major changes should be included in the "Program Narrative Update" section.
  2. Question: I am trying to make sure my application meets the page limits requirement:  What is the preferred method for printing my application to make sure it meets the 10-page limit?
    Answer:     Please note that the length of the application as a word processing document may differ from the length of the document printed out from eGrants. The character limits in eGrants do not align with page limits set in the Notice. AmeriCorps strongly encourages applicants to print out the application from the "Review and Submit" tab in eGrants prior to submission in order to confirm that the application does not exceed the page limit.
  3. Question: We are applying as an AmeriCorps Formula Traditional program, for the first year of a three-year cycle. Is my program required to submit an Evaluation Plan Narrative in eGrants if we are formula and if our funding is under $500,000?
    Answer:     Please follow the application guidelines in the NOFO.
  4. Question: I already started my continuation application in eGrants. I was under the understanding that our applications were due on April 28th. When is the due date for continuations?
    Answer:     April 28th is the due date in eGrants. There will be a PDF continuation application sent to all continuation applicants by 4/18/2023.
  5. Question: I want to check on what start and end date to put on the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, in eGrants we are using 9/1/2023-8/31/2024 as indicated in the NOFO as our current funding period is through 8/31/2023. However, for the State Grant application do we use those same dates or do we use the State FY dates of 7/1/2023-6/31/2024?
    Answer:     Please use the dates as indicated in your eGrants application.
  6. Question: I saw that our part is 24% which could be in-kind in addition to financial. When we reviewed it, we probably missed 24% of what? I am supporting a site that is trying to prepare their application. I am usually involved in continuation apps. Also, we have been part of a VISTA grant for five years with no cost-sharing, so this is new for us. We have never had state/national which are a better fit for our program as it will be direct service.
    Answer:     Please refer to Section C.5 Cost Sharing or Match Requirement for more information.
  7. Question: What is the Application ID number for the email submission subject line and document file names, as described in the language from the NOFO?
    Answer:     The Application ID in eGrants for AmeriCorps State is: 23AC254143. Please refer to the Mandatory Forms section in the NOFO.
  8. Question: At the Bidder's Conference, a PowerPoint was shown, and it contained useful links that directed applicants to important documents. How do I access this PowerPoint with the useful links?
    Answer:     Please email DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov to request a PDF copy of the PowerPoint. 
  9. Question: I am both the Applicant/User and the Authorized Representative. How do I enter my name into the Authorized Representative section?
    Answer:     Please contact the eGrants hotline at 1-800-942-2677
  10. Question: When will the NOSAs be announced? I need this information to help determine our start date that I will enter into the grant application for the new program year. At SWIC, once the NOSA is announced, I have to get the SWIC Board of Trustees to approve and accept the new award at one of their monthly meetings. (I am sure lots of colleges are like this.) Which monthly meeting the SWIC Board approves the award is dependent on the date of the NOSA announcement. This, in turn, will determine when I can start actually the new Program Year if we are awarded. I would hate to enter a date in the grant application only to not be able to start on that date due to the date of the NOSA announcement. Sorry for the need for this information, but I am afraid that our program's application is dependent on an accurate date.
    Answer:     The NOSA's will be released in July.