APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

State and National Competitive New and Continuation

As applicable to the Notice of Funding Opportunity or Notice of Funding Availability

OMB Control #: 3045-0047 Expiration Date: 06/30/2020
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IMPORTANT NOTICE 

These application instructions conform to the Corporation for National and Community Service’s online grant 

application system, eGrants. All funding announcements by the Corporation for National and Community Service 

(CNCS) are posted on www.nationalservice.gov and www.grants.gov. 

Public Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 80 

hours per submission, including reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing 

the form. Comments on the burden or content of this instrument may be sent to the Corporation for National and 

Community Service, Attn: Jennifer Bastress Tahmasebi, 250 E Street, SW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20525. 

CNCS informs people who may respond to this collection of information that they are not required to respond to the 

collection of information unless the OMB control number and expiration date displayed on page one are current and 

valid. (See 5 CFR 1320.5(b)(2)(i).) 

Privacy Act Notice: The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C § 552a) requires that the following notice be provided to 

you: The information requested on the AmeriCorps Application Instructions is collected pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 

12581 - 12585 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 as amended, and 42 U.S.C. § 4953 of the 

Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 as amended. Purposes and Uses - The information requested is collected 

for the purposes of reviewing grant applications and granting funding requests. Routine Uses - Routine uses may 

include disclosure of the information to federal, state, or local agencies pursuant to lawfully authorized requests. In 

some programs, the information may also be provided to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to 

determine the existence of any prior criminal convictions. The information may also be provided to appropriate 

federal agencies and Department contractors that have a need to know the information for the purpose of assisting 

the Department’s efforts to respond to a suspected or confirmed breach of the security or confidentiality or 

information maintained in this system of records, and the information disclosed is relevant and unnecessary for the 

assistance. Executive Summaries of all compliant applications received and applications of successful applicants 

will be published on the CNCS website as part of ongoing efforts to increase transparency in grantmaking. This is 

described in more detail in the Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity. The information will not otherwise be 

disclosed to entities outside of AmeriCorps and CNCS without prior written permission. Effects of Nondisclosure - 

The information requested is mandatory in order to receive benefits. 

Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act: Grant recipients will be required to report at 

www.FSRS.gov on all subawards over $25,000 and may be required to report on executive compensation for 

recipients and subrecipients. Recipients must have the necessary systems in place to collect and report this 

information. See 2 C.F.R. Part 170 for more information and to determine how these requirements apply. 

Indirect Cost Rates: 

CNCS allows applicants to include indirect costs in application budgets. Based on qualifying factors, applicants 

have the option of using a federally approved indirect cost rate, a 10% de minimis rate of modified total direct costs, 

or may claim certain costs directly as outlined in 2 CFR § 200.413 Direct costs. Applicants who hold a federal 

negotiated indirect cost rate must use that rate in lieu of the AmeriCorps 5/10% allocation of administrative costs. 

Applicants who hold a state or federal negotiated indirect cost rate or will be using the 10% de minimis rate must 

enter that information in the Organization section in eGrants (See Attachment J). 

Universal Identifier: Applications must include a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 

number and register with the Central Contractor’s Registry (CCR). All grant recipients are required to maintain a 

valid registration, which must be renewed annually. 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Important Notice ............................................................................................................................................................ 2 

Application Resources ................................................................................................................................................. 4 

Submitting Your Application in eGrants .................................................................................................................. 4 

I. Applicant Info .............................................................................................................................................. 5 

II. Application Info ........................................................................................................................................... 5 

III. Narratives ..................................................................................................................................................... 5 

IV. Logic Model ................................................................................................................................................ 7 

V. Performance Measures ................................................................................................................................. 7 

VI. Program Information ................................................................................................................................... 7 

VII. Documents ................................................................................................................................................... 8 

VIII. Budget Instructions ...................................................................................................................................... 9 

IX. Funding/Demographics ..............................................................................................................................10

X. Operation Sites ..........................................................................................................................................11

XI. Review, Authorize, and Submit ................................................................................................................. 11 

XII. Continuation Requests ............................................................................................................................. 12 

Tables 

Table 1: Requirements in the AmeriCorps Regulations ............................................................................................... 4 

Table 2: Match Requirements in the AmeriCorps Regulations .................................................................................... 9 

ATTACHMENTS 

These attachments are worksheets only. All information must be entered in eGrants. 

A. Performance Measure Instructions (eGrants Performance Measures Section) .....................................................16

B. Detailed Budget Instructions for Cost Reimbursement Grants .............................................................................20

C. Budget Worksheet .................................................................................................................................................25

D. Detailed Budget Instructions for Fixed Amount Grants .......................................................................................29

E. Fixed-Amount Budget Worksheet ........................................................................................................................30

F. Budget Checklist .................................................................................................................................................. 31 

G. Alternative Match Instructions .............................................................................................................................33

H. Beale Codes and County-Level Economic Data ...................................................................................................34

I. Assurances and Certifications (eGrants Authorize and Submit Section) ..............................................................35

J. eGrants Indirect Cost Rate User Instructions...............................................................................42
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APPLICATION RESOURCES 

Please use these application instructions if you are a new or recompeting applicant to CNCS. 

If you are submitting a request for continuation to CNCS, please see the Continuation Instructions in this document. 

Use these instructions in conjunction with the Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity (Notice), and the AmeriCorps 

Regulations, 45 CFR §§ 2520–2550. The Notice includes deadlines, eligibility requirements, submission 

requirements, maximum amount of funding per Member Service Year (MSY),1 and other information that is 

specific to the grant competition. 

The AmeriCorps regulations include pertinent information (see Table 1, below). The Notice can be found at 

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

The full regulations are available online at: 

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR

Table 1: Requirements in the AmeriCorps Regulations 

Topics Citation in the AmeriCorps Regulations

Member Service Activities §2520.20 - §2520.55

Prohibited Activities §2520.65

Tutoring Programs §2522.900-2522.950

Matching Funds §2521.35-2521.90

Member Benefits §2522.240-2522.250

Calculating Cost Per Member Service Year (MSY) §2522.485

Performance Measures §2522.500-2522.650

Evaluation §2522.500-2522.540 and §2522.700-2522.740 

Selection Criteria and Selection Process §2522.400-2522.475

If there is any inconsistency between the AmeriCorps Regulations, the Notice, and the Application Instructions, the 

order of precedence is as follows: 

1. AmeriCorps Regulations 45 CFR §§ 2520–2550 take precedence over the 

2. Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity/Notice of Federal Funding Availability, which takes precedence 

over the 

 3. Application Instructions. 

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION IN EGRANTS 

New and Recompeting Applicants 

New applicants need to establish an eGrants account by accessing this link: 

https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/login.jsp and selecting “Don’t have an eGrants account? Create an account.”

In eGrants, before Starting Section I you will need to: 

 Start a new Grant Application 

 Select a Program Area (AmeriCorps) 

 Select a NOFA (see the Notice for a listing) 

Your application consists of the following components. Make sure to complete each section. 

I. Applicant Info 

II. Application Info 

 

1 One MSY is equivalent to at least 1700 service hours, a full-time AmeriCorps position. The CNCS cost per MSY 

is determined by dividing the CNCS share of budgeted grant costs by the number of MSYs requested in the 

application. It does not include childcare or the cost of the education award. 
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III. Narratives 

IV. Logic Model 

V. Performance Measures 

VI. Program Information 

VII. Documents 

VIII. Budget 

IX. Funding/Demographics 

X. Review 

XI. Authorize, and Submit 

I. Applicant Info 

Information entered in the Applicant Info, Application Info, and Budget sections will populate the SF 424 Facesheet. 

If you can only submit your application in hard copy, please contact CNCS. 

 If you are recompeting (in the final year of a competitive funding cycle and applying for a new grant cycle), 

select Continuation/Renewal 

 If you are not a current grantee, but have received a competitive AmeriCorps grant in the past five years, select 

Continuation/Renewal 

 If you are applying for the first time, have only received formula funding in the past, or are a former grantee 

(non-formula) whose last AmeriCorps grant was received more than five years ago, select New 

 If you are a current planning grantee applying for an implementation grant, select New 

Enter or update the requested information in the fields that appear. The contact person needs to be the person 

who can answer questions about the application. 

II. Application Info 

In the Application Info Section enter: 

 Areas affected by your proposed program. Please include the two-letter abbreviation with both letters 

capitalized for each state where you plan to operate. Separate each two-letter state abbreviation with a 

comma. For city or county information, please follow each one with the two-letter capitalized state 

abbreviation. 

 Requested project period start and end dates. The length of the project period is specified in the Notice. 

 State Application Identifier: Enter N/A. 

 The Application is Subject to Review by State Executive Order 12372 Process: This is pre-filled as 

“No, this is not applicable.” 

 Indicate Yes or No if you are delinquent on any federal debt. If yes, provide an explanation. 

 Request a waiver: use this link to request a waiver to the volunteer generation requirement. 

III. Narratives 

The narrative section of the application is your opportunity to convince reviewers that your project meets the 

selection criteria as outlined in the Notice. Below are some general recommendations to help you present your 

project in a way the reviewers will find compelling and persuasive. 

 Lead from your program strengths and be explicit. Do not make the mistake of trying to stretch 

your proposed program description to fit funding priorities and special considerations articulated in the 

regulations or the Notice. 

 Be clear and succinct. Do not use jargon, boilerplate, rhetoric, or exaggeration. Describe clearly what 

you intend to do and how your project responds to the selection criteria. 

 Avoid circular reasoning. The problem you describe should not be defined as the lack of the solution 

you are proposing. 

 Explain how. Avoid simply stating that the criteria will be met. Explicitly describe how the proposed 

project will meet the criteria. 
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 Don’t make assumptions. Even if you have received funding from CNCS in the past, do not assume 

your reviewers know anything about you, your proposed program, your partners, or your beneficiaries. 

Avoid overuse of acronyms. 

 Use an impartial proofreader. Before you submit your application, let someone who is completely 

unfamiliar with your project read and critique the project narrative. 

 Follow the instructions and discuss each criterion in the order they are presented in the 

instructions. Use headings to differentiate narrative sections by criterion. 

In eGrants, you will enter text for 

 Executive Summary 

 Rationale and Approach (Program Design) 

 Organizational Capability 

 Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy 

 Evaluation Summary or Plan 

Note: The Narratives Section also includes fields for Clarification Summary, Amendment Justification, and 

Continuation Changes. Please enter N/A in these fields. They will be used at a later date to enter information 

for clarification following review, to request amendments once a grant is awarded, and to enter changes in the 

narrative in continuation requests. 

