2014 Social Innovation Fund FAQs

March, 2014

The Notice of Federal Funds Availability (Notice) and the application instructions for the Social 

Innovation Fund competition are the primary sources of information about the requirements of 

this grant competition. This document is intended to provide further clarification, where 

necessary, and does not supplement nor duplicate those documents.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) will host Technical Assistance 

(TA) conference calls or webinars for potential Social Innovation Fund applicants. The schedule 

of these calls and the other applicant resources, including the answers to frequently asked 

questions, will be posted on the SIF webpage. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to 

visit the website to access these resources and for updates. General inquiries may be directed to 

Innovation@CNS.gov.

Contents

Application Materials..............................................................................................................1

Eligibility...................................................................................................................................2

Eligible Partnerships and Collaborations..............................................................................4

Focus Areas and Funding Priorities.......................................................................................5

Evidence and Evaluation.........................................................................................................6

Funding/Funding Restrictions ..............................................................................................7

Subgrants/Subgranting ..........................................................................................................8

Budget.....................................................................................................................................11

Match......................................................................................................................................11

Role of the State Commission on National and Community Service ...............................15

Other.......................................................................................................................................16

Application Materials

Where do I get a SIF grant application?

Applicants apply for SIF funds via the CNCS online grants management system called eGrants. 

The application instructions explain how to complete the application in eGrants. The Notice of 

Federal Funding Availability contains the selection criteria and other information necessary to 

complete an application. To create an eGrants account and begin an application, please go to the 

eGrants website: http://www.nationalservice.gov/egrants/

Is there a way to upload attachments/appendices so graphics, maps, charts, etc. can be 

included?

No, there is not. Beyond what is requested in the application, attachments and supplementary

materials are not accepted.

Will letters of recommendation or support be considered? 

Letters of recommendation and other materials not requested in the Notice or application 

instructions will not be reviewed or considered. 

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Are supplementary materials (beyond the required links to evaluations) permitted, and do 

they count toward the page limit? 

The only supplemental documentation that will be accepted for Social Innovation Fund 

applications is the match verification letter and the links to evaluation reports. They do not count 

toward the page limit. Additional materials will not be reviewed.

Eligibility

Is a federally recognized Indian Tribe eligible to apply to be a SIF intermediary?

Federally recognized tribes are sovereign legal entities, similar to state governments. They have 

all the rights and attributes of a sovereign entity, such as a state. Grantmaking institutions may 

apply for a SIF grant or may partner with an Indian Tribe, State Commission, or unit of State or 

Tribal government to apply as a partnership. A unit of government is not an existing 

grantmaking institution for the purposes of the SIF Notice. That is to say, a unit of government 

or Tribe may not apply without an existing grantmaking institution partner.

Will you consider proposals for geographic areas already represented among current SIF 

intermediaries or subgrantees? 

Yes. The Social Innovation Fund will consider proposals in states and areas already being 

served by current Social Innovation Fund intermediaries. However, CNCS is particularly 

interested in proposals for programs that diversify its current grantee portfolio through programs 

that either serve “significantly philanthropically underserved” geographic areas or geographic 

areas that are not currently being served by the Social Innovation Fund. 

After becoming a SIF grantee, does an intermediary have to request the same level of 

funding each year of its three to five year grant?

There is no requirement that intermediaries request the same amount of funding from year to 

year. However, CNCS is seeking to build a network of intermediaries committed to supporting 

an on-going portfolio of promising social innovations as they deepen their evidence base, 

replicate and expand. Similarly, CNCS is looking for strong fiscal partners that can meet the 

substantial annual match requirements of the Social Innovation Fund program. Intermediaries 

must request a minimum of $1 million dollars annually.

We used to do competitive grantmaking, but many years ago. If we meet all the other 

requirements, would we still be considered an existing grantmaking institution?

To be eligible for a Social Innovation Fund award, applicants must be either an existing 

grantmaking institution or an eligible partnership. Existing grantmaking institutions must 

actively conduct open or otherwise competitive programs to award grants to or make investments 

in a diverse portfolio or nonprofit community organizations. 

We make competitive grants as required, but just within our affiliated network. Are we 

eligible to be an intermediary?

Yes. While you would not have been eligible in prior years, beginning in 2014, the definition of 

eligibility has been expanded to include organizations such as yours. Please read the Notice for 

more background on this change, as well as expectations of these organizations.

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Can a for-profit intermediary apply?

For profit entities are not eligible for SIF funding.

As a grantmaker, can we apply to launch a new grantmaking initiative?

Yes, you can.

