Q: Is this grant open to state-approved for-profit schools?
A: Yes.
Q: Is administrative expenses allowable to put on the budget list?
A: Yes. Typically, administrative and overhead costs shown as a percentage of salary for administrative support, accounting, rent, phone, etc. Indirect and administrative costs should be allocated at appropriate levels. These costs can also be put toward the required 25% match as long as they are not funded though state or federal dollars.
Learn more here: http://test.njcdd.org/wp-content/uploads/Budget-Instructions-and-Match-Requirements-2022.pdf
The budget form can be found here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UTLRPoJK4fO3fVkQq0YfQ6G_fv9v5YN3/edit#gid=377204433
Q: Can a foundation apply for this grant?
A: Yes.
Q: For the budgets, we wanted to clarify that indirect costs can be funded via our match.
A: Yes, indirect costs can be funded via grantee match, however, state and federal funds cannot be put toward the match.
Q: What is the variance policy for budgets upon award?
A: A budget variance is the difference between the budgeted expense, and the actual expense. The budget should be carefully considered before it is submitted. If costs in one area exceed the amount budgeted, a budget modification can be requested in order to move funds from one budget line to another.
NJCDD uses the NJDHS Contract Policy and Information Manual, P1.10 which is noted below. While modifications are allowed, there will be no increase in the contract ceiling after its awarded.
Applicable Budget Categories and Allowable Budget Modification Flexible Limits are:
- Personnel Category, Category A.
1) A Cumulative Increase in total salaries, excluding Fringe Benefits, of more than five percent (5%) from the approved Annex B Budget.
2) A Cumulative Increase in Fringe Benefit costs of more than fifteen percent (15%) from the approved Annex B Budget.
- Other Than Personnel, Categories B, C, D, F (These Budget Categories have been consolidated for modification purposes except that “Specific Assistance to Clients” is maintained as a separate Budget Category).
1) A Cumulative Increase in the combined value of Other Than Personnel categories * of more than ten percent (10%) from the approved Annex B Budget. The 10% Flexible Limit is applied only to the combined value of the following Annex B Budget categories, (B+C+D+F) x 10%: *(B) Consultants & Professional Fees *(C) Materials and Supplies *(D) Facility Costs *(F) Other
- Specific Assistance to Clients, Category E 1) All changes below the approved Annex B Budget require a modification.
1) A Cumulative Increase of more than fifteen percent (15%) from the Approved Annex B Budget requires a Contract Modification. Policy Circular P1.10 10
- Equipment, Category I
1) An item of equipment not included in the approved Annex B Budget of over $5,000 per item requires a Contract Modification.
2) A Cumulative Increase of more than ten percent (10%) from the Approved Annex B Budget requires a Contract Modification.
Q: Should we plan a site visit? If so, how long before or after the award?
A: Site visits are not uncommon for this type of grant. Such visits would be arranged at a mutually agreeable timeframe, typically beginning within the first few months.
Q: Will this grant be renewed?
A: The grant period is one year. Each of the grants is expected to be issued as part of a multi-year initiative, however renewal of funding is contingent on grantees meeting performance objectives, benchmarks and deliverables. The grantee will be required to submit a proposed application and budget for multi-year funded projects at least 60 days in advance of the new grant period (Year 2, or Year 3). NJCDD staff will support the grantee in this process.
Q: How many grant proposals does the foundation typically receive in the cycle you are applying for and how many do they typically fund?
A: The process is competitive. NJCDD, a federally-funded state Council on disabilities, may receive as many as a dozen or more proposals for each RPF it announces. Typically, a single proposal is selected for funding, which may include two or more collaborating organizations.
Q: How much of this grant can be used for indirect expenses?
A: While there is no specific cap on indirect costs, the funds requested should be allocated across budget areas in ways that align with the goals of the RFP and the scope of work. The budget and budget narrative should present a cost-effective funding level for achieving the purpose of the project.
If the grantee has an indirect cost rate approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or another governmental agency, it may utilize the rate for budgeting and expenditures reporting. Indicate (1) the approved rate; (2) the type of rate (i.e., provisional, fixed, predetermined, final); and (3) the base on which it is applied (e.g., total direct salaries and wages, total direct costs). Submit a copy of the complete Negotiation Agreement containing the approved rate. If an approved indirect cost rate is used, any expense item included in the indirect cost pool must not be included in any other part of the budget as a direct program cost. For example, the cost applicable to the provider agency’s chief executive officer should not appear in Budget Category A: Personnel as a direct program cost if it is part of the indirect cost pool used to compute the approved rate.
Q: If after receiving the application additional information is required of us, will there be an opportunity to supply that information, or will we be disqualified?
A: Incomplete proposals cannot be considered and will be disqualified. The application must be complete as submitted and no additional information will be requested. NJCDD reserves the right to contact an applicant to request assurances or modifications to a proposal prior to finalizing a contract.
Q: Can nonprofit organizations during this same cycle simultaneously apply for both of the two current open grant opportunities (Improve access to and the provision of education and transition services AND Plan and implement to increase individuals with I/DD who are engaged in competitive, integrated employment)?
A: Yes.
(3.6) Q: Our question is similar for the opportunity to plan and implement projects designed to increase the number of individuals with I/DD who are engaged in competitive, integrated employment. Is this project to fund the provision of employment services? Is it to educate employers? Is it to trial some specific technique for supported employment?
A: The Council is looking for innovation and creativity, so a range of approaches may be considered. The work MUST increase competitive integrated employment, so the two strategies mentioned: “educating employers” and “to trial of some specific technique” could be included as strategies as part of a larger concept. Projects might include:
- Demonstration projects that increase competitive integrated employment for individuals with I/DD. Strategies might include but are not limited to: innovative business models, innovative internships, job carving, job sharing, business ownership, natural job supports (supports integrated into the existing workforce/culture of the workplace/employer) and/or partnerships.
- Trainings and collaborations that build local or regional capacity in ways that directly result in an increase in the number of individuals with I/DD in competitive integrated employment. Strategies might include but are not limited to benefits planning and coordination, training and technical assistance for businesses, school districts, local government, and Chambers of Commerce to measurably increase diversity and inclusion as it relates to people with I/DD in the competitive integrated workforce.
(3.6) Q: If our agency receives funding from DVRS and Medicaid for current programs/services we have, are we still eligible to submit a proposal?
A: Yes, however, it is important to note three issues:
- Grant funds cannot be used to fund an existing program or service.
- Grant funds cannot be used to supplant or supplement existing funding for an existing program, and,
- State and federal funds cannot be used for the purposes of the required 25% match.
The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities announces a multi-year funding opportunity of up to $250,000 for two years/ $125,000 in year one (excluding required 25% match) for a qualified entity to plan and implement projects designed to increase the number of individuals with I/DD who are engaged in competitive, integrated employment.