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NOTICE OF FEDERAL FUNDING AVAILABILITY 

Federal Agency Name: Corporation for National and Community Service

Funding Opportunity Title: 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Grants

Announcement Type: Amended Announcement

CFDA Number: 94.007

Important Dates

 A Notice of Intent to Apply is not required.

 Applications are due Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

 Successful applicants will be notified in August 2015.

 Disclosure: Publication of this Notice of Federal Funding Availability (Notice) does not 

obligate the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to award any 

specific number of grants or to obligate any particular amount of funding.

FULL TEXT OF THE NOTICE 

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Purpose of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Grants Funding

The mission of CNCS is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement 

through service and volunteering. Through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation 

Fund, and the Volunteer Generation Fund, CNCS engages millions of citizens in meeting 

community and national challenges through service and volunteer action.

The purpose of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service grant funding is to mobilize more 

Americans to observe the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday as a day of service in 

communities, to encourage those who serve on this holiday to make a long-term commitment to 

community service, and to bring people together to focus on service to others. 

On the third Monday in January, Americans across the country celebrate this national holiday 

honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During his lifetime, Dr. King sought to 

forge the common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together as equals to 

address important community issues. Service, he realized, was the great equalizer. As he stated, 

“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”

In recognition of that spirit, Congress in 1994 passed the King Holiday and Service Act. Since 

then CNCS, in partnership with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social 

Change, Inc., has taken the lead in helping to transform the King Holiday into a day of service to 

meet community needs. As they have since 1994, thousands of Americans will remember Dr. 

King by serving in their communities, by making the holiday “A Day On, Not a Day Off.” 

Service projects will meet a tangible need in the community, such as supporting increased access 

to college, alleviating hunger, and teaching about nutrition, and these projects may, at the same 

time, also meet a need of community spirit, such as building a sense of community or mutual 

responsibility. All initiatives should serve as a call to service that continues throughout the year. 
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These service projects will be built on Dr. King’s concepts of strengthening communities, 

empowering individuals, and bridging barriers. For more information, visit 

www.nationalservice.gov/MLKNOFA. 

2. Funding Priorities

The 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Grants Notice prioritizes grant-making in 

programs addressing one or more of the six CNCS Focus Areas: Disaster Services, Economic 

Opportunity, Education, Environmental Stewardship, Healthy Futures, and Veterans and Military 

Families. See Appendix I for a brief description of each Focus Area and the goal of capacity 

building. Applicants who intend to join with partner organizations or conduct a subawarding 

(subgranting) process must select partner organizations or subrecipients that focus on the Focus 

Areas. 

CNCS will give priority consideration to organizations that have disability inclusion plans to 

ensure people with disabilities are among those serving at their Martin Luther King Jr. Day of 

Service event. Please note that priority consideration does not guarantee funding.

All grants awarded will support activities that:

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demonstrate opportunities to engage new and diverse groups 

identify and invest in community solutions, especially solutions that address improving 

economic opportunities

leverage public-private partnerships

increase the impact of national service on community needs in communities served by 

CNCS-supported programs

ensure that grant-supported activities focus on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and 

provide opportunities to connect to service beyond the holiday 

reflect the life and teaching of Martin Luther King, Jr., and expand the impact of Martin 

Luther King Jr. Service Day activities from one year to the next

provide support and/or facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to 

improved educational outcomes for economically disadvantaged people.

3. National Performance Measures 

The Serve America Act (SAA), Pub. L. No. 111-13, emphasizes measuring the impact of service 

and focusing on a core set of issue areas. CNCS’s five-year Strategic Plan establishes an 

ambitious set of objectives that guided the development of 16 agency-wide National 

Performance Measures. CNCS expects applicants to use National Performance Measures as part 

of a comprehensive performance management strategy that relies on both performance and 

evaluation data to learn from its work, as well as make strategic adjustments to achieve its goals. 

