Volunteer Generation Fund Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Updated May 12, 2023

1. To clarify, volunteers do not need to be AmeriCorps members or AmeriCorps Seniors 

volunteers?

The Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) is not a national service program. Established under the 

National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended (see Section 198(p) of the NCSA, 42 

U.S.C. §12653p), VGF funding can be used to develop and/or support community-based entities 

to recruit, manage, and support volunteers.

2. Could this be used in conjunction with an AmeriCorps program to increase volunteers working 

with the program?

The Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) is not a national service program. Established under the 

National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended (see Section 198(p) of the NCSA, 42 

U.S.C. §12653p), VGF funding can be used to develop and/or support community-based entities 

to recruit, manage, and support volunteers.

3. Do you have an idea of how many grants will be awarded?

AmeriCorps has not set an anticipated number of grants in the Notice of Funding. The 

anticipated minimum award is $100,000 and anticipated maximum award is $1,000,000.

4. On page 8 of the NOFO it states, "Non-AmeriCorps Federal Funds are not allowed as match.” 

Does this mean we can use AmeriCorps funds/resources as match?

No. Federal regulations do not allow an existing AmeriCorps award to be used as match for 

another current or future AmeriCorps award.

5. Do we need to have an existing program, or can this be a pilot?

There is no requirement in the Notice of Funding that states it must be an existing program. VGF 

grants will be used to develop and/or support community-based entities to recruit, manage, and 

support volunteers. AmeriCorps seeks to fund effective approaches that expand volunteering, 

strengthen the capacity of volunteer connector organizations to recruit and retain skill-based

volunteers, and develop strategies to use volunteers effectively to solve community problems.
6. If the grant is awarded, will it only be for one year or is it still a three-year prime?

AmeriCorps anticipates making three-year grant awards. AmeriCorps generally makes an initial 

award for the first year of the period of performance, based on a one-year budget. Continuation 

awards for subsequent years are not guaranteed; they depend upon availability of 

appropriations and satisfactory performance.

7. If the budget includes subgrants, are program staff with subgrantee organizations required to 

complete criminal history checks?

Per Section F.2.d. in the Notice of Funding, award recipients and subrecipients must conduct a 

National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) for all staff funded under, or whose salary is 

reflected as match on, the award.

8. If the program can only match funds up to the three-year mark, are they able to opt out at 

that three-year mark?

AmeriCorps anticipates making three-year grant awards. Per Section B.3. in the Notice of 

Funding, AmeriCorps generally makes an initial award for the first year of the period of 

performance, based on a one-year budget.

9. If we are successful with a VGF grant, is it a five-year grant agreement? Do we need to reapply 

for each subsequent year of funding?

AmeriCorps anticipates making three-year grant awards. AmeriCorps generally makes an initial 

award for the first year of the period of performance, based on a one-year budget. Continuation 

awards for subsequent years are not guaranteed; they depend upon availability of 

appropriations and satisfactory performance.

10. Is $100,000 the minimum award threshold?

Per Section B.2. in the Notice of Funding, AmeriCorps will make awards in the range of $100,000 

to $1,000,000.

11. Regarding the multiple year and percentage match of grant, do we need to create a grant 

application for multiple years initially? Or do we need to apply each year?

AmeriCorps anticipates making three-year grant awards. AmeriCorps generally makes an initial 

award for the first year of the period of performance, based on a one-year budget. Continuation 
awards for subsequent years are not guaranteed; they depend upon availability of 

appropriations and satisfactory performance.

12. I saw a metric along the terms of “how many organizations will be involved.” Is this grant for 

multiple organizations collaborating together or for just one organization’s volunteer 

program?

Applicants that receive VGF funding may directly carry out the activities supported under the 

award or may carry out the activities by making subgrants to community-based entities, 

supporting volunteer generation at these entities.

13. If a national organization has lots of local chapters, could they apply to increase volunteering 

across all of its chapters, or should proposals focus on supporting volunteering with a broader 

range of unaffiliated organizations?

Proposals should reflect the program goals and needs of the applicant and community being 

served. VGF grants will be used to develop and/or support community-based entities to recruit, 

manage, and support volunteers. AmeriCorps seeks to fund effective approaches that expand 

volunteering, strengthen the capacity of volunteer connector organizations to recruit and retain 

skill-based volunteers, and develop strategies to use volunteers effectively to solve community 

problems.