Reviewers will assess your application against the selection criteria. To best respond to the criteria listed in the 

Notice and Application Instructions, we suggest that you include a brief discussion of each bullet if it pertains to 

your application. 

A. Executive Summary 

Please complete the executive summary per the guidance in the Notice. 

B. Selection Criteria 

Each application must clearly describe a project that will effectively deploy AmeriCorps members to solve a 

significant community problem. Specifics about the selection criteria are published in the Notice. 

1. Program Design (50 percent) 

In assessing Rationale and Approach/Program Design, reviewers will examine the degree to which the applicant 

demonstrates how AmeriCorps members and the proposed intervention are particularly well-suited to addressing the 

identified community problem. 

2. Organizational Capability (25 percent) 

Reviewers will assess the extent to which the applicant demonstrates organizational background and staffing and 

structures, including compliance and accountability, to support the proposed program. 

3. Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy (25 percent) 

In assessing Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy, reviewers will examine the degree to which the budget is 

cost effective and appropriate for the program being proposed. Enter N/A in the narrative as the assessment will be 

of the budget. 

C. Evaluation Summary or Plan 

If you are competing for the first time, please provide your data collection plan in the Evaluation Summary or Plan 

field. If you are recompeting for AmeriCorps funds, please provide your Evaluation Plan. Please follow the guidance 

in the Notice. 

D. Amendment Justification 

Enter N/A. This field will be used if you are awarded a grant and need to amend it. 

E. Clarification Information 
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Enter N/A. This field may be used to enter information that requires clarification in the post-review period. Please 

clearly label new information added during clarification with the date. 

F. Continuation Changes 

Enter N/A. This field will be used to enter changes in your narratives in your continuation requests. 

IV. Logic Model 

Complete the logic model using the guidance provided in the Notice. 

To begin entering your logic model, from your eGrants application page select “Logic Model” in the left side 

navigation menu. 

In the first blank row of the logic model, click “edit.” Clicking this link will open a pop-up screen with fields for 

each column of the logic model. Complete any fields that are applicable; there are no required fields in this screen. 

When you are finished, click “save and close.”

You may add an unlimited number of rows to the logic model by clicking “add a new row.” However, please be 

mindful of any page limits specified elsewhere in the Application Instructions or Notice. 

You may edit or delete an existing row by clicking “edit” or “delete” in the last column of the logic model. 

V. Performance Measures

All applicants must submit performance measures with their application. See Attachments for instructions for 

entering performance measures. CNCS may use the performance measures separately from the grant narrative after 

grant-making. Thus all information requested in the National Performance Measure Instructions must be included in 

the text of the performance measures themselves, and it must be evident in the performance measure text that all 

definitions and requirements outlined in the National Performance Measures Instructions and NOFO FAQs are met. 

Should an applicant choose to provide information about performance measures in the narrative, this information 

will also need to be in the performance measures module. 

VI. Program Information 

In the Program Information Section, applicants must check the relevant boxes in order to be considered for CNCS’ 

assessment of the strategic considerations and Special Initiatives. Applicants should only check the boxes for those 

characteristics that represent a significant part of the program. 

General Information: select either Yes or No from the drop-down menu 

 My organization has received an AmeriCorps State and National Grant. 

Organizations that have been a host site for AmeriCorps members but never had a direct grant relationship with 

either a State Commission or CNCS should answer No. 

 The organization has sufficiently engaged community members and partner organizations in planning and 

implementing its intervention. 

 My organization certifies that it will comply with definitions and requirements outlined in the Performance 

Measure Instructions. 

AmeriCorps Funding Priorities 

Check any priority area(s) that apply to the proposed program. Only select Priorities that represent a significant part 

of the program focus, high quality program design, and outcomes. 

 Economic Opportunity - increasing economic opportunities for communities by engaging opportunity youth to 

prepare them for the workforce 

 Education – 13 evidence-based interventions 

 Healthy Futures - reducing and/or preventing prescription drug and opioid abuse 

 Veterans and Military Families - positively impacting the quality of life of veterans and improving military 

family strength 
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 Rural intermediaries that demonstrate measureable impact and primarily serve communities with limited 

resources and organizational infrastructure. 

 Safer Communities – programs that focus on public safety, and/or partnerships between law enforcement and 

the community 

 Faith-based organization 

 No NOFO priority area 

Grant Characteristics 

Check any grant characteristics that are a significant part of the proposed program: 

 Faith-based organizations 

 SIG/Priority Schools 

 Professional Corps 

 STEM Program 

 Geographic Focus – Urban 

 Geographic Focus – Rural 

 None of the above grant characteristics 

AmeriCorps Identity/Co-branding Questions. Select Yes or No. 

 AmeriCorps members will wear the AmeriCorps logo every day. 

 AmeriCorps members will create and deliver “elevator speeches.” 

 The AmeriCorps logo will be prominently displayed on the front page of the organization’s website. 

VII. Documents 

In addition to the application submitted in eGrants, you are required to provide your evaluation, labor union 

concurrence (if necessary – see B., below), other required documents listed in the Notice (if applicable), and an 

explanation of federal debt delinquency (if applicable), as part of your application. After you have submitted the 

documents via the guidance in the Notice, change the status in eGrants from the default “Not Sent” to the applicable 

status “Sent,” “Not Applicable,” or “Already on File at CNCS.” 

A. Evaluation 

Submit any completed report as described in F., below. Select Evaluation and select “Sent” once you have submitted 

a completed evaluation report. If an evaluation is required, you must submit a copy at the time of application even if 

CNCS may already have it on file. 

B. Labor Union Concurrence 

1) If a program applicant—

a) Proposes to serve as the placement site for AmeriCorps members; and 

b) Has employees engaged in the same or substantially similar work as that proposed to be carried out by 

AmeriCorps members; and 

c) Those employees are represented by a local labor organization 

--then the application must include the written concurrence of the local labor organization representing 

those employees. Written concurrence can be in the form of a letter or e-mail from the local union 

leadership. 

2) If a program applicant: 

a) Proposes to place AmeriCorps members at sites where they will be engaged in the same or 

substantially similar work as employees represented by a local labor organization, then the applicant 

must submit a written description of how it will ensure that: 

i) AmeriCorps members will not be placed in positions that were recently occupied by paid staff. 

ii) No AmeriCorps member will be placed into a position for which a recently resigned or discharged 

employee has recall rights as a result of a collective bargaining agreement, from which a recently 

resigned or discharged employee was removed as a result of a reduction in force, or from which a 

recently resigned/discharged employee is on leave or strike. 

 
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For the purposes of this section, “program applicant” includes any applicant to CNCS or a State Commission, as 

well as any entity applying for assistance or approved national service positions through a CNCS grantee or 

subgrantee.

C. Federally-approved Indirect Cost Agreement

Applicants applying directly to CNCS that include a federally approved indirect cost rate amount in their budget 

must enter the current approved indirect cost rate agreement information into eGrants at the same time they submit 

their application. See Attachment J.

D. Other Documents

Provide other required documents list in the Notice (if applicable) via the email listed in the Notice, as part of your 

application.

E. Delinquent on Federal Debt

Any applicant who checks Yes to the question on federal debt delinquency must submit a complete explanation to 

Additionaldocuments@cns.gov at the same time they submit their application.

F. Submission Instructions for Evaluations, Labor Union Concurrence, Other Required Documents, and 

Explanation of Federal Debt Delinquency, as applicable.

Please submit the required documents to the email listed in the Notice using the naming convention and other 

instructions found there. This information must be received at CNCS by the deadline in the Notice.

VIII. Budget Instructions

For Fixed Amount grants, including EAPs: Use the Budget Instructions for Fixed Amount applicants 

(Attachment) and the Budget Worksheet (Attachment) to prepare your budget. 

A. Match Requirements

Program requirements, including requirements on match are located in the AmeriCorps Regulations and summarized 

below. 

Table 2: Match Requirements in the AmeriCorps Regulations

Grant Type Match Requirement

Cost Reimbursement including 

Professional Corps, States and 

Territories without Commissions, Indian 

Tribes 

Minimum grantee share is 24% of program costs for the first three 

years. Overall grantee share of total program costs increases gradually 

beginning in Year 4 to 50% by the tenth year of funding and any year 

thereafter.

EAP Fixed-Amount Grants There are no specific match requirements for fixed-amount grants. 

Grantees pay all program costs over the cost in the NOFO provided 

by CNCS.

Professional Corps Fixed-Amount 

Grants

There are no specific match requirements for fixed-amount grants. 

Grantees pay all program costs over the cost in the NOFO provided 

by CNCS.

Stipended Fixed-Amount Grants There are no specific match requirements for full-time fixed-amount 

grants. Grantees pay all program costs over the maximum cost in the 

NOFO provided by CNCS.

 Grantees are required to meet an overall matching rate that increases over time. You have the flexibility to meet 

the overall match requirements in any of the three budget areas, as long as the minimum match of 24% for the 

first three years, and the increasing minimums in years thereafter, are maintained. See 45 CFR §§ 2521.35–

2521.90 for the specific regulations.

 If you are applying for the first time, you must match with cash or in-kind contributions at least 24% of the 

project’s total Operating Costs (Section I) plus Member Costs (Section II) plus Administrative Costs (Section 

III). If you are recompeting, please see 45 CFR §§ 2521.40-2521.95 for the match schedule. 
 The acceptable sources of matching funds are federal, state, local, and/or private sector funds in accordance 

with applicable AmeriCorps requirements. 

 In the “Source of Funds” field that appears at the end of Budget Section III, enter a brief description of the 

match. Identify each match source separately. Identify if the match is secured or proposed. Include dollar 

amount, the match classification (cash or in-kind), and the source type (Private, State/Local, or Federal) for your 

entire match. (The total amount in the Source of Funds field should match the total amount in the budget 

narrative exactly.) Define all acronyms the first time they are used. See Attachment G for instructions for 

applying for the Alternative Match Schedule. 

Note: CNCS legislation permits the use of non-CNCS federal funds as match for the grantee share of the budget. 

Please discuss your intention of using federal funds to match an AmeriCorps grant with the other agency prior to 

submitting your application. Section 121(e)(5) of the National Community Service Act requires that grantees who 

use other federal funds as match for an AmeriCorps grant report the amount and source of these funds to CNCS. If 

you use other federal funds as match, you must ensure you can meet the requirements and purpose of both grants. 