This Notice focuses on the following required Capacity Building set of Performance Measures in 

order to maximize the value added to grantees, partners and subrecipients, and participants: 

 G3-3.1. Number of community volunteers recruited by CNCS-supported organizations or 

National Service Participants 

 G3-3.2: Number of community volunteers managed by CNCS-supported National 

Service Participants 

The following Capacity Building Performance Measure is optional: 
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 G3-3.3: Number of organizations implementing three or more effective volunteer 

management practices as a result of capacity building services provided by CNCSsupported organizations or National Service Participants. 

Applicants are required to use these specific performance measures to assess the outcomes of the 

proposed project. For more information, please refer to the National Performance Measures 

Instructions at https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/npm/home . 

4. Program Authority

Grants under this initiative are authorized by statute. Section 198(i) of the National and 

Community Service Act, Pub. L. No. 101-610, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 12653(i)). 

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

1. Estimated Available Funds 

Approximately $750,000 is available for new Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service grants. 

2. Estimated Award Amount

Award amounts will vary as determined by the scope of the projects. CNCS will make annual 

awards in the range of $50,000 to $300,000. The minimum amount an applicant can apply for is 

$50,000.

3. Project Period

The grant award covers a two-year project period. CNCS generally makes an initial award for the 

first year of operation. Continuation funding for the subsequent year is not guaranteed and may 

be dependent upon availability of appropriations and satisfactory performance. CNCS reserves 

the right to adjust the amount of an award or elect not to continue funding.

4. Type of Award

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service grants will be awarded on a cost reimbursement basis.

This Notice allows applicants to act as pass-through entities. Pass-through entities must select 

subrecipients on a competitive basis through a subgrant. Acting as a pass-through entity 

(subawarding) is not required. Applicants should clearly describe their plan for subawarding in 

their application narrative.

Subawards are to be made in annual amounts of $1,000 or more, per year. For the FY 2015 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Grants competition, CNCS anticipates Martin Luther 

King Jr. Day of Service recipients awarding larger subawards to subrecipients that show higher 

levels of impact and effectiveness.

To ensure that the competition is open, recipients should provide sufficient public notice of the 

availability of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service subawards to all organizations within their 

network and out of their network community. Pass-through entities will ensure that the following 

information is available to all potential applicants: 

 which types of organizations are eligible for funding

 how to obtain and submit an application
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 the criteria (including appropriate subcriteria) that will be considered in reviewing 

applications

 any relative percentages, weights, or other means used to distinguish among the criteria.

Applicants may also apply to this Notice with partner organizations and a partnership plan. 

Partners must be named in the application at the time the application is submitted to CNCS, and 

the partnership plan should identify how the partnership is structured. 

5. Indirect Cost 

CNCS allows applicants to include administrative/indirect costs in CNCS grant budgets. 

Applicants have the option of using an indirect cost rate that is approved by the cognizant federal 

agency. 

If the applicant has never had an indirect cost rate agreement with a federal agency, the applicant 

may elect a de minimis rate of 10 percent (10%) of modified total direct costs. The request and 

approval for use of a de minimis rate in the budget will occur during award negotiation. 

For additional information, please reference the Uniform Guidance located here: 

http://go.usa.gov/35VHH

C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are capable of carrying out multi-state, nationally focused (10 or more states), 

or comprehensive regional initiatives involving at least ten (10) projects in a region. Successful 

applicants must have submitted an application that meets one of the two criteria set forth in the 

preceding sentence. Regional initiatives are multiple states in a region. If necessary, applicants 

may engage with partners or provide subawards to accomplish these geographic initiatives. If 

engaging with other partners, applicant organizations must have the capability to manage and 

provide partner oversight, report on project accomplishments and performance measures, and

remain accountable to CNCS for the achievement of the intended results set forth in their 

proposals.

The following organizations are eligible to apply: public or private nonprofit organizations 

(including faith-based and other community organizations); institutions of higher education; 

government entities within states or territories (e.g., cities, counties); local government as 

defined in 2 C.F.R. § 200.64; government-recognized veteran service organizations; labor 

organizations; partnerships and consortia; and Indian Tribes. 