14. Was this a Grants.gov listing? We found this on that site but were unable to register - it would 

not recognize our UN or PW.

The Volunteer Generation Fund funding opportunity is listed on Grants.gov. Applications must 

be submitted in eGrants, as outlined in the Application Instructions.

15. Is there a specific contact with AmeriCorps that applicants can reach out to with questions 

regarding an application?

Please make sure you review all resources available including the Notice of Funding, Application 

Instructions, recording of the TTA webinar, sample budget and this FAQ document. Applicants 

may direct questions to VolunteerGeneration@cns.gov. 

16. Will this grant opportunity be offered every year?

AmeriCorps’ ability to host a competition for the Volunteer Generation Fund depends on the 

agency’s annual congressional appropriations.

17. Do you recommend we submit our application early, prior to the May 16th deadline?
Applications are due no later than Tuesday, May 16, 2023, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Please see 

the guidance in Section D.4. in the Notice of Funding to ensure your application is compliant 

with the submission deadline.

18. Are nonprofits that currently have an AmeriCorps grant able to apply for Volunteer 

Generation Funds as long as they're used for a different purpose?

Yes, eligible entities may apply for and host more than one program through AmeriCorps.

19. Is travel or attendance at annual meetings a requirement of those awarded with these funds?

There is no requirement that VGF grantees travel or attend annual events.

20. What is the definition of skilled volunteers, which is referenced as a goal of VGF to encourage?

Skills-based volunteering is using the direct professional expertise of volunteers to deliver 

professional services at no charge to a nonprofit/applicant/grantee organization, and in doing 

so, helping to build organizational capacity. The professional skills given would normally come at 

a monetary cost if they were obtained on the open market. Skills-based volunteering includes, 

but is not limited to: tutoring, mentoring, job skill training, human resources expertise, IT 

assistance, marketing support, finance/accounting support, and event coordination.

21. What are some examples of ways Volunteer Generation Funds have been used effectively in 

the past? Are there any research studies or articles about these programs?

Examples of recent funding include programs that:

• Provide capacity-building trainings or mini-grants to community-based organizations 

interested in leveraging evidence-based volunteer management practices 

• Launch innovative outreach campaigns to recruit broader populations of volunteers 

more representative of the communities they serve 

• Create or expand web-based volunteer management database systems

22. If we applied in Sept. 2022, are we eligible to apply this round?

Yes, applicants who do not currently have a VGF grant are eligible to apply for this funding 

opportunity.

23. If an application gets “priority consideration” how will it be treated differently than an 

application that does not have priority consideration?
Per section E.1 in the Notice- Applications should include a well-designed plan with clear and 

compelling justifications for receiving the requested funds. Reviewers will assess the quality of 

applications by using the selection criteria described in the Notice and will rate them 

accordingly. They will also consider the weights assigned to each criterion.

24. Our organization connects US volunteers to both US community organizations as well as 

international community organizations, does this grant need to only support US community 

organizations? What about organizations registered as nonprofits in the US that work 

internationally?

AmeriCorps grants may only be used to support activities within the United States, certain of its 

Territories, and Native American Tribal Territory pursuant to the National and Community 

Service Act of 1990, as amended (42 U.S.C. 12501 et seq.).

25. How many volunteers are needed for this grant?

VGF grants will be used to develop and/or support community-based entities to recruit, 

manage, and support volunteers. There is no required number of recruited, managed, or 

supported volunteers designated in the Notice of Funding.

26. If the budget is for one year, should the narrative and performance indicators also be just for 

one year or should those be written/calculated for the full three years?

The narrative and performance indicators should be written as one year. 

27. Our County is trying to increase the number of members for our Volunteer Fire Departments. 

We are having difficulties keeping members and having firemen show up for emergencies and 

fires. Will this program cover paying for Firemen to be able to keep functionally operating fire 

departments fully staffed?

The Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) is not a national service program and does not cover the 

cost of volunteer stipends. Established under the National and Community Service Act of 1990, 

as amended (see Section 198(p) of the NCSA, 42 U.S.C. §12653p), VGF funding can be used to 

develop and/or support community-based entities to recruit, manage, and support volunteers. 

VGF grants will be used to develop and/or support community-based entities to recruit, 

manage, and support volunteers.

28. Is there a preference for nonprofits that currently have AmeriCorps grants vs. those with new 

projects/projects that have not been funded before?

