AmeriCorps Seniors

February & March 2023

Review of the NOFO –

Fiscal Year 2023 Native 

Nations & Indigenous Elders 

Senior Demonstration Program 

(SDP).

1
Tips for Audio and Viewing

2

Click View Options, select Exit Full 

Screen to display the chat panel on 

the right side of the screen.

Stream audio through the 

computer (Audio Settings).
Tips for Participation and Support

3

Use the Chat to receive links 

and resource information 

from the panelists.

Use the Raise Hand feature if you 

have a technical issue. We will 

contact you individually via Chat.

Use the Q&A to ask your questions.
Closed Captioning

4

Live captioning in 

English is available here. 

Para ver subtítulos en vivo en 

español, seleccione el enlace 

en el chat.
AmeriCorps Seniors

February & March 2023

Review of the NOFO –

Fiscal Year 2023 Native 

Nations & Indigenous Elders 

Senior Demonstration Program 

(SDP).

5
Training and Technical Assistance Calls

6

Webinars Dates

Introduction to AmeriCorps, 

AmeriCorps Seniors and Senior 

Demonstration Program

February 7, 2023, 3:00 PM ET February 28, 2023, 3:00 PM ET

A Tour of the Notice of Funding 

Opportunity (NOFO) February 9, 2023, 3:00 PM ET March 1, 2023, 3:00 PM ET

Understanding Performance 

Measures February 16, 2023, 2:30 PM ET

AmeriCorps Seniors in Action February 14, 2023, 3:00 PM ET March 7, 2023, 3:00 PM ET

Question and Answer Session February 23, 2023, 3:00 PM ET March 30, 2023, 3:00 PM ET

Best Practices in Budget 

Development Q&A

March 15, 2023, 2:30 PM ET
Additional Technical Assistance Resources

7

Training Resources Access Link

Submitting your Application in eGrants Recording

AmeriCorps Due Diligence Review and 

Compliance Training

Recording

AmeriCorps National Performance 

Measurement Core Curriculum

AmeriCorps National 

Performance Measure Core 

Curriculum
Agenda

•Accessing the Notice of 

Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

• Tour of the NOFO

•Resources

•Recap and Q&A

8
Agenda

•Accessing the Notice of 

Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

• Tour of the NOFO

•Resources

•Recap and Q&A

9
Resources: 

1. Funding Opportunity Page:

https://americorps.gov/funding-

opportunity/fy-2023-americorps-seniors-

native-nations-indigenous-elders-senior

2. Link to FAQS

3. Contact AmeriCorps Seniors: 

AmeriCorpsSeniors@cns.gov

10

AmeriCorps Seniors Native 

Nations and Indigenous Elders 

(Native Nations) SDP Fiscal Year 

2023
11

Accessing the NOFO
Agenda

•Accessing the Notice of Funding 

Opportunity (NOFO)

• Tour of the NOFO

•Resources

•Recap and Q&A

12
13

A.1. Purpose of AmeriCorps Seniors’ SDP Native Nations and Indigenous 

Elders Senior Demonstration Program Funding 

• To invest in projects focused on underserved Indigenous and Native 

communities, advancing opportunities for older adults to make an 

impact, through their time and experience.

• Build partnerships with community-based organizations and local 

agencies to address the pressing needs of Native and Indigenous 

communities.

• Projects must meet eligibility criteria to apply.

Tour of the NOFO: Section A

Program Description
A.2. Funding Priorities

AmeriCorps Seniors is open to proposals that are reflective of the needs of 

Indigenous and Native communities served by the applicant’s proposed 

program. Some examples of programs selected as part of this opportunity 

might include the following: 

• Programs promoting the preservation and teaching of Native and 

Indigenous languages and cultural practices.

• Programming focused on helping Native and indigenous communities 

respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Programs that provide social, economic, and/or educational services to 

Native and Indigenous people both on and off reservation lands.