An Indian Tribe is defined as a federally recognized Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other 

organized group or community, including any Native village, Regional Corporation, or Village 

Corporation, as defined under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. §1602). 

Indian Tribes also include tribal organizations controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by one of the 

entities described above. A nonprofit that desires to apply for a grant as a tribal organization on 

behalf of a federally-recognized tribe, or multiple specific federally-recognized tribes, must 

submit a sanctioning resolution adopted by the Tribal Council (or comparable tribal governing 
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body) of each tribe. The resolution must identify the nonprofit by name as a tribal organization. 

It must authorize the nonprofit organization to act on behalf of and include the tribe in a CNCS 

grant application for the purpose of conducting the activities and providing the services 

described in the application.

Previously receiving funds from CNCS or another federal agency is not a prerequisite to apply to 

this Notice. 

Organizations that have been convicted of a federal crime may not receive assistance described 

in this Notice. Pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, an organization described in 

Section 501 (c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. 501 (c)(4) that engages in 

lobbying activities is not eligible to apply.

Applicants that have congressionally recognized status as a Veteran Service Organization and 

applicants that support or engage veterans and military families are especially encouraged to 

apply.

2. Matching Requirements 

Applicants are required to match their award at an amount equal to seventy percent (70%) of the 

total program budget. The grantee match can be cash and/or in-kind matching funds. 

3. Engaging Partner Organizations 

For the purpose of being an eligible applicant and either conducting activities in a minimum of 

ten states or a minimum of ten projects in a region of the country, applicants may engage partner 

organizations and include them in the application. Alliances with organizations that are not 

currently part of the applicant’s network are strongly encouraged. Applicants should clearly 

identify partners and describe their plan for partnership engagement in their application 

narrative. 

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

1. Address to Request Application Package

Applicants should refer to the CNCS website to obtain the necessary information to apply. 

Applicants can also send an email to MLKgrants@cns.gov for a printed copy of the application 

package. The TTY number is (800) 833-3722.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

a. Application Content 

Complete applications must have the following components: 

 Standard Form 424 (SF-424) Face Sheet: This is automatically generated when applicants 

complete the data elements in the eGrants system. Many of the fields will be filled 

automatically with information entered during the registration process. 

 Narrative 

o Executive Summary: This is a brief description of the proposed program. 

Executive Summaries of all compliant applications are published on the CNCS 

website following grant awards. 
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o Program Design 

o Organizational Capability 

o Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy 

 Standard Form 424A Budget 

 Performance Measures: 

o Applicants must identify specific targets for National Performance Measures G3-

3.1 and G3-3.2.

o Selection of G3-3.3 is optional. 

 Authorization, Assurances, and Certifications 

b. Page Limits

Applications may not exceed 15 double-space pages for the Narrative, including the SF-424 Face 

Sheet and Executive Summary, as the pages print out from eGrants. The page limit does not 

include the Budget section and Performance Measures.

Reviewers will not consider material past the page limit in the printed report, even if eGrants 

allows applicants to enter and submit text over the limit. CNCS strongly encourages applicants to 

print out the application from the “Review and Submit” page prior to its submission in order to 

check that it does not exceed the page limit.

3. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) and System for Award 

Management (SAM) 

Applications must include a DUNS number and an Employer Identification. The DUNS number 

does not replace an Employer Identification Number. Applicants can obtain a DUNS number at 

no cost by calling the DUNS number request line at (866) 705-5711 or by applying online at 

http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. CNCS recommends registering at least 30 days before the 

application due date. 

After obtaining a DUNS number, all applicants must register with the System for Award 

Management (SAM, www.sam.gov) and maintain an active SAM registration until the 

application process is complete and, if a grant is awarded, throughout the life of the award. SAM 

registration must be renewed annually. CNCS suggests finalizing a new registration or renewing 

an existing one at least two weeks before the application deadline to allow time to resolve any 

issues that may arise. 

Applicants that do not comply with these requirements may become ineligible to receive an 

award. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees at: 

https://www.sam.gov/sam/transcript/SAM_Quick_Guide_Grants_Registrations-v1.6.pdf.