There is no preference for new vs. existing grantees listed in the Notice of Funding. 
29. We build capacity and infrastructure for volunteer integration across the sector and address 

the priorities of the grant in many indirect ways but not directly - how will this impact our 

application? 

Please see section A2 of the Notice of Funding for information about the funding priorities for 

this competition. To receive priority consideration, applicants must show that the priority area is 

a significant part of the program focus and intended outcomes and must include a high-quality 

program design. Proposing programs that receive priority consideration does not guarantee 

funding.

30. Is this a reimbursement grant?

Yes, VGF grants will be awarded on a cost reimbursement basis.

31. Is there a requirement to increase numbers of volunteers and numbers of volunteer hours 

served?

VGF grants will be used to develop and/or support community-based entities to recruit, 

manage, and support volunteers. AmeriCorps seeks to fund effective approaches that expand 

volunteering, strengthen the capacity of volunteer connector organizations to recruit and retain 

skill-based volunteers, and develop strategies to use volunteers effectively to solve community 

problems.

32. Is there an age range requirement for enrolled volunteers?

The Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) is not a national service program. Established under the 

National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended (see Section 198(p) of the NCSA, 42 

U.S.C. §12653p), VGF funding can be used to develop and/or support community-based entities 

to recruit, manage, and support volunteers.

33. In past years, how many awards were given out and what were the median/average 

amounts?

This is the first competition for the Volunteer Generation Fund with Congressionally 

Appropriated funding that is open to entities in addition to State Service Commissions, there has 

not been anything to compare. 

34. What are the general branding guidelines if you are successful in your grant ask? How does 

AmeriCorps want to be included and visible as a supporter?
You can find AmeriCorps guidelines in the General Terms and Conditions. 

35. Can VGF be used for continuing a pilot project from a different nonprofit that was crossreferenced with AmeriCorps Seniors? Funding from nonprofit will not continue. It was only a 

one-year grant. 

VGF grants will be used to develop and/or support community-based entities to recruit, 

manage, and support volunteers. AmeriCorps seeks to fund effective approaches that expand 

volunteering, strengthen the capacity of volunteer connector organizations to recruit and retain 

skill-based volunteers, and develop strategies to use volunteers effectively to solve community 

problems.

36. At what stage of the application should we submit OFMS?

The Operational and Financial Management Survey (OFMS) must be submitted by the 

application deadline. Please refer to Section D.7.b in the Notice of Funding for additional details.

37. Is there a nonprofit that would be too small to qualify from a budget perspective?

AmeriCorps does not consider organizational size when determining eligibility. Please see the 

Eligibility Information in Section C. of the Notice of Funding for specific eligibility requirements. 

38. What is the process for disbursing award payments to reimburse costs? Will this be a lump 

sum at the end of a specific time period, or will this be several requests in intervals? Is there a 

cap as to how much can be requested at one time?

Successful applicants who receive Volunteer Generation Fund grants are expected to follow the 

Federal payment guidelines outlined in 2 CFR § 200.305, which states that payment methods 

must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury 

or the pass-through entity and the disbursement by the non-Federal entity. 

39. If successful in year one, could the budget be increased in years two and three, or would it be 

for the same amount for all three years?

Continuation applicants may apply for expansions (increase in funding request compared to the 

previous year). Continuation awards for subsequent years are not guaranteed; they depend 

upon availability of appropriations and satisfactory performance.
40. How can I determine what is an allowable or eligible expense for VGF funding?

The Volunteer Generation Fund focuses on investments in volunteer management practices that 

strengthens nonprofit organizations and other entity’s ability to increase recruitment and 

retention of volunteers to meet critical community needs through service. AmeriCorps seeks to 

fund effective approaches that expand volunteering, strengthen the capacity of volunteer 

connector organizations to recruit and retain skill-based volunteers, and develop strategies to 

use volunteers effectively to solve community problems. Applicants should propose costs that 

are reasonable, necessary, allowable, allocable, and aligned with the program narrative. To be 

considered allowable, costs must be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the 

award. Applicants should refer to the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR § 200) and budget guidance in 

the Notice of Funding and Application Instructions to determine specific allowable or 

unallowable program costs.

41. Does this award allow salary support?

The Volunteer Generation Fund Application Instructions allow proposed budgets to include the 

portion of principal staff time attributed directly to the operation of the project. When included, 

applicants should list each staff position and a brief statement of responsibilities for each in the 

‘Position/Title’ field. For each position, applicants will also include the annual salary, and the 

percentage of staff time that will apply to the grant.