We are entering into a new phase of grantmaking. Would we be eligible since we don't yet 

have a built-up grantee base in this arena to show effective evidence-based programs?

Existing grantmaking institutions, as described in the Notice, are eligible to apply. Carefully 

review your capacity and desired programming against the requirements and selection criteria 

described in the Notice to determine your fit for the Social Innovation Fund.

One eligibility requirement states that the grantmaking must show a "historical track 

record of using rigorous evidence to select and invest in grantees." How can an applicant 

demonstrate this?

Please review the Organizational Capability section of the selection criteria (Section V. A. of the 

Notice) for a description of how your organization will be assessed and what you need to 

demonstrate in your application.

Is it ok to apply as an intermediary that is only serving one jurisdiction (in our case 

Washington DC)? We would be looking to invest more deeply in 5 underserved 

neighborhoods and then grow and scale our intervention within the city?

Yes, this is permissible.

If our organization hasn't made a grant in the last fiscal year, but has made many grants in 

the past, are we still eligible?

The fact that you skipped a year of grantmaking wouldn’t disqualify you. However, to be 

eligible, your organization must meet our requirement of investing in nonprofit community 

organizations or programs through grants as an essential rather than a collateral means of 

fulfilling its mission and vision, as described in Section III of the Notice.

Is Puerto Rico eligible for Social Innovation Fund grants?

For the purposes of eligibility, Puerto Rico and the other U.S. territories are considered to be 

states. Social Innovation Funds are available to existing grantmaking institutions. An existing 

grantmaking institution is an organization, in existence at the time of the application, which 

invests in nonprofit community organizations or programs through grants as an essential rather 

than a collateral means of fulfilling its mission and vision. Accordingly, a state or local 

government may collaborate with an existing grantmaking institution or participate in an eligible 

partnership but may not apply directly to be an intermediary.

What if the intermediary is new but the partner organizations (CBOs) have years of 

experience and data collection?

At the time of its application to CNCS for funding, the grantmaking institution will be judged 

solely on its own merits and whether it meets the eligibility and other requirements outlined in 

the Notice.

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Can religious organizations apply for funding?

Religious organizations that are existing grantmaking institutions and otherwise meet the 

eligibility criteria may apply to be a SIF intermediary.

What would we need to submit to show that we qualify as a grantmaking institution?

You are not expected to submit documentation beyond what you provide in your application. In 

the executive summary of your application and in response to the organizational capability 

section of the selection criteria, you have the opportunity to describe your organization. 

Eligible Partnerships and Collaborations

What is the difference between an “eligible partnership” and a “collaboration”?

In an eligible partnership, the partner organizations share responsibilities under the award. A 

collaboration, for the purpose of this competition, is when an organization enters into an 

arrangement to access needed competencies but remains solely responsible for the award. See 

the Notice for more detail. 

How might an “eligible partnership” be structured?

Following are two illustrative examples.

Example number one: Four community foundations across the country pool their resources and 

apply as an issue-based Social Innovation Fund working on the priority issue area of economic 

opportunity. Their partnership also includes an existing grantmaking institution (which we will 

call Grantmaker A) with deep experience in competitive grantmaking. The eligible partnership 

proposes to have Grantmaker A oversee the competitive selection process across their respective 

geographies and with their local input. Grants would go directly from Grantmaker A to 

subgrantees (as two levels of subgranting are not allowable under the Social Innovation Fund). 

The community foundations would support, monitor and evaluate subgrantees and facilitate

constructive relationships with local units of government and others.

Example number two: Three existing grantmaking institutions apply as a geographically-based

Social Innovation Fund. They propose to focus on all three of the priority issue areas. They each 

bring their own issue expertise. They propose to run separate competitive subgrant selection 

processes. However, they propose to pool resources for capacity-building, evaluation, and 

knowledge management across their subgrantees.

These are only two examples to illustrate how eligible partnerships might be structured.

Many other kinds of eligible partnerships are also possible.

If two or more organizations plan to apply for Social Innovation Fund funding as an

eligible partnership or as a collaboration, how definitive of a structure needs to be in place

at the time of application? Do the organizations need to have a legal agreement signed at 

the time of application submission, or is an intent to partner or collaborate sufficient until 

funds are awarded?

Intent to partner or collaborate is sufficient to apply. During the review process, CNCS may 

request additional information about the roles and responsibilities of each partner. Before final 

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award, all partners and collaborating organizations will be required to formally agree to the full 

terms and conditions of the award, including those included in the Assurances portion of the 

application in eGrants. Eligible partners are encouraged, but not required, to share the costs of 

the application cash matching requirement in order to demonstrate the seriousness of the 

partnership.