4. Submission Dates and Times

a. Notice of Intent to Apply

A Notice of Intent to Apply is not required.

b. Application Submission Deadline

Applications are due Thursday, June 25, 2015 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. CNCS will not 
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consider applications received after the deadline, except as noted below. CNCS reserves the right 

to extend the submission deadline and any notice of such extended deadline will be posted in 

CNCS website.

c. Late Applications

CNCS may consider an application after the deadline, but only if the applicant submits a letter to 

LateApplications@cns.gov explaining the extenuating technical circumstances that caused the 

delay. CNCS must receive the letter within a business day after the deadline. If technical issues 

prevent an applicant from submitting an application on time, the letter should include the eGrants 

ticket number provided by the National Service Hotline. Communication with CNCS staff, 

including an applicant’s program officer, is not a substitute for sending the letter. CNCS will 

determine whether or not to accept a late application on a case-by-case basis. Please be advised 

that CNCS will not consider an advance request to submit a late application.

5. Funding Restrictions

Please see sections A.4. Program Authority and F.2. Administrative and National Policy 

Requirements for the regulations and requirements outlining funding restrictions.

6. Other Submission Requirements

a. Electronic Application Submission in eGrants

Applicants must submit applications electronically via eGrants, CNCS’s web-based system 

(https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/login.jsp). CNCS recommends that applicants create an 

eGrants account and begin the application at least three weeks before the deadline. Applicants 

should draft the application as a word document, then copy and paste the document into the 

appropriate eGrants field no later than 10 days before the deadline.

The person who submits the application must be the applicant’s authorized representative. The 

authorized representative must be using eGrants under his or her own account in order to sign 

and submit the application. A copy of the governing body’s authorization for this official 

representative to sign must be on file in the applicant’s office.

Contact the National Service Hotline at (800) 942-2677 or via 

(https://questions.nationalservice.gov/app/ask_eg) if a problem arises when creating an account 

or preparing or submitting the application. National Service Hotline hours are Monday through 

Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Be prepared to provide the application ID, 

organization’s name, and the Notice to which the organization is applying. If the issue cannot be 

resolved by the deadline, applicants must continue working with the National Service Hotline to 

submit via eGrants.

If extenuating circumstances make it impossible for an applicant to submit in eGrants, applicants 

may send a paper copy of the application via overnight carrier to the following address:

Corporation for National and Community Service 

ATT: Office of Grants Policy and Operations/ Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 

Grants Application 

1201 New York Avenue, NW 

Washington, DC 20525
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Please use a non-U.S. Postal Service to avoid security-related delays. All deadlines and 

requirements in this Notice also apply to paper applications. Paper applications must include 

a cover letter detailing the circumstances that make it impossible to submit via eGrants. CNCS 

does not accept applications submitted via fax or email.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Criteria

Applications should include a well-designed plan with clear and compelling justifications for 

receiving the requested funds. Reviewers will assess the applications against the selection criteria 

and rate them accordingly considering the weights assigned to each criterion:

Basic Selection Criteria: Categories and Respective Weights

Category Percentage Sub-Category Percentage

Program Design 60% Goals and Objectives 35%

National Performance Measure 15%

Outputs

Description of Partner 10%

Engagement Process

Organizational 25% Ability to Provide Program 15%

Capability Oversight

Ability to Provide Fiscal 10%

Oversight

Cost-Effectiveness 15% Budget and Program Design 10%

and Budget 

Adequacy

Proposed Source of Match 5%

a. Program Design (60 percent)

In assessing Program Design, reviewers will consider the extent to which the applicant 

demonstrates the following: 

Goals and Objectives (35 percent)

Reviewers will assess the extent to which the applicant:

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clearly identifies the target community, state(s) or region that will be served (5 points)

provides persuasive evidence (i.e. statistical information) as to the identified need within 

the geographic area(s) listed (5 points.)

connects the identified need(s) to one or more CNCS Strategic Focus Areas that include: 