Grantees who use federal funds as match will be required to report the sources and amounts on the Federal Financial 

Report (FFR). 

B. Preparing Your Budget 

Your proposed budget should be sufficient to allow you to perform the tasks described in your narrative. Reviewers 

will consider the information you provide in this section in their assessment of the Cost-Effectiveness and Budget 

Adequacy selection criterion. 

Follow the detailed budget instructions in the Attachments to prepare your budget. We recommend that you prepare 

your budget in the same order as indicated in the Budget Worksheets in the Attachments. 

As you enter your detailed budget information, eGrants will automatically populate a budget summary and budget 

narrative report. Prior to submission be sure to review the budget checklist (Attachment) to ensure your budget is 

compliant. In addition, eGrants will perform a limited compliance check to validate the budget. If eGrants finds any 

compliance issues you will receive a warning and/or error messages. You must resolve all errors before you can 

submit your budget. 

As you prepare your budget: 

 All the amounts you request must be defined for a particular purpose. Do not include miscellaneous, 

contingency, or other undefined budget amounts. 

 Itemize each cost and present the basis for all calculations in the form of an equation. 

 Do not include unallowable expenses, e.g., entertainment costs (which include food and beverage costs) unless 

they are justified as an essential component of an activity. 

 Do not include fractional amounts (cents). 

 Please add $54 plus the cost of the state check for criminal history checks for each covered position in the 

CNCS share of the budget.

Programs must comply with all applicable federal laws, regulations, and the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. 

Please refer to the Uniform Guidance, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 

200) for allowable, allocable, and reasonable cost information, as well as, audit requirements, including the need to 

provide audits to the Clearinghouse if expending over $750,000 in federal funds as required in the OmniCircular. 

The OMB Uniform Guidance can be found on-line at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/textidx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl

IX. Funding/Demographics 

In the Funding/Demographics Section enter: 

 Other Revenue funds. Enter the amount of funds that your program uses to run the program that are not 

identified on the application budget as CNCS share or grantee share (match). Note: Programs should not enter 

the total operating budget for their organization unless the entire operating budget supports the AmeriCorps 

program. Programs that have additional revenue sources not included in the matching funds section of the 

budget should provide the amount of this additional revenue that supports the program. This amount should not 

10 
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include the CNCS or grantee share amounts in the budget. Fixed amount grantees should enter all non-CNCS 

funds that support the program in this field. All fixed grants will have other revenue. 

 Number of Volunteers Generated by AmeriCorps members. Please enter the number of volunteers participating 

in one day service projects or ongoing volunteer commitments that the proposed AmeriCorps members will 

generate. 

 Percentage of MSYs who are opportunity youth, if any 

 If Education NOFO Priority, which Education Priority number intervention is your program model 

X. Operating Sites (for multi-state applicants only) 

In the Multi-State Operating Section (For applicants that are operating in more than one state): 

 Please fill in the following information for your operating sites: organization name, address, city, state, zip code 

+ 0000 (eGrants will correct the last four digits to the correct numbers), amount of funding going to the 

operating site, and number of proposed AmeriCorps members who will be located at the site 

XI. Review, Authorize, and Submit 

eGrants requires that you review and verify your entire application before submitting, by completing the following 

sections in eGrants: 

 Review 

 Authorize 

 Assurances 

 Certifications 

 Verify 

 Submit 

Read the Authorization, Assurances, and Certifications carefully (Attachment I). The person who authorizes the 

application must be the applicant’s Authorized Representative or his/her designee and must have an active eGrants 

account to sign these documents electronically. An Authorized Representative is the person in your organization 

authorized to accept and commit funds on behalf of the organization. A copy of the governing body’s authorization 

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

Be sure to check your entire application to ensure that there are no errors before submitting it. When you verify the 

application eGrants will also generate a list of errors if there are sections that need to be corrected prior to 

submission. If someone else is acting in the role of the applicant’s Authorized Representative, that person must log 

into his/her eGrants account and proceed with Authorize and Submit. After signing off on the Authorization, 

Assurances, and Certifications, his/her name will override any previous signatory who may appear and show on the 

application as the Authorized Representative. 

Note: Anyone within your organization who will be entering information in the application at any point during 

application preparation and submission in the eGrants system must have their own eGrants account. Individuals 

may establish an eGrants account by accessing this link: https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/login.jsp and selecting 

“Don’t have an eGrants account? Create an account.”
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CONTINUATION REQUESTS

The following instructions for submitting a continuation request apply only to programs that are currently in their 

first or second year of operation within a grant cycle. 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. In addition, if you are in year 

two or three of a cost reimbursement grant cycle, you need to submit a new application to participate in the fixed 

amount grant; you cannot continue your existing project period and switch from cost reimbursement to fixed 

amount. CNCS reserves the right to consider your continuation request if your fixed amount application is not 

funded. 

When to Submit Your Continuation Request: 

See the Notice for application deadlines. 

How to Submit Your Continuation Request: 

 Click Continuation/Renewal on your eGrants home page. You will be shown a list of grants that are eligible to 

be continued. Select the grant you wish to continue. Make sure you select the correct one. Do not start a new 

application. The system will copy your most recently awarded application. 

 Edit your continuation application as directed in the continuation request instructions below. When you have 

completed your work, click the SUBMIT button. 

Be sure you also review the Notice when preparing your request. If you have questions about the content of your 

continuation request, please contact your Program Officer. 

What to Include in Your Continuation Request: 

I. Applicant Info and Application Info 

Update the Applicant Info and Application Info Sections in eGrants if necessary. Note in the Continuation Changes 

field that you have updated the Applicant Info or Application Info Section(s). 

II. Narrative (Narratives Section) 

Your original application will appear in the Executive Summary and in the narrative sections Rationale and 

Approach/Program Design, Organizational Capability, Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy, Evaluation 

Summary or Plan, Amendment Justification, Clarification Information, and Continuation Changes, as appropriate. 

Do not modify these original narrative fields. 

CNCS expects that programs will maintain a consistent program design for the duration of the three-year project 

period; however, we recognize that, on occasion, some programmatic changes are necessary. As a result, 

continuation applicants may request the changes listed below during the continuation process. 

Information should be provided in the Continuation Changes narrative field as relevant. 

 Changes in Operating Sites 

 Significant Changes in Program Scope or Design 

 Changes to Performance Measures 

 Significant Changes to Monitoring Structures or Staffing 

 Budget revisions (detail provided in section VI). Applicants may only request to reduce funding and/or 

slots but may not request funding and/or slot increases during the continuation process. If funding 

reductions are requested, please correct the funding amounts listed in the Executive Summary. 

The page limit for the Continuation Changes field is six pages, as the pages print out from eGrants. 

Any continuation applicant not requesting changes that fit within the above categories should enter “N/A” in 

Continuation Changes. CNCS expects that most continuation applications will not be requesting changes. 
13 

III. Logic Model 

Continuation applicants do not need to enter content into these fields unless changes to the originally-submitted 

logic model are being requested as part of Continuation Changes. 

IV. Performance Measures (Performance Measures Section) 

Your performance measures are copied from your previous year’s application into your continuation request. If you 

made changes to your program, such as adding or changing grant-funded activities, or requesting additional slots or 

MSYs, you may need to revise your performance measures. Continuation applicants whose measures do not align 

with the 2019 Performance Measure Instructions must also revise their measures to conform with the 2019 

instructions. To revise performance measures, “View/Edit” the performance measures that copy over from your 

original application, or add new performance measures (see Attachments). Note in the Continuation Changes field 

that you have updated your performance measures. If you are proposing to significantly increase or decrease output 

or outcome targets for existing performance measures, provide a justification for this change. 

V. Program Information 

In the Program Information Section, review and make selections as appropriate. Applicants should only select 

priorities and characteristics that represent a significant part of the program. 

General Information: Select either Yes or No from the drop-down menu 

 My organization has received an AmeriCorps State and National Grant. 

Organizations that have been a host site for AmeriCorps members but never had a direct grant relationship with 

either a State Commission or CNCS should answer No. 

 The organization has sufficiently engaged community members and partner organizations in planning and 

implementing its intervention. 

 My organization certifies that it will comply with definitions and requirements outlined in the Performance 

Measure Instructions. 

AmeriCorps Funding Priorities 

Check any priority area(s) that apply to the proposed program. Only select Priorities that represent a significant part 

of the program focus, high quality program design, and outcomes. 

 Economic Opportunity - increasing economic opportunities for communities by engaging opportunity youth to 

prepare them for the workforce 

 Education – 13 evidence-based interventions 

 Healthy Futures - reducing and/or preventing prescription drug and opioid abuse 

 Veterans and Military Families - positively impacting the quality of life of veterans and improving military 

family strength 

 Rural intermediaries that demonstrate measureable impact and primarily serve communities with limited 

resources and organizational infrastructure. 

 Safer Communities – programs that focus on public safety, and/or partnerships between law enforcement and 

the community 

 Faith-based organization 

 No NOFO priority area 

Grant Characteristics 

Check any grant characteristics that are a significant part of the proposed program: 

 Faith-based organizations 

 SIG/Priority Schools 

 Professional Corps 

 STEM Program 

 Geographic Focus – Urban 

 Geographic Focus – Rural 

 None of the above grant characteristics 
14 

AmeriCorps Identity/Co-branding Questions. Select Yes or No. 

 AmeriCorps members will wear the AmeriCorps logo every day. 

 AmeriCorps members will create and deliver elevator speeches. 

 The AmeriCorps logo will be prominently displayed on the front page of the organization’s website. 

VI. Budget (Budget Section) 

Your budget from the previous year’s application is copied into your continuation request so you can make the 

necessary adjustments. Revise your detailed budget for the upcoming year. Incorporate any required CNCS 

increases, such as an increase to the member living allowance, into your budget. Please add $54 plus the cost of the 

state check for criminal history checks for each covered position in the CNCS share of the budget. 

Continuation applicants may apply for expansions – dollars, MSY, and/or members.

Source of Funds (Match) 

In the “Source of Funds” field that appears at the end of Budget Section III, enter a brief description of the match. 

Identify each match source separately. Identify if the match is secured or proposed. Include dollar amount, the match 

classification (cash or in-kind), and the source type (Private, State/Local, or Federal) for your entire match. (The 

total amount in the Source of Funds field should match the total amount in the budget narrative exactly.)Define all 

acronyms the first time they are used. 