14

Tour of the NOFO: Section A

Program Description
A.3. Performance Goals or Expected Outcomes

• Must identify a Primary Focus Area, found in E of the Notice

• Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Education, etc. 

• Performance measures found in Appendix B.

• Primary focus area should represent the area applicant intends to make the 

most impact.

• Volunteer service should reflect the intended goals of the project and be 

represented in the narratives, performance measures, and budget.

15

Tour of the NOFO: Section A

Program Description
A.4. Planning Period

• Proposals can include up to six months of planning time for projects

• Planning periods should take place at the beginning of the grant 

period and do not need to last the entirety of the allotted six 

months. 

• Information on proposed planning periods should be included in the 

Other Narrative section and must demonstrate how they will lead to 

the effective execution of the proposed project. 

16

Tour of the NOFO: Section A

Program Description
Tour of the NOFO: Section B

Federal Award Information

17

B.1. and B.2. Estimated Available Funds and Award Amount

• Approximately $5,000,000 available.

• Will be spread out amongst awarded applications. 

• No single project will receive $5,000,000 in funding.

B.3. Performance of Period

• July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026 (total of three years)

Think through: How much will your proposal need in AmeriCorps Seniors 

federal funding to operate a three-year program? 
C.1. Eligible Applicants 

The following non-Federal entities (all of which are defined in 2 CFR 

200.1 or 42 U.S.C. 12511(21)) are eligible to apply: 

❑Indian Tribes

❑Institutions of higher education

❑Local governments, including city or county health public health 

departments

❑Non-profit organizations, including state-recognized tribal 

organizations

❑State service commissions

❑States and US Territories

Tour of the NOFO: Section C

18

Eligibility Information
C.2. Cost Sharing or Matching

There is no match requirement for this funding opportunity:

• Applicant may still need to identify match opportunities depending 

on project needs and funding availability. 

Potential sources of match:

• Non-AmeriCorps cash and/or in-kind contributions. 

• Non-AmeriCorps Federal funds are allowed as match if the Federal 

agency that is the source of the funds approves its use as match

Tour of the NOFO: Section C

19

Application and Submission Information
D.2.a. & D.2.b. Application Content Page 

Limits

• Your application cannot be longer than 

15 double-spaced pages (printed from 

eGrants)

• The following sections count toward the 

page limit:

• SF-424 Cover Sheet

• Executive Summary

• 5 Narrative sections outlined in-depth 

in Section E

Tour of the NOFO: Section D

20

Please note that the budget, 

work plans/performance 

measures, clarification and 

additional documents are NOT 

included in the page limit! 

Application and Submission Information
D.3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

• Be sure to register with System for Award Management (SAM).

• Keep an active SAM until the application process is complete.

• If awarded, keep an active SAM for the life of the award.

• Be sure to include a valid unique entity identifier/employer identification 

number. 

Check! Do you need an active SAM while you are applying for 

this grant? 

Resource: SAM Quick Guide for Grantees

21

Tour of the NOFO: Section D

Application and Submission Information
D.4.a. Application Submission Deadline

Wednesday, April 5, 2023, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

22

Tour of the NOFO: Section D

Application and Submission Information

Think through: When should your application be 

submitted to ensure there are no issues 

with signoffs and technical issues within 

eGrants? 
D.4.c. Late Applications

In the event that there are extenuating circumstance(s) that cause a 

delay, applicants must ensure that AmeriCorps receives the written 

explanation or justification and any other evidence that substantiates 

the claimed extenuating circumstance(s), via email to 

AmeriCorpsSeniors@cns.gov no later than 24 hours after the application 

deadline.

Application submitted after 5:01 pm EST or later without written 

explanation or justification will not be accepted. 

23

Tour of the NOFO: Section D

Application and Submission Information
Section D.6. Indirect Costs/ Pre-Award Costs

• You may include indirect costs in your budget 

• You can either use the federally approved indirect cost rate or 10% 

de minimis rate of the modified total direct costs

• Or you may claim costs directly (see 2 CFR 200.413)

• This information should be entered into the organization section in 

eGrants

Think through: Are indirect costs allowable in your budget? 