Education, Healthy Futures, Environmental Stewardship, Veterans and Military Families, 

Economic Opportunity and Disaster Services (5 points)

utilizes existing community resources, such as other service or community organizations 

and community volunteers, to implement goals and objectives and bring added beneficial 

resources to the community (5 points)

has a program design that supports and engages people with disabilities in activities 

reflecting the life and teachings of Dr. King (5 points)
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ensures that grant-supported activities focus on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday 

weekend and provides opportunities to connect to service beyond the holiday (5 points)

reflects the life and teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr., and expands the impact of 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service activities from one year to the next (5 points).

National Performance Measure Outputs (15 percent)

Reviewers will assess the extent to which the applicant: 

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describes how the proposed program design will lead to the National Performance 

Measure Outputs identified in this Notice (5 points)

identifies specific targets for National Performance Measure Outputs (5 points)

describes how data will be collected to measure National Performance Measure Outputs 

(5 points).

Description of Partner Engagement or Subawarding Process (10 percent)

Reviewers will assess the extent to which the applicant: 

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provides a clear and comprehensive plan for creating and implementing a partner 

engagement or subawarding process (2 points)*

describes a plan that has a reasonable chance of success at identifying potential partners 

or subrecipients that meet the requirements described in this Notice (2 points)*

proposes a reasonable and feasible timeline for major activities under the grant (2 points)

demonstrates opportunities to engage new and diverse groups (2 points)

provides a sound plan for monitoring partners or subrecipients (2 points).*

b. Organizational Capability (30 percent)

In assessing the organizational capability section, reviewers will assess the extent to which the 

applicant clearly describes and convincingly addresses how it will implement program and fiscal 

oversight. Their analysis will include the following:

Ability to Provide Program Oversight (15 percent)

Reviewers will assess to what extent the applicant: 

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describes a sound organizational structure including experience, staffing, and 

management structure to plan and implement the proposed program (3 points)

identifies the key program positions within their organization relevant to the proposed 

grant program (2 points)

describes the relevant background and experience of key staff members and their 

respective roles, or the applicant’s plans to recruit, select, train, and support additional 

staff, and their proposed roles (2 points)

demonstrates experience or the capacity to successfully implement their proposed partner 

engagement or subgranting plan (3 points)*

describes a plan to oversee and provide technical assistance and support for multiple 

programs at different locations (2 points)

describes a plan and infrastructure to support data collection and ensure National 

Performance Measure outputs are measured (3 points). 

Ability to Provide Fiscal Oversight (10 percent)
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Reviewers will assess to what extent the applicant: 

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describes the experience and infrastructure the applicant has in managing federal grants 

and grants from other entities (2 points) 

includes information about key personnel who possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, 

and experience to provide fiscal oversight (2 points)

describes robust financial management systems and how they will ensure compliance 

with federal regulations (2 points) 

identifies a plan and infrastructure to manage project resources, both financial and inkind, to ensure accountability and efficient use of resources (2 points)

provides the grant’s implications for the current organizational budget including the 

percentage of the budget this grant would represent (2points).

c. Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy (15 percent)

In assessing Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy, reviewers will consider the extent to 

which the applicant demonstrates the following: 

Budget and Program Design (10 percent)

Reviewers will assess:

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if the proposed budget is adequate and reasonable to support the program design (5 

points)

the adequacy and reasonableness of required non-federal funds budgeted (5 points). 

Proposed Source of Match (5 percent)

Reviewers will assess:

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the extent to which the program demonstrates diverse, non-federal resources for program 

implementation and sustainability (3 points)

the extent to which the applicant is proposing to provide more than the minimum required 

share of the costs of the program (2 points).

* Criteria will only be scored if proposing a partner engagement or subgranting plan

2. Review and Selection Process

The assessment of applications involves a wide range of considerations. CNCS will engage Staff 

Reviewers with relevant knowledge and expertise to assess and provide input on the eligible 

applications. In the end, the review and selection process will produce a diversified set of highquality programs that represent the priorities and strategic considerations described in this 

Notice.

a. Stages in the Review and Selection Process 

Compliance and Eligibility Review

CNCS staff will review all applications to determine compliance with eligibility, deadline, and 

completeness. Applications determined non-compliant will not be considered. An application is 

compliant if:

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The applicant is an eligible organization.