Can a partner organization working with the lead applicant on the current model also 

apply through the competitive subgrantee process for components of the model that they 

are not currently being funded to do through the existing partnership? 

As long as it is not part of an ‘eligible partnership’ as defined in the Notice, there is no 

prohibition against a partner organization applying to an intermediary’s subgrant competition. 

However the intermediary must be able to demonstrate that its selection process was open and 

competitive, and free of conflicts of interest.

We work in coordination with other federal agencies in our activities. Is this something we 

should mention and if so how is it best to do so?

You should mention any current partnerships that are relevant to the SIF program you are 

proposing and that would enhance your proposal. Please note that SIF funding should not 

duplicate or replace current funding from other sources. Please refer to Section I. E. for a 

discussion of funding one might have from another federal evidence-based program.

Focus Areas and Funding Priorities

Applicants are asked to identify one focus area. If your collective impact approach covers 

all three areas, how should we indicate that? 

The number of focus areas an applicant can select depends on the type of Social Innovation Fund 

it is proposing. An applicant applying as a ‘Geographically-Based Social Innovation Fund’ can 

propose to address one or more of our issue areas (youth development, economic opportunity, 

healthy futures). An applicant applying as an ‘Issue-Based Social Innovation Fund’ must select 

one of our issue areas. The approach you are taking and the focus area(s) you will address 

should be clearly indicated in your proposal. See Section III C. of the Notice.

What metrics can be used to determine whether a geographic location is philanthropically 

underserved? Is there some dollar amount cut off that SIF will be using, maybe in 

comparison to the number of people living in the region, for example? 

The SIF has not identified any specific metrics to determine whether a geographic location is 

philanthropically underserved. If relevant, we expect the applicant to make the case to us, using 

data and statistics, that the communities it proposes to serve meet our definition. See Section I. 

of the Notice.

Are applicants who are currently AmeriCorps grantees given preference in the SIF 

competition? 

AmeriCorps grantees are encouraged to apply but do not receive a funding preference.

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If Youth Development/Opportunity Youth is chosen as an issue area, is it acceptable for a 

proposal to target a subpopulation of Opportunity Youth (i.e., 16-24 year olds only, 18-24 

year olds only, justice-involved youth only, youth in foster care only, etc.)?

Yes, it is. However, please note that if your application is intended to address the Opportunity 

Youth funding priority, this intention must be clear to reviewers.

Would a proposal using a collective impact approach necessarily have to apply as an 

eligible partnership?

No, but it should be clear from your application that the necessary partnerships and 

characteristics, as described in the Notice, are in place.

Evidence and Evaluation

Will the Social Innovation Fund fund new social innovations?

While the governing legislative statute authorizes CNCS to fund new social innovations,

CNCS has determined that the limited SIF funding available needs to be focused on promising 

social innovations with at least preliminary evidence of effectiveness. Intermediaries are 

encouraged to make larger subgrants to innovations with strong evidence of impact and 

effectiveness (as defined in the Notice). CNCS is determined to build a pipeline of programs with 

evidence of effectiveness; therefore, CNCS anticipates that intermediary portfolios may include 

some programs with preliminary or moderate evidence (as defined in the Notice).

Should outcomes and metrics be defined for three to five years, even though the funding 

request is only for one year?

Within the Program Design section, applicants should outline a multi-year plan for

subgrantee selection, investment, evaluation, support and monitoring in their narrative.

The formal budget request and the description or justification with the Budget

Justification narrative section should be for one year of Federal funding only.

Would a Social Innovation Fund intermediary be able to use Social Innovation Fund funds 

to assess the impact of its own activities?

Yes, but applicants should be mindful that Social Innovation Fund evaluation should be focused 

on assessing the impact and effectiveness of subgrantees (particularly since at least 80 percent of 

Federal funds are required to be competitively distributed to nonprofit community 

organizations). CNCS anticipates utilizing learning communities and other mechanisms to 

discuss and evaluate issues around intermediary effectiveness.

The past grantees list their program details, but not evaluation details. Could you describe 

what a “winning” example of evaluation would look like? The applications of current 

grantees (which can be found on our website) include descriptions of how they propose to 

approach evaluation. Please note however that detailed evaluation plans are developed some 

months after grant award with detailed guidance from and review by CNCS.

What is the expectation for evaluation publication or future use?

CNCS will be sharing the final results of SIF-funded evaluations.

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Does the evaluation need to include control or comparison groups?