What indirect cost rate options do you have? 

24

Tour of the NOFO: Section D

Application and Submission Information
D.7.a Electronic Application Submission in eGrants 

• Step 1: Select eGrants Notice of Funding Availability (NOFO) “FY 

2023 AmeriCorps Seniors Native Nations and Indigenous Elders 

SDP.” 

• Step 2: Complete all the required components of the application. 

• For more information, consult the Grant Application Instructions. 

25

Tour of the NOFO: Section D

Application and Submission Information
D.7.b. Submission of Additional Documents

All Applicants must: 

• Submit your response electronically

• Submit an Operational and Financial Management Survey (OFMS)

• Submit tribal organization eligibility documentation, if applicable (See 

section C.1)

26

Think through: Have you prepared your additional documents, including the 

OFMS? Are you prepared to submit them by the application 

deadline? 

Tour of the NOFO: Section D

Application and Submission Information
Tour of the NOFO: Section E

Application Review Information

27

Application Content

E.1. Review Criteria

E.2. Compliance and Eligibility Review

E.3. Application Review
Tour of the NOFO: Section E

Application Review Information

28

E.1.a. Executive Summary

Please fill in the blanks of these sentences to complete the Executive 

Summary. Do not deviate from the template below. 

“The [Legal Name, must match application] proposes to have [Number of]

AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in [the locations and Native/Indigenous 

communities the AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will serve]. The primary focus 

area of this project is [fill in AmeriCorps Seniors Focus Area] and secondary 

focus area of [fill in secondary national performance measure]. At the end of 

the three-year grant, [Legal Name, must match application] will assist 

[number of] AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers being placed into employment. 

The AmeriCorps federal investment is $ [fill in the annual federal grant amount 

or the requested amount].”
Two subcategories completed in Strengthening Communities Narrative. 

Purpose of this section: addressing needs of Native/Indigenous 

communities through Senior Volunteers

Program Design/Strengthening Communities

• Respond to each bullet

• Provide statistics, sources, and examples

29

Think through: Did we respond to each item clearly and precisely? 

Have we demonstrated we know our community needs 

and have a plan to address them? 

Tour of the NOFO: Section E

E.1.b. Strengthening Communities and Program Design
Work plans should include:

• Identified community needs

• Service activities to be carried out by volunteers

• Description of data collection instruments and plans

• Target numbers that lead to outcomes or outputs

• Work plan outputs and outcomes that align with National Performance 

Measure instructions (Appendix B)

Tour of the NOFO: Section E

30

Think through: Do our work plans have outputs and outcomes that are 

achievable based on resources, program design, and the 

number of volunteers engaged? 

Section E.1.c Performance Measures/ Work Plans
Enter Response in the Recruitment and Development Narrative. Purpose 

of this section is to describe how the proposed project will recruit and 

train older adults.

Be clear about who and how you will recruit 

• Address all the bullets. 

Tour of the NOFO: Section E

E.1.d Recruitment and Development

31

Think through: Is our recruitment plan clear and inclusive? Does it show 

how our plans will ensure we engage the community we 

serve in? Did we have supporting demographics with 

sources of information? 
Tour of the NOFO: Section E

E.1.e Program Management/Organizational Capability 

32

Two separate Narratives: Program Management and Organizational 

Capability 

Purpose of this section is to demonstrate agency’s experience and plans to 

manage and operate the program. 

Program Management

• Respond to each bullet. 

• Provide description of tools, policies and procedures in place. 
33

Organizational Capability

• Respond to each bullet. 

• Give examples of applicant's ability to develop and maintain 

effective mechanisms for accountability and programmatic 

execution. 

Think through: Have we demonstrated our ability to manage the grant well? 