The applicant submitted an application by the submission deadline.
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 The applicant submitted an application that is complete; in that it contains all required 

elements and follows the instructions provided in this Notice.

CNCS will screen applications in accordance with the requirements in this Notice to determine if 

the applicant has met all eligibility and submission requirements. The screening may occur at 

various stages of the grant-making process. Applicants determined to be ineligible will not 

receive an award.

Staff Review

CNCS Staff Reviewers will assess the applications based on the Program Design, Organizational 

Capability, and Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy Selection Criteria. Staff Reviewers 

will also consider the comprehensiveness and feasibility of the application, as well as the 

priorities and strategic considerations detailed in this Notice. CNCS will recruit and select 

reviewers on the basis of demonstrated expertise in the Focus Areas, as well as experience in 

assessing grant applications and in volunteer engagement. All Staff Reviewers will be screened 

for conflicts of interest. 

Post Review Quality Control 

After Staff Review is complete, CNCS staff will review the results for fairness and consistency. 

At this stage, some applications may be selected for a Post Review Quality Control assessment. 

This additional level of review will be used to assess the applications for which there were 

significant panel anomalies. 

Clarification Process

CNCS may ask some applicants to provide clarifying information. This information is used by 

CNCS staff to make funding recommendations. A request for clarification does not guarantee a 

grant award. Applicants may be recommended for funding even if they are not asked for 

clarification. Failure to respond to a request for clarification in a timely fashion will result in 

removal of applications from consideration. CNCS staff may conduct a site visit inspection, as 

appropriate. 

Risk Assessment Evaluation

CNCS staff will evaluate the risks to the program posed by each applicant, including conducting 

due diligence to ensure an applicant’s ability to manage federal funds. This evaluation is in 

addition to the evaluation of the applicant’s eligibility and the quality of its application, and 

results from this evaluation will inform funding decisions. 

If CNCS determines that an award will be made, special conditions that correspond to the degree 

of risk assessed may be applied to the award. 

In evaluating risks, CNCS may consider the following: 

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financial stability 

quality of management systems and ability to meet the management standards prescribed 

in applicable OMB Guidance 

applicant’s record in managing previous CNCS awards, cooperative agreements, or 

procurement awards, including: 
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o

o

o

o

o

timeliness of compliance with applicable reporting requirements 

accuracy of data reported 

validity of performance measure data reported 

conformance to the terms and conditions of previous federal awards 

if applicable, the extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be 

expended prior to future awards 

 information available through OMB-designated repositories of government-wide 

eligibility qualification or financial integrity information, such as: 

o

o

o

Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) 

DUNS and SAM 

“Do Not Pay”

 reports and findings from single audits performed under OMB Circular A-133 or Subpart 

F – Audit Requirements, 2 CFR Part 200 and findings and reports of any other available 

audits 

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

IRS Tax Form 990 

applicant organization’s annual report

publicly available information, including information from the applicant organization's 

website 

applicant’s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements 

imposed on award recipients.

Selection for Funding 

The review and selection process is designed to: 

 identify applications that demonstrate:

o

o

high alignment with the selection criteria

high alignment with the funding priorities outlined in the Notice

 yield a diversified portfolio based on the following strategic considerations:

o

o

o

o

geographic representation

Focus Area representation 

equitable treatment of: 

 rural and urban communities 

 small and large programs

relative risk and opportunity 

In order to obtain a diversified portfolio, the Chief Executive Officer will select the final 

awardees based on the staff recommendations, priorities, and strategic considerations. 

CNCS reserves the right to change the review and selection process in case of extenuating 

circumstances.

3. Feedback to Applicants 

Following grant awards, compliant applicants will receive summary comments from the Staff 

Review. This feedback will be based on the review of the original application and will not reflect 

information that may have been provided in response to clarification. 