VII. Increasing Grantee Overall Share of Total Budgeted Costs 

Grantees are required to meet an overall matching rate that increases over time. You have the flexibility to meet the 

overall match requirements in any of the three budget areas, as long as the minimum match of 24% for the first three 

years, and the increasing minimums in years thereafter, are maintained. See 45 CFR §§ 2521.35–2521.90 for the 

specific regulations. 

See Attachments for instructions for applying for the Alternative Match Schedule. 

In the Funding/Demographics Section enter: 

 Other Revenue funds. Enter the amount of funds that your program uses to run the program that are not CNCS 

share or match. 

 Number of Volunteers Generated by AmeriCorps members. Please enter the number of volunteers participating 

in one day service projects or ongoing volunteer commitments that the proposed AmeriCorps members will 

generate. 



 Percentage of MSYs who are opportunity youth 

 If Education NOFO Priority, which Education priority number intervention is your program model 

VIII. Operating Sites (for multi-state applicants only) 

In the Multi-State Operating Section (for applicants who are operating in more than one state): 

 Make any changes to operating sites being requested as part of Continuation Changes. 

IX. Review, Authorize, and Submit

eGrants requires that you review and verify your entire application before submitting, by completing the following 

sections in eGrants: 

 Review 

 Authorize 

 Assurances 

 Certifications 

 Verify 

 Submit 
15 

Read the Authorization, Assurances, and Certifications carefully (Attachment I). The person who authorizes the 

application must be the applicant’s Authorized Representative or his/her designee and must have an active eGrants 

account to sign these documents electronically. An Authorized Representative is the person in your organization 

authorized to accept and commit funds on behalf of the organization. A copy of the governing body’s authorization 

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

Be sure to check your entire application prior to submission to ensure that there are no errors. When you verify the 

application eGrants will also generate a list of errors if there are sections that need to be corrected prior to 

submission. If someone else is acting in the role of the applicant’s Authorized Representative, that person must log 

into his/her eGrants account and proceed with Authorize and Submit. After signing off on the Authorization, 

Assurances, and Certifications, his/her name will override any previous signatory that may appear and show on the 

application as the Authorized Representative. 

Note: Anyone within your organization who will be entering information in the application at any point during 

application preparation and submission in the eGrants system must have their own eGrants account. Individuals 

may establish an eGrants account by accessing this link: https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/login.jsp and selecting 

“Don’t have an eGrants account? Create an account.”
16 

ATTACHMENT A: Performance Measures Instructions 

(eGrants Performance Measures Section) 

eGrants Performance Measures Module Instructions 

About the Performance Measures Module 

In the performance measures module, you will: 

 Provide information about your program’s connection to CNCS focus areas and objectives.

 Show MSY and member allocations. 

 Create at least one aligned performance measure, plus one or more additional measure(s) if appropriate. 

 Set targets and describe data collection plans for your performance measures. 

Home Page 

To start the module, click the “Begin” button on the Home Page. 

As you proceed through the module, the Home Page will summarize your work and provide links to edit the parts of 

the module you have completed. You may also navigate sections of the module using the tab feature at the top of 

each page. 

Once you have started the module, clicking “Continue Working” will return you to the tab you were on when you 

last closed the module. 

To edit the interventions, objectives, MSYs, and member allocations for your application, click the “Edit 

Objectives/MSYs/Members” button. 

After you have created at least one performance measure, the Home Page will display a chart summarizing your 

measures. To edit a performance measure, click the “Edit” button. To delete a measure, click “Delete.” To create a 

new performance measure, click the “Add New Performance Measure” button.

Objectives Tab 

On the objectives tab, applicants will account for the full range of their program activity. Applicants are not 

expected to create performance measures for every focus area, objective, or intervention they select on this tab. 

An expandable list of CNCS focus areas appears on this tab. When you click on a focus area, a list of objectives 

from the CNCS strategic plan appears. A list of common interventions appears under each objective 

First click on a focus area. Then click on an objective. All national performance measures fall under a strategic plan 

objective. Only the performance measures that correspond to the strategic plan objectives you select on this tab will 

be available for selection as you continue through this module. To see which performance measures correspond to 

which objective, refer to the CNCS Performance Measures Instructions. 

Next, select all interventions that are part of your program design. Interventions are the activities that members and 

volunteers will carry out to address the problem(s) identified in the application. Select “other” if one of your 

program’s interventions does not appear on the list. Repeat these actions for each of your program’s focus areas. 

Select “other” for your focus area and/or objective if your program activities do not fall within one of the CNCS 

focus areas or objectives. 

Choose your program’s primary focus area from the drop-down list. Only the focus areas that correspond to the 

objectives you selected above appear in the list. Next, select the primary intervention within your primary focus 

area. You will be required to create an aligned performance measure (output paired with outcome) that contains your 

primary intervention. Note that your primary intervention, and the performance measure associated with your 

primary intervention, must be focused on the community impact of the program; applicants may not count 

AmeriCorps members as beneficiaries under either National Performance Measures or applicant-determined 

measures. Some member-focused outputs and outcomes may be reported as demographic indicators. 
17 

You may select a secondary focus area and a secondary intervention. The primary and secondary focus area may be 

the same if you have more than one intervention within the focus area. 

MSYs/Members Tab 

On this tab, you will enter information about the allocation of MSYs and members across the focus areas and 

objectives you have selected. You will allocate 100% of your program’s MSYs to focus areas and objectives. When 

you create your performance measures, you will be asked to allocate MSYs to each performance measure; however, 

you will not be required to assign 100% of your total MSYs to performance measures. 

Begin by entering the total MSYs for your program. This must match the total MSYs in your budget. Please doublecheck your budget to make sure that the total MSY values match. 

Next, enter the number of MSYs your program will allocate to each objective. Only the objectives that were selected 

on the previous tab appear in the MSY chart. If some of your program’s objectives are not represented in the chart, 

return to the previous tab and select additional objectives. The MSY chart must show how all your program’s 

resources are allocated. If you have selected the Find Opportunity objective (under the Economic Opportunity focus 

area) and/or the Teacher Corps objective (under the Education focus area), enter 0 MSYs for these objectives and 

allocate your MSYs to the other objectives you selected. If the only activity in another objective that you have 

selected is focused on member development, enter 0 MSYs for that objective also. 

 

As you enter MSYs into the MSY column of the chart, the corresponding percentage of MSYs will calculate 

automatically. When you have finished entering your MSYs, the total percentage of MSYs in the chart must be 

100%. The total number of MSYs in the chart must equal the number of MSYs in your budget. 

In the members column, enter the number of members who will be assigned to each objective. Some members may 

perform services across more than one objective. If this is the case, allocate these members to all applicable 

objectives. For example, if one member works on both school readiness and K-12 success, allocate one member to 

each of these objectives. It is acceptable for the total number of members in this table to exceed total slots requested 

in the application due to counting members’ service across multiple objectives. If you have selected the Find 

Opportunity objective (under the Economic Opportunity focus area) and/or the Teacher Corps objective (under the 

Education focus area), enter 0 members for these objectives. If the only activity in another objective that you have 

selected is focused on member development, enter 0 members for that objective also. 

To ensure that information is entered accurately, please refer to additional guidance in Appendix A of the National 

Performance Measure Instructions on calculating and entering MSY and member allocations. 

Performance Measure Tab 

CNCS no longer requires National Performance Measure outputs to be paired with corresponding National 

Performance Measure outcomes. National Performance Measure outputs may now be paired with applicantdetermined outcomes or may not be paired with any outcome. The latter is referred to as an “output-only measure” 

in these instructions. Refer to selection rules in the National Performance Measures Instructions to ensure that your 

performance measures meet CNCS requirements. 

This tab allows you to create performance measures for all the grant activities you intend to measure. 

You must create at least one aligned performance measure (either a National Performance Measure or an applicantdetermined measure) that corresponds to your primary intervention. You may create additional aligned performance 

measures and/or output-only measures provided that they measure significant program activities. There is no 

expectation that 100% of program activity would be allocated to National Performance Measures or to any 

performance measures at all. 

Begin by creating the aligned performance measure for your primary intervention. After creating your required 

performance measure, you will be able to create additional performance measures if desired. 
18 

To create a performance measure, begin by selecting an objective. The list of objectives includes those you selected 

on the objectives tab. Note that programs may not create performance measures for the Find Opportunity, Teacher 

Corps, Green Jobs, or Access & Attract objectives, since these are member-focused objectives. Member-focused 

outputs and outcomes related to these objectives may be reported as demographic indicators. 

Provide a short, descriptive title for your performance measure. 

Briefly describe the problem your program will address in this performance measure. 

Select the intervention(s) to be delivered by members and/or member-supported volunteers. The list of interventions 

includes the ones you selected previously for this objective. Select only the interventions that will lead to the outputs 

(plus outcomes, if applicable) of the performance measure and that are applicable to all beneficiaries counted under 

the measure. If you selected “other” as an intervention and wish to include an applicant-determined intervention in 

your aligned performance measure, click “add user intervention” and enter a one or two word description of the 

intervention. (Note: you are not permitted to create a user-defined intervention that duplicates an intervention 

already available in the system.) 

Select output(s) for your performance measure. The output list includes only the National Performance Measure 

outputs that correspond to the objectives you have selected. If you do not wish to select National Performance 

Measures, you may create an applicant-determined output by clicking in the checkbox next to the empty output text 

box and entering the text of your output indicator. You may create additional applicant-determined outputs for the 

performance measure by clicking “Add User Output.” (Note: you are not permitted to create an applicantdetermined output that duplicates a National Performance Measure output. If you do not see the National 

Performance Measure output that you wish to use, check the Selection Rules in the National Performance Measure 

Instructions to make sure you selected the objective associated with that performance measure.) 

Select outcome(s). If you have selected a National Performance Measures output with a corresponding National 

Performance Measures outcome, these outcomes will be available to select. If you do not wish to select a National 

Performance Measure outcome, you may create an applicant-determined outcome by clicking in the checkbox next 

to the empty outcome text box and entering the text of your outcome indicator. If you do not wish to select any 

outcome for your National Performance Measure output, click in the checkbox next to the empty outcome text box 

and enter “NA” in the outcome indicator text box. (Note: all output-only measures must consist of National 

Performance Measure outputs. Applicant-determined outputs must be paired with applicant-determined outcomes.) 