Depending on the level of evidence of program models and interventions at program entry, the 

evaluation may need to include control or comparison groups in order to document and capture 

impact.

Is there a published list of evaluation experts or companies that subgrantees can use to get 

help in their evaluation efforts?

The Social Innovation Fund doesn’t endorse, and can’t suggest evaluation experts or companies.

Can subgrantee activities begin before the evaluation plan is approved by CNCS?

Yes, subgrantee activities can begin before a plan is approved. However, evaluation plan of the 

subgrantee program model/intervention cannot be implemented before CNCS approves it.

How many years does an organization need to have for preliminary evidence?

The definition of preliminary evidence is not based on the organization, but on the research 

findings and past evaluation studies supporting the intervention.

Can part of the 80% allocated to subgrantees be used to cover costs associated with 

evaluation?

Yes. Evaluation is an acceptable and expected use of grant funds.

Must specific outcomes be predetermined in the evaluation plan, or can they be determined 

in the first few months of award through community-driven process?

In your application, you must clearly describe the measurable outcomes that will be achieved 

through your proposed program. You will also describe your proposed evaluation strategy. 

However, your evaluation plan won’t be due until many months after you are approved for 

funding. 

Funding/Funding Restrictions

How and when will funding for intermediaries be available?

For applicants approved for funding, CNCS will provide information on how to establish an 

account in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Payment Management System

(PMS). CNCS will obligate the entire amount of the grant upon award. This will take place prior 

to September 30th of this year. Grantees will be subject to the requirements of the Federal Cash 

Management Act which direct grantees to draw funds as needed for grantee and subgrantee

immediate needs.

If at least 80 percent of Federal funding has to be provided to subgrantees, what can the 

remaining funding be used for? 

Grantees may use the remaining funds for other direct and indirect costs associated with hosting 

a competitive subgrant selection process, evaluation, providing support to subgrantees, and other 

activities designed to contribute to measurable outcomes of their portfolio. However, applicants 

should keep in mind that their overall budget (both federal and matching funds) will be evaluated 

reasonableness as described in the Notice.

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Can 100 percent of Federal funds be provided to subgrantees?

Yes, applicants may propose to provide 100 percent of Federal funds to subgrantees. If this is 

proposed, applicants should outline in their budget narrative how they propose to fund their 

competitive subgrant selection process and provide for on-going evaluation and support to their 

portfolio of subgrantees.

Do 80 percent of intermediary matching funds have to be provided to subgrantees?

No, there is no requirement that intermediary matching funds “mirror” the use of Federal funds. 

However, of matching funds that are not used for subgrants, the balance must go toward program 

support costs, including evaluation, knowledge management and Social Innovation Fund 

implementation.

Are there government-wide grant requirements that apply to Social Innovation Fund?

There are government-wide regulations (referred to as the Cost Principles) which govern the 

costs that may be charged to Federal funds and matching funds under Federal grants. All Social 

Innovation Fund intermediaries will be required to comply with the Cost Principles that are 

applicable to their organizations. Refer to the Federal cost principles at: 

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/index.html for information on allowable costs in 

Federal grants. In addition, there are other government-wide requirements that generally apply to 

federal grant programs. These are referenced in the assurances which are part of the application 

in eGrants. A copy can be found in the appendix of the application instructions.

What grant requirements apply to subgrants?

The Cost Principles referenced above apply to subgrantees as well.

If I have an approved indirect cost rate, do I have to use it for this grant program?

Yes, applicants with approved indirect cost rates for Federal grants must use those rates for any 

indirect costs they include in their budgets for the Social Innovation Fund.

If I don’t have an indirect cost rate, do I need to obtain one before applying?

No, CNCS will work with applicants selected for award who do not have approved

Federal indirect cost rates to help them develop and obtain approval for their rates.

Is there a maximum daily consultant rate?

No. However, the daily consultant rate should conform to the applicable Cost Principles, which 

generally require consultant fees to be reasonable in relation to the services rendered. Applicants 

should carefully review the Cost Principles to fully understand how consultant costs will be

evaluated. Consultant rates will be reviewed as a part of the Cost Effectiveness and Budget 

Adequacy section to assess whether they seem reasonable.

Subgrants/Subgranting

Can subgrants go to for-profit social enterprises or small businesses?

No, subgrants may only go to nonprofit community organizations, as defined in the Notice as 

being eligible to receive subgrants..

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Can subgrantees be funded by two different intermediaries?

There is no prohibition on subgrantees being funded by two different intermediaries provided 

that the two funding streams are funding two distinct activities. 