Will the reviewer see how we will ensure we are inclusive and 

equitable in approach for volunteer management, meeting 

performance measures, and in our leadership? 

Tour of the NOFO: Section E

E.1.e Program Management/Organizational Capability continued: 
When you are completing budget remember:

• Budget for 3 years of funding. Adding the two-line items- one for 

Year 2 and Year 3 as noted in B.3. 

• Budget should align with proposed work plans.

• Detail additional benefits, such as stipends in the budget narrative 

and tie this directly to the program narrative.

E.1.f Budget Section 1 and 2

34

Think through: Does our budget reflect 3-years of funding? Have we clearly 

demonstrated that our line items are reasonable and 

justifiable? Does our budget narrative align with our program 

narrative?

Tour of the NOFO: Section E
Two subcategories completed in Other Narrative. 

Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy. Purpose is to demonstrate your 

plans for Match funds and/or in-Kind goods that will impact your project. 

Also, clearly breakdown your cost per volunteer (Appendix F) and how that 

will meet the program goals. 

• Address each bullet. 

• Address plans for Match and financial management system.

Evaluation summary or plan. Purpose is to demonstrate your plans and 

systems for evaluations of your project. 

• Address both bullets

• Check out the AmeriCorps Evaluation Resources web page.

Tour of the NOFO: Section E

E.1.g Other Narrative

35
Agenda

•Accessing the Notice of Funding 

Opportunity (NOFO)

• Tour of the NOFO

•Key Resources

•Recap and Q&A

36
Key Resources

37

Resource Name Resource Purpose

FY 2023 Native Nations & 

Indigenous Elders SDP 

NOFO

Establishes opportunity, application requirements, evaluation 

criteria, funding priorities, and more. 

Grant Application 

Instructions

Provides step-by-step instructions for navigating eGrants, 

AmeriCorps’ electronic grants management system.

Appendix B: National 

Performance Measure 

Instructions

Summarizes performance measure requirements, provides a 

complete list of performance measures, and specifies allowable 

output/outcome pairings. 

Appendix C: Terms and 

Definitions

Explains and defines the terminology that is relevant to this grant 

opportunity. 

Appendix F: Cost per 

Volunteer Calculator

Outlines the process for determining the cost per volunteer and 

helps track the overall cost effectiveness of an AmeriCorps Seniors 

volunteer program.
38

Resource Name Resource Purpose

AmeriCorps National 

Performance 

Measurement Core 

Curriculum

Self-paced curriculum focused on comprehensive 

performance measurement strategies that rely on both 

performance and evaluation data. 

Indirect Cost Rate 

Agreement Instructions

Provides Step-by-step instructions for entering your Indirect 

Cost Rate Agreement, including for the de minimis rate, into 

eGrants

Technical Assistance 

Calls and Recordings

Provides a list of upcoming technical assistance webinars and 

links to the recordings of previous webinars. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

(FAQs)

Provides answers to most common questions regarding the Notice 

and application instructions.

National Service Hotline Offers help with eGrants; call 800-942-2677

Key Resources, Continued
Agenda

•Accessing the Notice of Funding 

Opportunity (NOFO)

• Tour of the NOFO

•Key Resources

•Recap and Q&A

39
Recap

• All programs adhere to the NOFO from Section A to Appendix E.

• Be sure to provide opportunities for adults ages 55+ to engage in 

service.

• You must have a volunteer service component for older adult 

volunteers.

• Proposals should focus on Native/Indigenous community priorities.

• Complete all sections and submit using eGrants by Wednesday, 

April 5, 2023, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

• All resources are/will be posted to the opportunity page.

40
Questions?

Please use the Q&A box to enter your 

question.

If your question is not answered, please email: 

AmericorpsSeniors@cns.gov

One last time - Important dates

Applications are due Wednesday, April 5, 

2023, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Successful applicants will be issued awards no 

later than June 2023. 

41

Q&A