You may create additional applicant-determined outcomes for the performance measure by clicking “Add User 

Outcome.”

If you have not selected a National Performance Measures output, or if there is no corresponding National 

Performance Measure outcome, create an applicant-determined outcome by clicking “Add User Outcome.” All 

applicant-determined outputs must be paired with an applicant-determined outcome. 

Enter the number of MSYs and members your program will allocate to achieving the outcomes and/or outputs you 

have selected in this performance measure. Since programs are not required to measure all grant activities, the 

number you enter does not have to correspond to the MSY chart you created on the MSY/Members tab; however, 

the total number of MSYs across all performance measures within a single objective cannot exceed the total number 

of MSYs previously allocated to that objective. Members may be double-counted across performance measures, but 

MSYs may not. 

Click “next” to proceed to the data collection tab. Later you can return to this tab to create additional performance 

measures. 

Data Collection Tab

On this tab, you will provide additional information about your interventions, instruments, and plan for data 

collection. The performance measures may be used after grant making separate from the grant narrative. Thus all 

information requested in the National Performance Measure Instructions must be included in the text of the 
19 

performance measures themselves, and it must be evident in the performance measure text that all definitions and 

requirements outlined in the National Performance Measures Instructions and NOFO FAQs are met. Should an 

applicant choose to provide duplicate information about performance measures in the narrative, this information will 

also need to be in the performance measures module. 

Describe the design and dosage (frequency, intensity, duration) of the interventions you have selected. Frequency 

refers to how often an intervention occurs (for example, number of sessions per week); intensity refers to the length 

of time devoted to the intervention (for example, number of minutes per session); and duration refers to the period of 

time over which the intervention occurs (for example, how many total weeks of sessions). 

Expand each output and outcome and enter data collection information. 

Select the data collection method you will use to measure the output or outcome. To select more than one method, 

click the “Add new method” button. To de-select a method, click the first (blank) line in the method drop-down. 

Describe the specific instrument(s) you will use to measure the output or outcome. Include the title of the 

instrument(s), a brief description of what it measures and how it will be administered, and details about its reliability 

and validity if applicable. For outcomes, specify how much improvement in knowledge, attitude, behavior or 

condition is required to be counted as having improved and clearly explain how the instrument measures this. 

Enter the target number for your output or outcome. Targets must be numbers, not percents. 

For applicant-determined outputs and outcomes, enter the unit of measure for your target. The unit of measure 

should describe the population you intend to count (children, miles, etc.). Do not enter percents or member service 

hours as units of measure. In most cases, the unit of measure should be the same for the outputs and outcomes in an 

aligned performance measure. 

For output-only performance measures, eGrants will require text in the outcome data collection fields. If you do not 

wish to have an outcome for your National Performance Measure output, enter the following: 

 Method: Select “other.”

 Instrument Description: Enter “NA”

 Target: Enter “1”

 Unit of Measure: Enter “NA”

After entering data collection information for all outputs and outcomes, click “Mark Complete.” You will return to 

the Performance Measure tab. If you wish to create another performance measure, repeat the process. If you would 

like to continue to the next step of the module, click “Next.”

Summary Tab 

The summary tab shows all of the information you have entered in the module. 

To print a summary of all performance measures, click “Print PDF for all Performance Measures.”

To print one performance measure, expand the measure and click “Print This Measure.”

Click “Edit Performance Measure” to return to the Performance Measure tab. 

Click “Edit Data Collection” to return to the Data Collection tab.

“Click Validate Performance Measures” to validate this module prior to submitting your application. You should 

also use the Performance Measures Checklist in Appendix B of the National Performance Measure to self-assess 

your measure(s) prior to submission. 
20 

ATTACHMENT B: Detailed Budget Instructions for Cost Reimbursement 

Grants(eGrants Budget Section) 

Fixed-Amount Grants refer to Attachment D 

Section I. Program Operating Costs 

Complete Section I, Program Operating Costs, of the Budget Worksheet by entering the “Total Amount,” “CNCS 

Share,” and “Grantee Share” for Parts A-I, for Year 1 of the grant, as follows: 

A. Personnel Expenses 

Under “Position/Title Description,” list each staff position separately and provide salary and percentage of effort as 

percentage of FTE devoted to this award. Each staff person’s role listed in the budget must be described in the 

application narrative and each staff person mentioned in the narrative must be listed in the budget as either CNCS or 

Grantee share. Because the purpose of this grant is to enable and stimulate volunteer community service, do not 

include the value of direct community service performed by volunteers. However, you may include the value of 

volunteer services contributed to the organization for organizational functions such as accounting, audit work, or 

training of staff and AmeriCorps members. 

B. Personnel Fringe Benefits 

Under “Purpose/Description,” identify the types of fringe benefits to be covered and the costs of benefit(s) for each 

staff position. Allowable fringe benefits typically include FICA, Worker’s Compensation, Retirement, SUTA, 

Health and Life Insurance, IRA, and 401K. You may provide a calculation for total benefits as a percentage of the 

salaries to which they apply or list each benefit as a separate item. If a fringe benefit amount is over 30%, please list 

covered items separately and justify the high cost. Holidays, leave, and other similar vacation benefits are not 

included in the fringe benefit rates, but are absorbed into the personnel expenses (salary) budget line item. 

C. 1. Staff Travel 

Describe the purpose for which program staff will travel. Provide a calculation that includes itemized costs for 

airfare, transportation, lodging, per diem, and other travel-related expenses multiplied by the number of trips/staff. 

Where applicable, identify the current standard reimbursement rate(s) of the organization for mileage, daily per 

diem, and similar supporting information. Reimbursement should not exceed the federal mileage rate unless a result 

of applicant policy and justified in the budget narrative. Only domestic travel is allowable. 

We expect all State Commissions and National Direct applicants to include funds in this line item for travel 

for staff and site staff to attend CNCS-sponsored technical assistance meetings. There are two to three such 

opportunities per year. Travel funds should be budgeted for new staff to attend the Symposium pre-conference 

events (if applicable). 

Please itemize the costs. For example: Two staff members will attend the Annual AmeriCorps Symposium in 

Washington, DC. 

2 staff X $750 airfare + $50 ground transportation + (1 day) X $400 lodging + $35 per diem = $2,470 for Annual 

AmeriCorps Symposium. 

C. 2. Member Travel 

Describe the purpose for which members will travel. Provide a calculation that includes itemized costs for airfare, 

transportation, lodging, per diem, and other related expenses for members to travel outside their service location or 

between sites. Costs associated with local travel, such as bus passes to local sites, mileage reimbursement for use of 

car, etc., should be included in this budget category. Where applicable, identify the current standard reimbursement 

rate(s) of the organization for mileage, daily per diem, and similar supporting information. 

D. Equipment 

Equipment is defined as tangible, non-expendable personal property having a useful life of more than one year AND 

an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit (including accessories, attachments, and modifications). Any items 
21 

that do not meet this definition should be entered in E. Supplies below. Purchases of equipment are limited to 10% 

of the total CNCS funds requested. If applicable, show the unit cost and number of units you are requesting. Provide 

a brief justification for the purchase of the equipment under Item/Purpose. 

E. Supplies 

AmeriCorps members must wear an AmeriCorps logo on a daily basis – preferably clothing with the AmeriCorps 

logo. The item with the AmeriCorps logo is a required budget expense. Please include the cost of the item with the 

AmeriCorps logo in your budget or explain how your program will be providing the item to AmeriCorps members 

without using grant funds. Grantees may add the AmeriCorps logo to their own local program uniform items using 

federal funds. Please note that your program will be using the AmeriCorps logo in the budget description. 

Include the amount of funds to purchase consumable supplies and materials, including member service gear and 

equipment that does not fit the definition above. You must individually list any single item costing $1,000 or more. 

Except for safety equipment, grantees may only charge the cost of member service gear to the federal share if it 

includes the AmeriCorps logo. All safety gear may be charged to the federal share, regardless of whether it includes 

the AmeriCorps logo. All other service gear must be purchased with non-CNCS funds. 

F. Contractual and Consultant Services 

Include costs for consultants related to the project’s operations, except training or evaluation consultants, who will 

be listed in Sections G. and H., below. There is not a maximum daily rate. 

G. 1. Staff Training 

Include the costs associated with training staff on project requirements and training to enhance the skills staff need 

for effective project implementation, i.e., project or financial management, team building, etc. If using a 

consultant(s) for training, indicate the estimated daily rate. There is not a maximum daily rate.

G. 2. Member Training 

Include the costs associated with member training to support them in carrying out their service activities. You may 

also use this section to request funds to support training in Life after AmeriCorps. If using a consultant(s) for 

training, indicate the estimated daily rate. There is not a maximum daily rate.

H. Evaluation 

Include costs for project evaluation activities, including additional staff time or subcontracts, use of evaluation 

consultants, purchase of instrumentation, and other costs specifically for this activity not budgeted in Section A 

Personnel Expenses. This cost does not include the daily/weekly gathering of data to assess progress toward meeting 

performance measures, but is a larger assessment of the impact your project is having on the community, as well as 

an assessment of the overall systems and project design. Indicate daily rates of consultants, where applicable. 

I. Other Program Operating Costs 

Allowable costs in this budget category should include when applicable: 

 Criminal history background checks for all members and for all employees or other individuals who receive a 

salary, education award, living allowance, or stipend or similar payment from the grant (federal or non-federal 

share). Please include $54 plus the cost of the state check for criminal history checks for all covered positions 

plus the cost of the state check . 

 Office space rental for projects operating without an approved indirect cost rate agreement that covers office 

space. If space is budgeted and it is shared with other projects or activities, the costs must be equitably pro-rated 

and allocated between the activities or projects. 

 Utilities, telephone, internet, postage, copying, and similar expenses that are specifically used for AmeriCorps 

members and AmeriCorps project staff, and are not part of the organization’s indirect cost allocation pool. If 

such expenses are budgeted and shared with other projects or activities, the costs must be equitably pro-rated 

and allocated between the activities or projects. 

 Recognition costs for members. List each item and provide a justification in the budget narrative. Gifts and/or 

food in an entertainment/event setting are not allowable costs. 
22 

 Multi-state applicants: Indicate the number of subgrants and the average amount of subgrants. Indicate any 

match that you will require of your subgrants under the “grantee share” column in this category. Subgranted 

funds may only cover costs allowable under federal and AmeriCorps regulations and terms and conditions. 