Will intermediaries have the flexibility to remove subgrantees from their portfolio?

Yes, intermediaries will be expected to manage their portfolio to achieve measurable outcomes

and to be compliant with grant requirements. This might require removing subgrantees that 

aren’t meeting expectations. Please note that as a cooperative grant agreement partner, CNCS 

will expect to have substantial knowledge of, if not involvement in, major decisions, including 

whether to remove subgrantees from a portfolio. You will be expected to inform your program 

officer of the challenges you are facing prior to making a final decision.

Can subgrantees receive different levels of funding in different years (e.g. $1 million in year 

one, and $2 million in year two)?

Yes, subgrantees may receive different levels of funding in different years, but never less than 

$100,000 per year. Funding decisions should be made in agreement with the intermediary and 

CNCS.

Can a subgrantee make a grant award to another entity?

No. Two levels of subgranting is prohibited.

Can grantees make a subgrant to themselves?

No, grantees are expected to make a portfolio of investments in external nonprofit community 

organizations or programs.

If I am awarded a Social Innovation Fund grant, will I have to host a competitive subgrant 

selection process in every year of continuing funding?

For every year of Social Innovation Fund funding, awarded intermediaries will be required to 

host a subgrant selection process. After year one, intermediaries may propose to establish 

different tracks within their process. For example, a track for continuing subgrants and a 

competitive track for new subgrants. Different tracks may have different application 

requirements. As a cooperative grant agreement partner, CNCS expects to be substantially 

involved in reviewing subgrant processes for compliance and appropriate outcomes. Please see 

section I.D.2 of the Notice for details of the subgranting requirements.

Do you recommend that intermediaries run a separate grant competition just for Social

Innovation Fund subgrantees?

The match, competitive subgrant selection, accounting and reporting requirements placed on 

Social Innovation Fund funds are unique and substantial. Social Innovation Fund intermediaries 

may find it advantageous to run a specific grant cycle for the purpose of making Social 

Innovation Fund subgrants.

Can we run two separate Social Innovation Fund subgrant competitions?

More than one competitive subgrant selection process could be held by a Social Innovation Fund 

grantee. In their narrative, applicants should clearly justify the rationale for having more than one 

competition. 

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Does a subgrant have to be a combination of Federal and matching funds? For example, 

would a $200,000 subgrant have to be comprised of $100,000 in Federal funds and $100,000 

in matching funds?

No. A Social Innovation Fund intermediary will make its subgrants from the pool of funding 

(both federal and matching funds) which they include in their budget. There is no requirement 

that Social Innovation Fund intermediaries or their subgrantees separately identify a federal or 

match component to the amount of the subgrant. All funds provided to subgrantees will be 

subject to the same requirements, regardless of whether they can be “traced” to federal or 

matching fund sources.

Can we limit our subgrant competition to programs that we currently fund? 

No, intermediaries cannot limit their competitions to current programs. Please see the Notice for 

details on the subgranting requirements.

How do you expect intermediaries to assess whether a subgrantee works in a low-income 

community as defined in the Notice?

There is a deep community of practice in the public and nonprofit sectors about how to 

determine income eligibility. CNCS expects intermediaries to be knowledgeable about, and 

operate in accordance with, best practices. 

Can awards made to subgrantees include in-kind goods and services in place of cash?

No, subgrant awards must be cash awards.

What does a subgrantee competition look like, when it's outside our usual network? We 

fund certain organizations that do very good work - are they then ineligible for this 

competition?

Please refer to Section I. D. 2 of the Notice. We expect the subgrantee selection process to be 

open and competitive, and available to eligible nonprofits beyond your existing network. 

However, organizations within your existing network are also eligible to receive subgrants but 

these in-network organizations may not exceed approximately one-third of the grant dollars 

distributed. See Section III of the Notice

Should we plan to increase subgrantee's funding as their evidence increases over the three 

to five year grant period?

This is not required.

Can universities be subgrantees?

Yes, universities can be subgrantees.

What is a viable way for a university to obtain funding to continue their work on projects 

that serve the local community members?

Universities are eligible to receive subgrants.

Is there a minimum number of subgrantees that must be in the intermediary’s portfolio?

No.

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I’m a nonprofit community organization that wants to apply to be a subgrantee after Social 

Innovation Fund intermediaries receive awards. Will CNCS publicize subgrant 

opportunities?

CNCS will announce the names of Social Innovation Fund intermediaries on its website.

Interested community organizations are encouraged to contact successful intermediaries to learn 

the details of their subgrant selection competition.