42. If volunteers serve as site coordinators, can those stipends be expensed? If volunteers make 

up the program, can their stipend be expensed since that role is integral to programming?

The Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) is not a national service program and does not cover the 

cost of volunteer stipends. Established under the National and Community Service Act of 1990, 

as amended (see Section 198(p) of the NCSA, 42 U.S.C. §12653p), VGF funding can be used to 

develop and/or support community-based entities to recruit, manage, and support volunteers.

43. Can you speak to any rules around mini-grants to sub-grantees? Is there a maximum amount 

and do those sub-grantees need to be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations?

As stated in the Notice of Funding, applicants that receive funding under this Notice may directly 

 carry out the activities supported under the award or may carry out the activities by making 

subgrants to community-based entities, supporting volunteer generation at these entities.

Specific guidelines for subgrants are detailed in Section A.1. of the Notice.

44. Can we use VGF funding to pay for non-cost share support costs to VISTA members serving on 

our VISTA project, such as training specific for their positions, consultants/contractors to 
deliver training, or travel to attend trainings? Can we use VGF funding to pay organization 

staff time that would provide VGF-specific training and coaching to VISTA members?

The Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) is not a national service program. Established under the 

National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended (see Section 198(p) of the NCSA, 42 

U.S.C. §12653p), VGF funding can be used to develop and/or support community-based entities 

to recruit, manage, and support volunteers.

45. Does the budget require a minimum of one full-time staff to support the project?

There is no minimum or maximum level of personnel required for the VGF budget. Proposed 

costs should be reasonable and necessary to deliver the activities proposed in the application 

narrative. 

46. If you have a fiscal sponsor with administrative fees, how would they be listed?

As stated in Attachment B of the Volunteer Generation Fund Application Instructions, indirect 

costs are an allowable budget item in AmeriCorps grants in accordance with 2 CFR §200.414 

Indirect (F&A) costs. Applicants have the option of using an indirect cost rate which has been 

negotiated with, and approved by, their cognizant federal agency; or a non-federal entity 

receiving less than $35 million in direct federal funding that does not have a current federally 

negotiated indirect cost rate may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total 

direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. Grantees may also charge certain 

administrative costs directly as outlined in 2 CFR §200.413 Direct costs.

47. You stated supplies over $1,000, where do you put supplies under $1,000 or did I just hear 

that wrong?

Supplies costs are consumable supplies and materials. When including supplies in your budget, 

please make sure to individually list single items costing $1,000 or more.

48. Do match funds have to come from external donors?

As noted in Section VI.A. of the Application Instructions, the acceptable sources of matching 

funds are state, local, and/or private sector funds in accordance with applicable AmeriCorps 

requirements.

49. What is an example of allowable in-kind match?
2 CFR § 200.306 Cost sharing or matching states that for all Federal awards, any shared costs or 

matching funds and all contributions, including cash and third-party in-kind contributions, must 

be accepted as part of the non-Federal entity's cost sharing or matching when such 

contributions meet all of the following criteria: (1) Are verifiable from the non-Federal entity's 

records; (2) Are not included as contributions for any other Federal award; (3) Are necessary and 

reasonable for accomplishment of project or program objectives; (4) Are allowable under 

subpart E of this part; (5) Are not paid by the Federal Government under another Federal award, 

except where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds 

made available for such program can be applied to matching or cost sharing requirements of 

other Federal programs; (6) Are provided for in the approved budget when required by the 

Federal awarding agency; and (7) Conform to other provisions of this part, as applicable.

50. For in-kind match, is there a maximum percentage of the total match?

As stated in Section C.2. Cost Sharing or Matching of the Notice of Funding, the applicant’s 

match (Grantee Share) can be cash and/or in-kind contributions.

51. Can administrative/leadership costs be counted for the in-kind cost?

As stated in Attachment B of the Volunteer Generation Fund Application Instructions, indirect 

costs are an allowable budget item in AmeriCorps grants in accordance with 2 CFR §200.414 

Indirect (F&A) costs. Applicants have the option of using an indirect cost rate which has been 

negotiated with, and approved by, their cognizant federal agency; or a non-federal entity 

receiving less than $35 million in direct federal funding that does not have a current federally 

negotiated indirect cost rate may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total 

direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. Grantees may also charge certain 

administrative costs directly as outlined in 2 CFR §200.413 Direct costs.