Section II. Member Costs 

Member Costs are identified as “Living Allowance” and “Member Support Costs.” Your required match can be 

federal, state, local, or private sector funds. 

 

A. Living Allowance

The narrative should clearly identify the number of members you are supporting by category (i.e., full-time, threequarter-time, half-time, reduced-half-time, quarter-time, minimum-time) and the amount of living allowance they 

will receive, allocating appropriate portions between the CNCS share (CNCS Share) and grantee share (match). 

The minimum and maximum living allowance amounts are provided in the Notice. 

In eGrants, enter the total number of members you are requesting in each category. Enter the average amount of the 

living allowance for each type of member. In addition, enter the number of members for whom you are not 

requesting funds for a living allowance, but for whom you are requesting education awards. 

B. Member Support Costs

Consistent with the laws of the states where your members serve, you must provide members with the benefits 

described below. 

 FICA. Unless exempted by the IRS, all projects must pay FICA for any member receiving a living allowance, 

even when CNCS does not supply the living allowance. If exempted, please note in the narrative. In the first 

column next to FICA, indicate the number of members who will receive FICA. Calculate the FICA at 7.65% of 

the total amount of the living allowance. 

 Worker’s Compensation. Some states require worker’s compensation for AmeriCorps members. You must 

check with State Departments of Labor or State Commissions where members serve to determine if you are 

required to pay worker’s compensation and if so at what level. If you are not required to pay worker’s 

compensation, you must obtain Occupational, Accidental, Death and Dismemberment coverage for members to 

cover in-service injury or accidents. 

 Health Care. You must offer or make available health care benefits to full-time members in accordance with 

AmeriCorps requirements. Except as stated below, you may not pay health care benefits to less-than-full-time 

members with CNCS funds. You may choose to provide health care benefits to less-than-full-time members 

from other sources (i.e., non-federal) but the cost cannot be included in the budget. Less-than-full-time 

members who are serving in a full-time capacity for a sustained period of time (such as a full-time summer 

project) are eligible for health care benefits. If you budget health insurance for less-than-full-time members 

serving in a full-time capacity, indicate in the budget narrative. In your budget narrative, indicate the number of 

members who will receive health care benefits. CNCS will not pay for dependent coverage. 

 Unemployment Insurance and Other Member Support Costs. Include any other required member support 

costs here. Some states require unemployment coverage for their AmeriCorps members. You may not charge 

the cost of unemployment insurance taxes to the grant unless mandated by state law. Programs are responsible 

for determining the requirements of state law by consulting State Commissions, legal counsel, or the applicable 

state agencies. 

We expect all applicants to include $54 plus the cost of a state check in the CNCS share for criminal history 

checks each covered position. 

Section III. Administrative/Indirect Costs 

Definitions 

Administrative costs are general or centralized expenses of the overall administration of an organization that 

receives CNCS funds and do not include particular project costs. These costs may include administrative staff 
23 

positions. For organizations that have an established indirect cost rate for federal awards, administrative costs mean 

those costs that are included in the organization’s indirect cost rate agreement. Such costs are generally identified 

with the organization’s overall operation and are further described in Office of Management and Budget Uniform 

Guidance. 

Options for Calculating Administrative/Indirect Costs (choose either A, B, OR C) 

Applicants choose one of three methods to calculate allowable administrative costs – a CNCS-fixed percentage rate 

method, a federally approved indirect cost rate method, or a de minimis method. Regardless of the option chosen, the 

CNCS share of administrative costs is limited to 5% of the total CNCS funds actually expended under this grant. 

Do not create additional lines in this category. 

A. CNCS-Fixed Percentage Method 

Five/Ten Percent Fixed Administrative Costs Option 

The CNCS-fixed percentage rate method allows you to charge administrative costs up to a cap without a federally 

approved indirect cost rate and without documentation supporting the allocation. If you choose the CNCS-fixed 

percentage rate method (Section IIIA in eGrants), you may charge, for administrative costs, a fixed 5% of the total 

of the CNCS funds expended. In order to charge this fixed 5%, the grantee match for administrative costs may not 

exceed 10% of all direct cost expenditures. 

1. To determine the maximum CNCS share for Section III: Multiply the sum of the CNCS funding shares of 

Sections I and II by 0.0526. This is the maximum amount you can request as Corporation share. The factor 0.0526 is 

used to calculate the 5% maximum amount of federal funds that may be budgeted for administrative (indirect) costs, 

rather than 0.0500, as a way to mathematically compensate for determining Section III costs when the total budget 

(Sections I + II + III) is not yet established. Enter this amount as the CNCS share for Section III A. 

2. To determine the Grantee share for Section III: Multiply the total (both CNCS and grantee share) of Sections I 

and II by 10% (0.10) and enter this amount as the grantee share for Section III A. 

3. Enter the sum of the CNCS and grantee shares under Total Amount. 

If a commission elects to retain a share of the 5% of federal funds available to programs for administrative costs up 

to 2%, that decision is identified within each subgrant’s budget. A state commission can take up to 2% in 

administrative funds, provided the commission has less than 25% in prior year unexpended funds on the 

Commission Support Grant. If the commission’s unexpended exceeds 25%, the commission can take up to 1% in 

administrative funds. If the commission elects to retain 1% of the administrative costs, to calculate these fractional 

shares, within Section III of the subgrant budget, one-fifth (20%) of the federal dollars budgeted for 

administrative costs is allocated to the commission’s share and four-fifths (80%) of the federal dollars 

budgeted for administrative costs are allocated to the program’s share. The allocation between commission 

and program shares would be calculated as follows: 

([Section I] + [Section II] x 0.0526) x (0.20) = Commission Share 

([Section I] + [Section II] x 0.0526) x (0.80) = Subgrantee Share 

If a commission elects to retain a share that is less than 1% budgeted for administrative costs, adjust the calculation 

above, as appropriate. 

If the commission elects to retain 2% of the administrative costs, to calculate these fractional shares, within Section 

III of the subgrant budget, two-fifths (40%) of the federal dollars budgeted for administrative costs is allocated 

to the commission’s share and three-fifths (60%) of the federal dollars budgeted for administrative costs are 

allocated to the program’s share. The allocation between commission and program shares would be 

calculated as follows:

([Section I]) + [Section II] x 0.0526) x (0.40) = Commission share 
24 

([Section I] + [Section II] x 0.0526) x (0.60) = Subgrantee Share 

B. Federally Approved Indirect Cost Rate 

If you have a federally approved indirect cost rate, this method must be used and the rate will constitute 

documentation of your administrative costs, not to exceed the 5% maximum federal share payable by CNCS. 

Specify the Cost Type for which your organization has current documentation on file, i.e., Provisional, 

Predetermined, Fixed, or Final indirect cost rate. Supply your approved IDC rate (percentage) and the base upon 

which this rate is calculated (direct salaries, salaries and fringe benefits, etc.). CNCS does not restrict the overall 

indirect cost rate claimed. It is at your discretion whether or not to claim your entire IDC rate to calculate 

administrative costs. If you choose to claim a lower rate, please include this rate in the Rate Claimed field. 

1. Determine the base amount of direct costs to which you will apply the IDC rate, including both the CNCS and 

Grantee shares, as prescribed by your established rate agreement (i.e., based on salaries and benefits, total direct 

costs, or other). Then multiply the appropriate direct costs by the rate being claimed. This will determine the total 

amount of indirect costs allowable under the grant. 

2. To determine the CNCS share: Multiply the sum of the CNCS funding share in Sections I and II by 0.0526. This 

is the maximum amount you can claim as the CNCS share of indirect costs. 

If a commission elects to retain a share of the 5% of federal funds available, please note the percentage or amount in 

the text. There is no separate line item to show this calculation. 

3. To determine the Grantee share: Subtract the amount calculated in step 2 (the CNCS share) from the amount 

calculated in step 1 (the Indirect Cost total). This is the amount the applicant can claim as grantee share for 

administrative costs. 

C. De Minimis Rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs 

Organizations who have never, at any point in time, held a federally negotiated indirect cost rate (except for those 

non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200—States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect 

Cost Proposals, paragraph (d)(1)(B)) and who receive less than $35 million in direct federal funding, may 

indefinitely use a de minimus rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). Additional information regarding 

what is included in MTDC and use of this option can be found at 2 CFR 200.414(f) and 200.68. If this option is 

elected, it must be used consistently across all federal awards. 

Source of Funds 

In the “Source of Funds” field that appears at the end of Budget Section III, enter a brief description of the match. 

Identify each match source separately. Identify if the match is secured or proposed. Include dollar amount, the match 

classification (cash or in-kind), and the source type (Private, State/Local, or Federal) for your entire match. (The 

total amount in the Source of Funds field should match the total amount in the budget narrative exactly.) Define all 

acronyms the first time they are used. The total amount of Source of Match should equal the Grantee Share amount. 

Note: the value of the Segal Education Awards that members earn for their service is not identified in the budget. 

Also, the childcare reimbursements provided to eligible full-time members is not included in the budget. 
ATTACHMENT C: Budget Worksheet (eGrants Budget Section) 

25 

Section I. Program Operating Costs 

A. Personnel Expenses 

Position/Title/Description Qty Annual 

Salary % Time Total 

Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

B. Personnel Fringe Benefits 

Purpose/Description Calculation Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

C.1. Staff Travel 

Purpose Calculation Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

C. 2. Member Travel 

Purpose Calculation Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

D. Equipment 

Item/ Purpose/Justification Qty Unit Cost Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

E. Supplies 

Purpose Calculation Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals
26 

F. Contractual and Consultant Services 

Purpose Calculation Daily 

Rate Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

G.1. Staff Training 

Purpose Calculation Daily 

Rate Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

G.2. Member Training 

Purpose Calculation Daily 

Rate Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

H. Evaluation 

Purpose Calculation Daily 

Rate Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

I. Other Program Operating Costs 

Purpose Calculation Daily 

Rate Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

Subtotal Section I: Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share
Section II. Member Costs 

27 

A. Living Allowance 

Item # 

Mbrs

Allowanc

e Rate

# w/o 

Allowa

nce

Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Full-time (1700 hrs)

Three quarter-time (1200 

hrs)

Half-time (900 hrs)

Reduced Half-time (675 

hrs)

Quarter-time (450 hrs)

Minimum-time (300 hrs)

Totals

B. Member Support Costs 

Purpose Calculation Daily 

Rate Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

 

Subtotal Section II: Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Subtotal Sections I + II:
28 

 

Section III. Administrative/Indirect Costs 

A. Corporation-fixed Percentage Rate 

Purpose Calculation Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Totals

B. Federally Approved Indirect Cost Rate Or De Minimis Rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct 

Costs 

Cost 

Type

Cost 

Basis

Calculation Rate Rate Claimed Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Total Sections I + II + III: Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Budget Total: Validate this budget

Required Match Percentages:

Total Amount CNCS Share Grantee Share

Source of Funds 

Match Description (Note 

whether Secured or 

Proposed)

Amount Match Classification (Cash 

or In Kind)

Match Source (Federal, 

State/Local, Private)
29 

ATTACHMENT D: Detailed Budget Instructions for Fixed Amount Grants (eGrants 

Budget Section)These instructions apply only to applicants for fixed amount grants, including education 

award programs (EAPs). Do not use if you are a Professional Corps applicant. 