Budget

Should evaluation be budgeted at the intermediary level or the subgrant level?

Funds for evaluation may be accounted for at the intermediary or subgrantee level (or both). The 

needs of various intermediaries and subgrantees will vary substantially. The determination, either 

way, should be substantiated in detail in the application. Please visit our NOFA page for a link 

to tips on budgeting for rigorous evaluation: http://www.nationalservice.gov/build-yourcapacity/grants/funding-opportunities/2014/social-innovation-fund-grants-fy-2014.

Where should capacity-building be budgeted?

Intermediaries are required to provide support, including capacity-building support, to their 

subgrantees. Funds for capacity-building may be accounted for at the intermediary or subgrantee 

level (or both). The needs of various intermediaries and subgrantees will vary substantially. The 

determination, either way, should be substantiated in detail in the application.

How much should be budgeted for running a competitive subgrant selection process?

The amount will vary considerably by intermediary, depending on the scope of the competition, 

the amount of funds available, and other factors. Applicants should ensure that their proposed 

budget aligns with their program design.

Can interest be accrued on the first three years of funding provided at the time of the 

initial award? 

Your awarded grant funds would be maintained in an account in the federal Payment 

Management System, and you would draw funds down as needed (according to federal 

guidelines that will be provided to you). In general CNCS does not expect our grantees or 

subgrantees to draw down and hold more than their immediate cash needs.

Match

What does it mean to provide a “cash” match?

By law, Social Innovation Fund match must be in non-federal cash. Unlike most Federal grant 

programs, the market value of goods and services donated by third parties as “in kind” matching 

costs does not count toward the matching requirement. 

Can you give an example of how the match works? 

The Social Innovation Fund program requires match at two levels: the grantee and the 

subgrantee. Here is an example to illustrate how this works. 

CNCS made a $4.2 million dollar grant to an intermediary. The intermediary secured the 

required $4.2 million dollars in private, non-federal match to meet the one to one match 

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requirement. The SIF requires that 80% of the federally budgeted funds be committed to 

subgrants. The intermediary therefore budgeted $3.4 million from their federal grant and 

budgeted an additional $3.1 million from their matching funds for a total of $6.5 million dollars 

to provide in subgrants. It awarded $175,000 to one of the subgrantees selected through its 

competitive selection process. The subgrantee then matched the grant with $175,000 of its own, 

in cash, funds to implement the program. So both the intermediary and the subgranteeare 

responsible for matching the grant or subgrant they receive dollar for dollar in cash. 

How does the applicant demonstrate that its unrestricted dollars can be used as match? 

Applicants may demonstrate commitments by a dated and signed letter from each

donor/foundation, indicating the amount of funds committed for the specific use of supporting 

the Social Innovation Fund grant. The letter must contain a firm commitment to provide the 

applicant with the stated funding upon award of a Social Innovation Fund grant by CNCS.

By when will subgrantees need to demonstrate that they have met the match requirement?

According to the statute, intermediaries must ensure that their subgrants meet a dollar for dollar 

match expenditure every 12 months, beginning at the start of their first award period and are 

terminated if they do not meet the dollar for dollar match expenditures at each 12 month check. 

For example, for a subgrantee whose subgrant agreement with its intermediary begins on April 1, 

2015, if by March 31, 2016 the subgrantee has expended $150,000, then by that same date the 

subgrantee must have a documented match of at least $150,000. If this is not the case, then the 

intermediary should not provide the subgrantee with a subsequent grant award.

Can intermediaries help subgrantees meet their match requirement?

Yes, intermediaries may help subgrantees meet their match requirements. Matching funds

provided to subgrantees should be discussed in the narrative, but are not to be included in the 

Social Innovation Fund intermediary’s grant budget.

What sources of matching funds are allowable?

Matching funds may come from State, local, or private sources, which may include State or local 

agencies, businesses, private philanthropic organizations, or individuals. Federal funds may not 

be used towards either the Social Innovation Fund intermediary or the subgrantee match 

requirements.

Do the match restrictions placed on state and local government applicants also apply to 

their grantmaking institution partners?

No. If an applicant is an eligible partnership that includes a State Commission or a local

government office, the State Commission or local government involved must provide not less 

than 30 percent and not more than 50 percent of the matching funds. However, their existing 

grantmaking institution partner(s) are not subject to the same match restrictions.

Do matching funds have to be unrestricted new or existing dollars?