52. Can we use volunteer labor as a match?

Volunteer services may only be used as matching resources if they are for organizational 

functions, such as accounting, auditing, or training.

53. Are the required match percentages taken from the total budget cost or each year’s cost? For 

example, if total project costs are $300,000 and the first year is $100,000, is the required 

match for the first year 20% of $300,000 or $100,000?

Applicants are required to match funds equal to a percentage of their total requested one-year 

program budget.
54. If we don't currently have a federally approved indirect rate, do we apply for one before or 

after we submit our proposal?

Please note this guidance from Section D.6.b. Indirect Costs of the Notice of Funding: To request 

a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, when AmeriCorps is the applicable 

cognizant agency for an organization’s indirect costs, the applicant must submit a request to 

IndirectCostRate@cns.gov. The applicant may also obtain instructions and additional 

information by contacting the email address above. Applicants that do not have a Federally 

Approved Indirect Cost Rate and who receive less than $35 million in direct federal funding may 

use a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs.

55. What is the difference between the 10% allowable indirect and the 5% AmeriCorps allowable 

indirect?

Applicants that do not have a Federally Approved Indirect Cost Rate and who receive less than 

$35 million in direct federal funding may use a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct 

costs. The AmeriCorps share of indirect costs using the de minimis rate is limited to 5% of the 

total AmeriCorps funds.

56. You said that we need to use the same formula for indirect cost across all federal grants. 

However, I recall a third option that other AmeriCorps grants can use that wasn't mentioned 

here. What should we do if we have another AmeriCorps grant using this alternative?

As stated in the Notice of Funding, based on qualifying factors, Volunteer Generation Fund 

applicants may either use a Federally approved indirect cost rate or a 10 percent de minimis 

rate of modified total direct costs, or may claim certain costs directly, as outlined in 2 CFR 

200.413. Further, 2 CFR § 200.414(f) states that, if the de minimis rate is chosen, this 

methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a 

non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do 

at any time.

57. Is Section 2 of the Budget Narrative optional?

Applicants may choose one of two methods to calculate allowable administrative costs – a 

federally approved indirect cost rate method, or a de minimis method. As stated in Attachment 

B of the Volunteer Generation Fund Application Instructions, grantees may also charge certain 

administrative costs directly as outlined in 2 CFR §200.413 Direct costs.

58. Do we need an official audit to apply for these funds?
Audit requirements are based on the total amount of federal funds an applicant expends during

a year. If your organization meets the threshold of $750,000 in total federal funds, not just

AmeriCorps funds, you are required to have a single audit. There is no single audit requirement

for organizations that do not meet the threshold.

59. Are ARPA funds considered part of the $750,000 threshold for the audit requirement?

Per 2 CFR § 200.501(a) A non-Federal entity that expends $750,000 or more during the nonFederal entity's fiscal year in Federal awards must have a single or program-specific audit 

conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of this part.

60. For the audit threshold, is it active funding or does it include all past funding?

Per 2 CFR § 200.501(a) A non-Federal entity that expends $750,000 or more during the nonFederal entity's fiscal year in Federal awards must have a single or program-specific audit 

conducted for that year in accordance with the provisions of this part.

61. The Application Instructions refer on page 14 to a Data Collection tab in the Performance 

Measures section of the application, but I can’t find the tab in my application. Is this a system 

error?

Mention of a Data Collection tab in the Application Instructions is an error; you will not have a 

Data Collection tab in the Performance Measures section of your application. Instead, you 

should enter data collection information in the main Performance Measures tab. Expand each 

output and outcome entered on this tab and follow the Data Collection tab instructions to select 

the data collection method you will use to measure the output or outcome, a description of the 

specific instrument(s) you will use to measure it, and the target number.

62. Can match funds come from internal organization revenue? Would our own revenue count as 

private sector funds?

Matching resources may be provided by the applicant organization and should be identified as 

state, local, or private sources, as appropriate. As a reminder, non-AmeriCorps federal funds are 

not allowed as match on the Volunteer Generation Fund budgets.

63. Can VGF applicants request a match waiver, similar to the match waiver available to ASN 

programs and AmeriCorps Seniors programs?

There is no match waiver for FY 23 Volunteer Generation Fund. 
64. What is the cost per individual of an NSCHC Criminal Background Check?

Applicants should determine their proposed costs for National Service Criminal History Checks 

(NSCHC) using the NSCHC Resources linked in Section F.2.d. of the Notice of Funding.