EAP and Fixed Amount grant applicants may only request a fixed amount of funding per MSY. Therefore, Fixed 

Amount applicants are not required to complete a detailed budget or complete the grantee share column. However, 

you must complete the source of match chart to identify the sources of the additional revenue you need to operate 

the program. If you are applying for a Stipended fixed amount grant, you must pay at least the minimum living 

allowance listed in the Notice for each type of position you are proposing. 

Budget Section II. AmeriCorps Member Positions 

Member Positions 

Identify the number of members you are requesting by category (i.e. full-time, three quarter-time, half-time, reduced 

half-time, quarter-time, minimum-time) and list under the column labeled #w/o Allow (without CNCS-funded living 

allowance.) Leave all other columns blank. 

The total number of member service years (MSY) will automatically calculate at the bottom of the Member 

Positions chart. The MSY are calculated as follows: 

B. Fixed AwardDisplay your calculation in the following format:

Type the total amount requested in the “Total Amount” and “CNCS Share” columns. Leave the “Grantee Share” 

blank. See example below (applies to a Stipended Fixed Amount grant): 

Purpose Calculation Total 

Amount

CNCS 

Share

Grantee 

Share

Program Grant 

Request

47.5 MSY 

X $9,500/MSY

$451,250 $451,250 $0

Subtotal $451,250 $451,250 $0

For full time fixed awards, indicate member are serving in a full-time capacity (if less than full-time members are 

budgeted) 

Source of Funds 

Match Description (Note 

whether Secured or 

Proposed)

Amount Match Classification 

(Cash or In Kind)

Match Source (Federal, 

State/Local, Private)

Member Positions Calculation MSY

_____Full-time (1700 hours) (______ members x 1.000) = 

_____Three quarter-time (1200 

hours) (______ members x 0.70000000) = 

_____Half-time (900 hours) (______ members x 0.500) =

_____Reduced half-time (675 hours) (______ members x 0.3809524) =

_____Quarter-time (450 hours) (______ members x 0.26455027) =

_____Minimum-time (300 hours) (______ members x 0.21164022) =

Total MSY 

Total # of MSYs ________ x MSY amount (See NOFO for amounts)____ = Total Grant Request $____
30 

ATTACHMENT E: Budget Worksheet for Fixed-Amount Grants (eGrants Budget 

Section) 

Complete the fields for the # w/o Allowance only. 

Member Positions 

Source of Funds 

Match Description (Note 

whether Secured or 

Proposed)

Amount Match Classification 

(Cash or In Kind)

Match Source (Federal, 

State/Local, Private)

Item # 

Mbrs

Allowance 

Rate

# w/o 

Allow

Total 

Amount

CNCS 

Share

Grantee 

Share

Full-time (1700 hrs)

Three quarter-time (1200 

hrs)

Half-time (900 hrs)

Reduced Half-time

(675 hrs)

Quarter-time (450 hrs)

Minimum-time (300 hrs)

Subtotal MSY Cost/MSY

Purpose Calculation Total 

Amount

CNCS Share Grantee 

Share

Program Grant 

Request

Subtotal
ATTACHMENT F: Budget Checklist 

31 

Below is a checklist to help you make certain that you submit an accurate budget narrative that 

meets AmeriCorps requirements. Note: This does not apply to fixed-amount grants. 

In Compliance? Section I. Program Operating Costs

Yes __ No __

Costs charged under the Personnel line item directly relate to the operation of the AmeriCorps 

project? Examples include costs for staff who recruit, train, place, or supervise members as well as 

manage the project.

Yes __ No __

Staff indirectly involved in the management or operation of the applicant organization are funded 

through the administrative cost section (Section III) of the budget? Examples of administrative costs 

include central management and support functions.

Yes __ No __

Staff fundraising expenses are not charged to the grant? You may not charge AmeriCorps staff 

members’ time and related expenses for fundraising to the federal or grantee share of the grant. 

Expenses incurred to raise funds must be paid out of the funds raised. Development officers and 

fundraising staff are not allowable expenses.

Yes __ No __

The types of fringe benefits to be covered and the costs of benefit(s) for each staff position are 

described? Allowable fringe benefits typically include FICA, Worker’s Compensation, Retirement, 

SUTA, Health and Life Insurance, IRA, and 401K. You may provide a calculation for total benefits 

as a percentage of the salaries to which they apply or list each benefit as a separate item. If the 

fringe amount is over 30%, please list separately. 

Yes __ No __ Holidays, leave, and other similar vacation benefits are not included in the fringe benefit rates but 

are absorbed into the personnel expenses (salary) budget line item?

Yes __ No __ The purpose for all staff and member travel is clearly identified?

Yes __ No __ You have budgeted funds for State Commission and National Direct staff travel to CNCS sponsored 

meetings in the budget narrative under Staff Travel?

Yes __ No __ Funds to pay relocation expenses of AmeriCorps members are not in the CNCS share of the budget?

Yes __ No __ Funds for the purchase of equipment (does not include general use office equipment) are limited to 

10% of the total grant amount?

Yes __ No __ All single equipment items over $5000 per unit are specifically listed?

Yes __ No __ Justification/explanation of equipment items is included in the budget narrative?

Yes __ No __ All single supply items over $1000 per unit are specifically listed?

Yes __ No __

Cost of items with the AmeriCorps logo that will be worn daily is included for all AmeriCorps 

members? Or if not, there is an explanation of how the program will be providing the AmeriCorps 

logo item to AmeriCorps members using funds other than CNCS grant funds.

Yes __ No __

You only charged to the federal share of the budget member service gear that includes the 

AmeriCorps logo and noted that the gear will have the AmeriCorps logo, with the exception of 

safety equipment?

Yes __ No __ Does the budget reflect adequate budgeted costs for project evaluation?

Yes __ No __ Have you budgeted $54 plus the cost of the state check in the CNCS share for criminal history

checks of each member and grant-funded staff that are in covered positions per 45 CFR 2522.205?

Yes __ No __ Are all items in the budget narrative itemized and the purpose of the funds justified?

In Compliance? Section II. Member Costs
32 

 Yes __ No __

Are the living allowance amounts correct? Full-time AmeriCorps members must receive at least the 

minimum living allowance.

Note: Programs in existence prior to September 21, 1993 may offer a lower living allowance than 

the minimum. If such a program chooses to offer a living allowance, it is exempt from the minimum 

requirement, but not from the maximum requirement.

Yes __ No __

Living allowances are not paid on an hourly basis? They may be calculated using service hours and 

program length to derive a weekly or biweekly distribution amount. Divide the distribution in equal 

increments that are not based on the specified number of hours served.

Yes __ No __

Is FICA calculated correctly? You must pay FICA for any member receiving a living allowance. 

Unless exempted by the IRS, calculate FICA at 7.65% of the total amount of the living allowance. If 

exempted from paying FICA, is the exemption noted in the budget narrative?

Yes __ No __

Is the Worker’s Compensation calculation correct? Some states require worker’s compensation for 

AmeriCorps members. Check with your local State Department of Labor or State Commission to 

determine whether or not you are required to pay worker’s compensation and at what level (i.e., 

rate). If you are not required to pay worker’s compensation, you will provide similar coverage for 

members’ on-the-job injuries through their own existing coverage or a new policy purchased in 

accordance with normal procedures (i.e., death and dismemberment coverage).

Yes __ No __

Health care is provided for full-time AmeriCorps members only (unless part-time serving in a fulltime capacity)? If your project chooses to provide health care to other half-time members, you may 

not use federal funds to help pay for any portion of the cost. Projects must provide health care 

coverage to all full-time members who do not have adequate health care coverage at the time of 

enrollment or who lose coverage due to participation in the project. In addition, projects must 

provide coverage if a full-time member loses coverage during the term of service through no 

deliberate act of his/her own. 

Yes __ No __ Unemployment insurance is only budgeted if state law requires it?

In Compliance? Section III. Administrative/Indirect Costs

Yes __ No __

Applicant does not have a current federally approved indirect cost rate and has chosen to use the 

CNCS-fixed percentage method and the maximum federal share of administrative costs does not 

exceed 5% of the total federal funds budgeted? To determine the federal administrative share, 

multiply all other budgeted federal funds by .0526.

Yes __ No __ Applicant has chosen to use CNCS fixed percentage method and the maximum grantee share is at 

10% or less of total budgeted funds? 

Yes __ No __ Applicant has a current approved indirect cost rate – The maximum grantee share does not exceed 

the federally approved rate, less the 5% CNCS share? 

Yes __ No __ Applicant has a current approved indirect cost rate-the type of rate, the IDC rate percentage, the 

rate claimed and the base to which the rate is applied has been specified?

Yes __ No __ Applicant is directly applying to CNCS and the approved indirect cost rate agreement has been 

entered into eGrants? 

Yes __ No __ Applicant has never had a federally approved indirect cost rate and is choosing to use a de minimis

rate of 10% of modified total direct costs?

In Compliance? Match

Yes __ No __ Is the overall match being met at the required level, based on the year of funding?

Yes __ No __

For all matching funds, proposed vs secured, the source(s) [private, state, local, and/or federal], the 

type of contribution (cash or in-kind), and the amount of match, are clearly identified in the 

narrative and in the Source of Funds field in eGrants? 

Yes __ No __ The amount of match is for the entire amount in the budget narrative? (The total amount of match 

equals the amount in the budget?)
ATTACHMENT G: Alternative Match Instructions 

33 

Grantees are required to meet an overall matching rate that increases over time. You have the flexibility to meet the 

overall match requirements in any of the three budget areas, as long as the minimum match of 24% for the first three 

years, and the increasing minimums in years thereafter, are maintained. See 45 CFR §§ 2521.35–2521.90 for the 

specific regulations. 