Yes, matching funds must be unrestricted new or existing dollars. They cannot be previouslyobligated funding that is redirected for purposes of meeting the Social Innovation Fund match 

requirement. One goal of the Social Innovation Fund is to encourage new funds to be directed to 

satisfy the match. However, given that the Social Innovation Fund is a relatively new program 

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and that it is a difficult environment in which to raise substantial new dollars, existing 

unrestricted dollars may also be used for the match.

Can funds raised for programs similar to the Social Innovation Fund programs be counted

as part of this match?

Funds donated for a specific government program cannot be reallocated as Social Innovation

Fund matching funds without the express consent of the donor.

Is it possible to redirect city government funding to these programs?

Yes. As sovereign entities, local governments may (consistent with their legal authorities) 

reallocate their unobligated funding to provide Social Innovation Fund matching funds.

Can city funding that currently supports programming similar to a proposed Social 

Innovation Fund be counted towards the match?

No, local government funds which are obligated and already supporting existing programs will 

be treated in the same manner as restricted donor funds for nonprofits. CNCS does not intend to 

allow the availability of Social Innovation Fund to diminish ongoing programs in order to meet 

the Social Innovation Fund matching fund requirements.

Can funds that have been previously restricted for a purpose similar to our Social

Innovation Fund proposal be counted toward the match requirement?

No, Social Innovation Fund matching funds must be unrestricted new or existing funds.

If a donor to a potential intermediary has already committed funds to that intermediary, 

but would like to now allocate some of their commitment to help meet the Social Innovation 

Fund matching requirement, is that allowable?

Only if the donor funds are unrestricted existing dollars. Matching funds must be unrestricted 

new or existing dollars. They cannot be restricted funding that is redirected for purposes of

meeting the Social Innovation Fund match requirement. One goal of the Social Innovation Fund 

is to encourage new funds to be directed to satisfy the match. However, given that the Social 

Innovation Fund is a new program and that it is a difficult environment in which to raise 

substantial new dollars, existing unrestricted dollars may also be used for the match.

Can I reappropriate existing grant dollars in order to meet my Social Innovation Fund 

match requirement?

Yes, but only if they are unrestricted existing dollars.

Can program income count toward the match?

Yes, program income (as defined in the applicable OMB Circulars), may count toward the match 

requirements. Please see the following CNCS guidance on program income:

http://nationalserviceresources.org/files/program-income-FAQs.pdf

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Can funds that we currently invest in subgrantees be counted toward the match

requirement?

No, funding provided by an intermediary to a subgrantee prior to either the intermediary’s

selection as a Social Innovation Fund grantee or the subgrantee’s competitive selection by the 

intermediary cannot be counted toward the intermediary’s matching requirement.

Can I use funds that I receive from my State as part of a federally supported grant

program to meet the Social Innovation Fund matching requirement?

Generally, no. Federally-supported grants (including State matching funds included in those 

grants) cannot be used to meet Social Innovation Fund matching fund requirements. The sole 

exception to this will be federal block grant funds which are given to states and are comingled 

with other state funds and have thus lost their federal identity. You must check with the agency 

issuing the funds to ascertain whether federal identity has been lost before these can be used to 

meet the Social Innovation Fund matching requirements.

Can a PRI (or low or no interest loan) be used for the match? 

Eligible entities must provide matching funds in cash, which may be provided by private sources, 

such as businesses. However, at the time of application, eligible entities must provide the 

requisite match verification documentation. See Section IV. of the Notice.

Can a bank that provides funding to support a collective impact initiative be considered an 

existing grantmaking institution?

A prospective applicant should carefully review the framework described in the NOFA to assess 

whether or not it meets the eligibility criteria, taking into consideration whether it is an existing 

grantmaking institution who at the time of application, conducts competitions to award grants to 

a diverse portfolio of nonprofit community organizations.

Given that SIF will be providing three years of funding up front for the project, does the 

three years of match also need to be available up front?

No, it does not. However, in its application for funding, the applicant must demonstrate that they 

have cash-on-hand or commitments toward meeting 50% of the year one match.

When we submit the application, showing at least 50% of committed cash match, is that 

limited to only the 50% the applicant provides, or do we need to show the match 

commitment from nonprofits as well?

The 50% refers to the intermediary applicant’s proposed year-one budget. It does not include the 

subgrantees’ budgets.

As a local government agency, if we enter into an eligible partnership with a grantmaker, 

partner we are required to provide no less than 30 percent and no more than 50 percent of 

the matching funds. But can a different local government agency that is not in the eligible 

partnership contribute to the match if that makes the total local government share exceed 

the 50 percent cap?

No. The 50 percent cap on the amount of match the state or local government can contribute 

applies to the entire state or local government involved, not individual agencies within these 

governments.