65. My organization has a federally negotiated indirect cost rate, but the instructions say we can’t 

claim more than 5%. Is it possible to claim other indirect costs as direct costs? Or could we 

claim the indirect costs that exceed 5% as an in-kind match?

The Application Instructions state that the CNCS share of administrative costs is limited to 5% of 

the total CNCS funds. The grantee share of administrative costs is only limited by the total 

amount of indirect costs allowed, depending on the rate used. Applicants can budget up to the 

5% of total CNCS funds in the CNCS share of indirect costs and any remaining allowable indirect 

costs in the grantee share.

66. Do program sites need to be identified at the time of application?

No, a full list of sites does not need to be identified in the application.

67. Under the Performance Measure tab, there is a section titled "End Outcome" with fields 

labeled as "Focus Area", "FA End Output", and "FA End Outcome." They each have a dropdown list but nothing is available to select from the drop-down menu. As a result, the eGrants 

portal is saying that my Performance Measure section is incomplete. How do I fix this?

The Focus Area End Outcomes section in the Performance Measure tab can be skipped. Ensure 

that you have clicked on the required capacity building output and outcome (G3-3.4 and G3-

3.10A) to open the drop-down tables and complete all information within the drop-down. Once 

all information has been entered in the dropdowns, select “Add PM to Table” at the bottom of 

the screen, skipping the Focus Area End Outcomes, and the system will allow you to proceed 

and validate the performance measures without an issue.

68. How should I complete the Resource Allocation tab in the Performance Measure application 

module?

Please enter a 1 in each field on the Resource Allocation tab. This tab was created for the 

member-based AmeriCorps programs and is not applicable to this opportunity; however, you 

must enter a 1 in each field (# of Volunteers, MSYs, Project Hours, and Amount) in order for the 

system to allow you to submit the application. This is separate from the field on the 

Performance Measure tab asking you to “Enter # of Resources”. In this field, you should enter a 

1 in the MSY field and a 0 in all other fields (# of Volunteers, Project Hours, and Amount).
69. If the applicant does not have a federally approved indirect cost rate and would not like to opt 

into the de minimis method as it would limit their indirect costs on other AmeriCorps grants 

can they claim the 5% CNCS share and no grantee share and not be considered opting into the 

de minimis method? Or is the only way to opt out of the de minimis method is to not claim 

any indirect costs (CNCS or grantee share)?

As stated in the Application Instructions, applicants may choose one of two methods to 

calculate allowable administrative costs – a federally approved indirect cost rate method or a de 

minimis method. Grantees may also charge certain administrative costs directly as outlined in 2 

CFR §200.413. Costs included in the Indirect Costs budget category must include a clear cost 

calculation that notes the cost type, approved indirect cost rate, and the base upon which this 

rate is calculated. It is the applicant’s decision whether to use the entire indirect cost rate to 

calculate administrative costs. When applicants choose to claim a lower rate, they must include 

this rate in the Rate Claimed field.

70. The Notice says, “Do not enter narrative text in the Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy 

narrative field,” but eGrants won’t allow me to submit without entering text in this field. How 

should I complete the Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy section of the application?

Text entered into Cost Effectiveness & Budget Adequacy section of the narrative will not be read 

or reviewed. You may enter “N/A” in this field.

71. We are a current VGF grantee in our final year of funding. Page four of the Application 

Instructions indicate that if we are in our final year of funding or have received VGF funding in 

the last five years, we should apply using the "continuation/renewal" option. However, page 

nine of the instructions under "Continuation Requests" indicates, "If your program is currently 

in the final year of its grant cycle, you must apply using the application instructions for new 

and recompeting programs." However, we are unable to select the “continuation/renewal” 

option in the eGrants system.

If you have received VGF funding in the last five years but are unable to select the FY 2023 

Volunteer Generation Fund application from the “Continuation/Renewal” menu in eGrants, 

please select “New” in the “Creating an Application” box to start a new application. In the 

Project Information section of the application on the Applicant Info screen, please select the 

same project name as your previous VGF project(s). This will ensure that your application 

information is linked to your earlier VGF project(s).

72. For applicants using the de minimis rate for indirect costs, what should they list as the issuing 

agency?

Applicants claiming the de minimis rate should list the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 

as the issuing agency. The OMB issues the Uniform Guidance that authorizes a de minimis rate.