4. Transparency in Grant-making
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CNCS is committed to transparency in grant-making. The following information will be 

published on the CNCS website (http://nationalservice.gov/about/open-governmentinitiative/transparency/results-grants-competition) within 90 business days after all grants are 

awarded:







a list of all compliant applications submitted 

Executive Summaries of all compliant applications submitted by the applicants 

data extracted from the SF-424 Face Sheet and the submitted program narratives for 

successful applications 

F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 

1. Federal Award Notices

CNCS will make awards following the grant selection announcement. CNCS anticipates 

announcing the results of this competition by mid-June, 2015. Applicants will be notified via 

email as to funding decisions. This notification is not an authorization to begin grant activities. 

The Notice of Grant Award signed by the grant officer is the authorizing document for grant 

activities. Unsuccessful applicants will also receive a notification that their application was not 

approved for funding.

An awardee may not expend federal grant funds until the start of the Project Period identified on 

the Notice of Grant Award.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The Notice of Grant Award incorporates the approved application as part of the binding 

commitments under the grant award, as well as the requirements of other applicable sections of 

the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended. Awards will also be subject to 

the law(s) under which the award is made (e.g., SAA), as well as specific terms and conditions 

established for discretionary grants defined in the Terms and Conditions or Special Conditions 

attached to the award. If necessary, applicants will have an opportunity to negotiate conditions 

before they accept an award. 

Grants under this program are subject to 2 CFR Chapter I, and Chapter II, Parts 200, 215, 220, 

225, and 230 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements 

for Federal Awards (Uniform Administrative Requirements) available at 

https://federalregister.gov/a/2013-30465. This final guidance supersedes and streamlines 

requirements from OMB Circulars A–21, A–87, A–110, and A–122 (which have been placed in 

OMB guidance); circulars A–89, A–102, and A–133; and the guidance in Circular A–50 on 

Single Audit Act follow-up. 

National Service Criminal History Check Requirements

The National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) is a screening procedure established by 

law to protect the beneficiaries of national service. CNCS regulations require grantees to secure 

criminal background checks on any person (including grantee staff) receiving a salary, living 

allowance, stipend or education award through a program receiving CNCS funds. See 45 C.F.R. 

§ 2540. 200–§ 2540.207. The cost of conducting the checks is an allowable expense under the 

grant.
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All NSCHCs must include two components:





A nationwide name-based check of the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW). 

The NSOPW is a centralized system that identifies people who are registered as sex 

offenders in states, territories, or with many federally recognized Tribes 

Either a name- or fingerprint-based search of the statewide criminal history registry in the 

candidate’s state of residence and in the state where the person will serve or work; OR a 

fingerprint-based FBI check. 

For people with recurring access to vulnerable populations, programs must conduct an NSCHC 

with three components:







A nationwide name-based check of the NSOPW 

A name- or fingerprint-based search of the statewide criminal history registry in the 

candidate’s state of residence and in the state where the person will serve or work; AND 

A fingerprint-based FBI check. 

See http://www.nationalservice.gov/resources/criminal-history-check for complete information. 

3. Use of Material

To ensure that materials generated with CNCS funding are available to the public and readily 

accessible to grantees and non-grantees, CNCS reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and 

irrevocable right to obtain, use, modify, reproduce, publish, or disseminate publications and 

materials produced under the award, including data, and to authorize others to do so (45 CFR §§ 

2543.36; 2541.30). 

4. Reporting

Grantees are required to submit a variety of reports which are due at specific times during the life 

cycle of a grant award. All reports must be accurate, complete, and submitted on time.

Grantees are required to provide annual progress reports and semi-annual financial and narrative 

progress reports through eGrants, CNCS’s web-based grants management system. All grantees 

must provide quarterly expense reports through the Payment Management System (PMS) at the 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In addition, at the end of the grant period, grantees must submit final financial and progress 

reports that are cumulative over the entire award period and consistent with the close-out 

requirements of CNCS’s Office of Grants Management. The final reports are due 90 days after 

the end of the agreement. 