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In constructing a budget, is the cost of evaluation also subject to the 1:1 match?

Yes. All funds from CNCS, including those for evaluation, must be matched 1:1.

Can match dollars be used to support the existing model as well as the scaling of the model 

(both for lead applicant and subgrantees)? 

Funds are to be used to support the scaling and evaluating of promising approaches to addressing 

community challenges. It’s important to note that there is no distinction between how matching 

funds and federal funds may be used. 

Role of the State Commission on National and Community Service

Will a State Commission (as a unit of government) need to apply as a part of an eligible 

partnership with an existing grantmaking institution in order to be an eligible applicant? 

Yes, that is correct. A State Commission is not eligible to apply directly as an intermediary; 

however, a State Commission can participate as an eligible partnership..

As a state commission, we currently act as an intermediary to disburse AmeriCorps funds 

to non-profits who are addressing challenges in the areas of education, environmental 

stewardship, and healthy futures. If we applied for SIF funds, can we continue to act as an 

intermediary and then choose the most innovated non-profits in our communities and 

boost their efforts with additional SIF funds? 

Yes and no. As a state commission, you need to apply as part of a partnership with an existing 

grantmaking institution. After award, intermediaries must award subgrants on a competitive 

basis which cannot be limited to the organizations that are currently being funded. However, 

those community organizations that are running evidence-based programs in the designated issue 

areas would be eligible to apply for funding from you during the subgrant competition.

If a state commission is NOT part of a partnership, what is the role of the commission?

Even if it does not apply for funds as part of an eligible partnership, a commission has a valuable 

role to play in various ways, including identifying high-performing nonprofits, promising 

interventions, and making connections to local funders.

Can a State Commission be part of a "collaboration" as opposed to an eligible 

partnership?

Yes. A State Commission can apply as part of an eligible partnership with an eligible existing 

grantmaking institution, or simply collaborate with an eligible entity.

Will applicants operating in a given state be expected to 'consult' with the commission in 

that state, similar to the expectation for national directs?

Applicants are not expected to consult with the state commission in their state but if you are 

currently a grantee of a state commission, they might appreciate knowing that you are applying 

for other CNCS funding.

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Other

I’m applying as an issue-based Social Innovation Fund. Do I need to articulate a 

geographic focus in my application?

Yes, all applicants must indicate a geographic focus in their narrative. The Kennedy

Serve America Act requires issue-based Social Innovation Fund applications to identify specific 

geographic areas in which they are likely to serve, and to provide specific evidence as to why 

those geographic areas have high needs in the specific issue area that is the focus of the 

application. For an issue-based applicant, the geographic areas which they are likely to serve can 

be spread across the country. In describing those geographic areas, the goal is to understand why 

there is a particular need in regard to the issue area focus.

Are Social Innovation Fund award recipients guaranteed continuing grants in the future?

Continuation funding for the second through fifth years will be contingent on the availability of 

appropriations, compliance with grant conditions, and satisfactory performance, including 

progress towards evaluation requirements and having secured sufficient matching funds.

Is the Social Innovation Fund designed to support intermediaries and nonprofit community 

organizations in both rural and urban areas?

Yes, the Social Innovation Fund is designed to support eligible intermediaries and nonprofit 

community organizations working with low-income communities in a diversity of geographies 

and settings. Eligible intermediaries in all 50 states and all territories may be considered for 

award.

Can you clarify start-ups and nascents that SIF will not fund?

SIF’s focus is on interventions that have advanced beyond the start-up and nascent stages. The 

interventions most appropriate for SIF funding have at least preliminary evidence of results; are 

ready for more substantial evaluation; and are poised for expansion to more people or new 

communities in need of promising innovations.

We are considering proposing a program design in which subgrantees would select for 

implementation one of several identified interventions, all of which would be within a 

common overarching framework. In this scenario, would we be considered by CNCS as an 

Applicant "with" or "without" a pre-identified intervention?

You would be considered an applicant with a pre-identified intervention and would be expected 

to describe the level of evidence supporting the proposed interventions.

Do you expect to offer this opportunity again in 2015?

We hope to offer this opportunity in future years. The President’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget 

request includes $70 million for the Social Innovation Fund. The next step in the budget process 

is that Congress will review and assess the President’s request. Congress is ultimately 

responsible for passing a FY 2015 Budget which would determine the availability of future 

funds.

Will the Pay for Success Pilot be funded out of this grant competition?

No, it won’t. The request for applications for Pay for Success will be released later in the spring.

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