Tips on Applying for Grant and Per Diem Funds

Scoring is based on:

• Quality - up to 300 points. This is how program participants will reach their goals and is a description of how the services will help the clients achieve self determination. Individual goals must be explained in this section. 
• Targeting - 150 points. This section will illustrate to what extent your program will serve homeless vets. Make sure you use VA data in your report.
• Ability - 200 points. How will your organization operate and develop the project.
• Need - 150 points. You need to demonstrate that you can meet the unmet need in your community.
• Innovation-this section is difficult to receive points, only fill this in if you are sure you are being innovative, most programs will not fall into this category
• Leveraging
• Cost Effectiveness
• Coordination with other programs - 200 points. How will your program work with federal, state and private organizations that serve homeless veterans. There are 50 points given by the VA on the amount of coordination that the applying organization has with their local VA at the time of the submission.

Strengths of Applications:

• Needs assessment is clearly documented. Did you use CHALENG Data in your application?
• Clearly defining your outcomes and making sure they are measurable. Specific goals have been broken down by objectives.
• Securing matching funds at the time your application is submitted
• Coordination with other programs in your community, specifically the local VA.
• Reaching out to get technical assistance when you have questions.

Weaknesses in Applications:

• Not scoring in the quality, targeting, ability, needs and coordination sections.
• Not clearly defining the population you will be serving, need to understand who you are working with.
• Lack of detail in project plan.
• Math, spelling and grammar errors.
• Services offered vs. costs are too high.

Other Points to Remember:

• Generally NOFA is announced early to mid calendar year with award selection 120 days after submission date.
• If you have matching funds secured at the time of your application you can get leveraging points.
• All entities receiving grants and or per diem funds must meet the fire and safety requirements applicable under the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association as well as any local or state codes as required.
• Always follow the budget carefully.
• VA Liaison is your new best friend- get to know them and work with them well before you apply for the grant.
• Inspections are important, make sure you follow the regulations.
• The rules and regulations can be complicated, always ask the Per Diem office if you have questions.
• Geography-this grant is national in scope.