The annual narrative progress report must be submitted using CNCS’s web-based grants 

management system, eGrants, no later than 30 days after the close of the annual grant period. 

The report will include:







a description of significant grant activities that occurred during the reporting period 

a list of partners and a brief description of each partner’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

service project activities 

an analysis of the grantee’s process for engaging partner organizations 
15

 a description of data collection and how data was used to measure achievement of 

National Performance Measures 

Once the grant is awarded, grantees will be expected to have data collection and data 

management policies, processes, and practices that provide reasonable assurance that they are 

giving CNCS high quality performance measure data. At a minimum, grantees should have 

policies, processes, and practices that address the following five aspects of data quality for 

themselves and for partners (if applicable):











the data measures what it intends to measure 

the data reported is complete 

the grantee collects data in a consistent manner 

the grantee takes steps to correct data errors 

the grantee actively reviews data for accuracy prior to submission. 

Failure to submit accurate, complete, and timely required reports may affect the grantee’s ability 

to secure future CNCS funding.

For further guidance and training resources see – Resources: Data Collection and Instruments: 

https://www.nationalserviceresources.gov/npm/home#.U9qVL_ldW3o

 

2. Federal Financial Reports

Federal Financial Reports (FFRs) must be submitted semi-annually. The reports are cumulative 

and must be submitted on CNCS’s web-based grants management system, eGrants, no later than 

30 days after the close of each reporting period.

G. AGENCY CONTACTS

For more information or a printed copy of related material(s), send an email to 

MLKgrants@cns.gov. The TTY number is (800) 833-3722.

For technical questions and problems with the eGrants system, call the National Service Hotline 

at (800) 942-2677. National Service Hotline hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 

7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You can also use this link: https://questions.nationalservice.gov/app/ask

for questions. Be prepared to provide the application ID, organization’s name, and the name of 

the Notice to which you are applying. 

H. OTHER INFORMATION 

1. Technical Assistance

CNCS will host technical assistance calls to answer questions regarding the funding opportunity 

and eGrants. CNCS strongly encourages all applicants to participate in these sessions. Call-in 

information for any and all technical assistance calls can be found on the CNCS’s website: 

http://www.nationalservice.gov/build-your-capacity/grants/funding-opportunities. 

2. Re-Focusing of Funding

CNCS reserves the right to re-focus program dollars in the event of disaster or other compelling 

needs for service. 
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APPENDIX I

CNCS FOCUS AREAS

In order to carry out Congress’s intent and to maximize the impact of investment in national 

service, CNCS is targeting Martin Luther King Service Day grant funds to the following focus 

areas: Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Education, Environmental Stewardship, Healthy 

Futures, and Veterans and Military Families, and to the key goal of capacity building. 

Disaster Services 

Grants will help individuals and communities prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate 

the effects of disasters and increase community resiliency.

Economic Opportunity 

Grants will provide support and/or facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to 

the improved economic well-being and security of economically disadvantaged individuals.

Education 

Grants will provide support and/or facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to 

improved educational outcomes for economically disadvantaged people, especially children. 

CNCS is particularly interested in program designs that support youth engagement and service 

learning as strategies to achieve high educational outcomes. 

Environmental Stewardship 

Grants will provide services – including efforts to change citizen behavior – that increase energy 

and water efficiency and renewable energy use or that improve at-risk ecosystems, especially in 

economically disadvantaged households and communities.

Healthy Futures

Grants will provide support for health needs within communities, including access to care, aging 

in place, and addressing childhood obesity. 

Veterans and Military Families 

Grants will improve the quality of life of veterans and improve military family strength. 

Capacity Building

In addition to the Focus Areas described above, grants also will provide support for capacity 

building activities provided by national service participants. Capacity building activities are 

indirect services that enable CNCS-supported organizations to provide more, better, and 

sustained direct services. Capacity building activities cannot be solely intended to support the 

administration or operations of the organization.