Special Circumstances for an Alternative Match Schedule: Under certain circumstances, applicants may qualify 

to meet alternative matching requirements that increase over the years to 35% instead of 50% as specified in the 

regulations at §2521.60(b). To qualify, you must demonstrate that your program is either located in a rural county or 

in a severely economically distressed community as defined below. 

A. Rural County: In determining whether a program is rural, CNCS will consider the most recent Beale code rating 

published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the county in which the program is located. Any program 

located in a county with a Beale code of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 is eligible to apply for the alternative match requirement. 

See Attachment H for the Table of Beale codes. 

B. Severely Economically Distressed County: In determining whether a program is located in a severely 

economically distressed county, CNCS will consider the following list of county-level characteristics. See 

Attachment H for a list of website addresses where this publicly available information can be found. 

 The county-level per capita income is less than or equal to 75 percent of the national average for all 

counties using the most recent census data or Bureau of Economic Analysis data; 

 The county-level poverty rate is equal to or greater than 125 percent of the national average for all counties 

using the most recent census data; and 

 The county-level unemployment is above the national average for all counties for the previous 12 months 

using the most recently available Bureau of Labor Statistics data. 

 The areas served by the program lack basic infrastructure such as water or electricity. 

C. Program Location: Except when approved otherwise, CNCS will determine the location of your program based 

on the legal applicant’s address. If you believe the legal applicant’s address is not the appropriate way to consider 

the location of your program, you must provide relevant facts about your program location in your request. CNCS 

will, in its sole discretion, determine whether some other address is more appropriate for determining a program’s 

location. 

If your program is located in one of these areas, see the instructions below for applying for this alternative match 

schedule. You must submit your request to the alternative schedule per the information contained in the Notice. 

CNCS will review your request and notify you within 30 days if you qualify for the alternative schedule and provide 

instructions for entering your budget into eGrants under the Alternative Match Schedule. 

If approved for the alternative schedules, programs will base their budget in the upcoming application on the 

approved alternative match. The alternative match requirement will be in effect for whatever portion of the threeyear project period remains or if applying as a new grantee, for the upcoming three-year grant cycle. 

D. Instructions for the Alternative Match Schedule: Programs operating in one state must send their requests to 

the State Commission for review and approval. The Commission will then forward the approved request to CNCS 

for consideration. 

Submit mail applications per the NOFO instructions. 
ATTACHMENT H: Beale Codes and County-Level Economic Data for Alternative 

Match Requests 

34 

Rural Community 

Beale codes are published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are used to classify counties as being more 

urban or more rural. Counties are designated on a scale from one to nine according to the following descriptions: 

2003 Beale Codes

Code# Metropolitan 

Type

Description

1 Metropolitan Counties in metro areas of 1 million population or more

2 Metropolitan Counties in metro areas of 250,000 to 1 million

3 Metropolitan Counties in metro areas of fewer than 250,000

4 Non-metro Urban population of 20,000 or more, adjacent to a metropolitan area 

5 Non-metro Urban population of 20,000 or more, not adjacent to a metropolitan area

6 Non-metro Urban population of 2,500 to 19,999, adjacent to a metropolitan area

7 Non-metro Urban population of 2,500 to 19,999, not adjacent to a metropolitan area 

8 Non-metro Completely rural or less than 2,500 urban population, adjacent to a 

metropolitan area

9 Non-metro Completely rural or less than 2,500 urban population, not adjacent to a 

metropolitan area

Any program located in a county with a Beale code of 4,5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 is eligible to apply for the alternative match. 

Severely Economically Distressed Community 

The following table provides the website addresses where the publicly available information on county-level 

economic data including per capita income, poverty rate, and unemployment levels can be found. 

WEBSITE ADDRESS EXPLANATION

http://www.bea.gov/regional/ Bureau of Economic Analysis’ Regional Economic Information 

System (REIS): Provides data on per capita income by county for 

all states except Puerto Rico.

https://factfinder.census.gov/face

s/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml

Census Bureau’s American Fact-finder: Provides census data 

including estimates on poverty, per capita income and unemployment 

by counties, states, and metro areas including Puerto Rico.

www.bls.gov Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Local Area Unemployment Statistics 

(LAUS): Provides data on annual and monthly employment and 

unemployment by counties for all states including Puerto Rico.

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/Ru

ralUrbanContinuumCodes/ 

US Department of Agriculture’s Rural-Urban Continuum 

Codes: Provides urban rural code for all counties in US.
35 

ATTACHMENT I: Assurances and Certifications 

(eGrants Review, Authorize and Submit Section) 

Instructions 

By signing and submitting this application, as the duly authorized representative of the applicant, you certify that the 

applicant will comply with the Assurances and Certifications described below. 

a) Inability to certify 

Your inability to provide the assurances and certifications listed below will not necessarily result in denial of a grant. You 

must submit an explanation of why you cannot do so. We will consider your explanation in determining whether to enter 

into this transaction. However, your failure to furnish an explanation will disqualify your application. 

b) Erroneous certification or assurance 

The assurances and certifications are material representations of fact upon which we rely in determining whether to enter 

into this transaction. If we later determine that you knowingly submitted an erroneous certification or assurance, in addition 

to other remedies available to the federal government, we may terminate this transaction for cause or default. 

c) Notice of error in certification or assurance

You must provide immediate written notice to us if at any time you learn that a certification or assurance was erroneous 

when submitted or has become erroneous because of changed circumstances. 

d) Definitions 

The terms “covered transaction”, “debarred,” “suspended,” “ineligible,” “lower tier covered transaction,” “participant,” 

“person,” “primary covered transaction,” “principal,” “proposal,” and “voluntarily excluded” as used in this clause, have the

meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of the rules implementing Executive Order 12549. An applicant 

shall be considered a “prospective primary participant in a covered transaction” as defined in the rules implementing 

Executive Order 12549. You may contact us for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations. 

ASSURANCES 

 

As the duly authorized representative of the applicant, I certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that the applicant: 

 

 Has the legal authority to apply for federal assistance, and the institutional, managerial, and financial capability 

(including funds sufficient to pay the non-federal share of project costs) to ensure proper planning, management, and 

completion of the project described in this application. 

 Will give the awarding agency, the Comptroller General of the United States, and if appropriate, the state, through any 

authorized representative, access to and the right to examine all records, books, papers, or documents related to the 

award; and will establish a proper accounting system in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards or 

agency directives. 

 Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their position for a purpose that constitutes or presents the 

appearance of personal or organizational conflict of interest, or personal gain. 

 Will initiate and complete the work within the applicable time frame after receipt of approval of the awarding agency. 

 Will comply with the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4728-4763) relating to prescribed standards 

for merit systems for programs funded under one of the nineteen statutes or regulations specified in Appendix A of 

OPM’s Standards for a Merit System of Personnel Administration (5 CFR 900, Subpart F).

 Will comply with all federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. These include but are not limited to: Title VI of the 

Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin; (b) 

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1681-1683, and 1685-1686). which prohibits 

discrimination on the basis of sex; (c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794), 

which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability (d) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 

U.S.C. 6101-6107), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age; (e) The Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act 
36 

of 1972 (P.L. 92-255), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of drug abuse; (f) The Comprehensive 

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-616), as amended, 

relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or alcoholism; (g) sections 523 and 527 of the Public Health 

Service Act of 1912 (42 U.S.C. 290dd-3 and 290ee-3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of alcohol and drug 

abuse patient records; (h) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.), as amended, relating to 

nondiscrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing; (i) any other nondiscrimination provisions in the National 

and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended; and (j) the requirements of any other nondiscrimination statute(s) 

which may apply to the application. 

 Will comply, or has already complied, with the requirements of Titles II and III of the Uniform Relocation Assistance 

and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-646) which provide for fair and equitable treatment of 

persons displaced or whose property is acquired as a result of federal or federally assisted programs. These 

requirements apply to all interests in real property acquired for project purposes regardless of federal participation in 

purchases. 

 Will comply with the provisions of the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. 1501-1508 and 7324-7328) which limit the political 

activities of employees whose principal employment activities are funded in whole or in part with Federal funds. 

 Will comply, as applicable, with the provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C 276a and 276a-77), the Copeland 

Act (40 U.S.C 276c and 18 U.S.C. 874), and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 327-333), 

regarding labor standards for Federally assisted construction sub-agreements. 

 Will comply, if applicable, with flood insurance purchase requirements of Section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster 

Protection Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-234) which requires the recipients in a special flood hazard area to participate in the 

program and to purchase flood insurance if the total cost of insurable construction and acquisition is $10,000 or more. 

 Will comply with environmental standards which may be prescribed pursuant to the following: (a) institution of 

environmental quality control measures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190) and 

Executive Order (EO) 11514; (b) notification of violating facilities pursuant to EO 11738; (c) protection of wetlands 

pursuant to EO 11990; (d) evaluation of flood hazards in floodplains in accordance with EO 11988; (e) assurance of 

project consistency with the approved state management program developed under the Coastal Zone Management Act 

of 1972 (16 U.S.C 1451 et seq.); (f) conformity of federal actions to State (Clean Air) Implementation Plans under 

Section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act of 1955, as amended (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.); (g) protection of underground 

sources of drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended (P.L. 93-523); and (h) protection of 

endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (P.L. 93-205). 

 Will comply with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (16 U.S.C 1271 et seq.) related to protecting components or 

potential components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. 

 Will assist the awarding agency in assuring compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 

1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470), EO 11593 (identification and protection of historic properties), and the 

Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 (16U.S.C. 469a-l et seq.). 

 Will comply with P.L. 93-348 regarding the protection of human subjects involved in research, development, and 

related activities supported by this award of assistance. 

 Will comply with the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (P.L. 89-544, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) 

pertaining to the care, handling, and treatment of warm blooded animals held for research, teaching, or other activities 

supported by this award of assistance. 

 Will comply with the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 4801 et seq.) which prohibits the use 

of lead based paint in construction or rehabilitation of residence structures. 

 Will cause to be performed the required financial and compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act of 

1984, as amended, and 2 CFR Part 200, Chapter II, Subpart F. 

 Will comply with all applicable requirements of all other Federal laws, executive orders, regulations, application 

guidelines, and policies governing this program. 

 Will comply with all rules regarding prohibited activities, including those stated in applicable Notice, grant provisions, 

and program regulations, and will ensure that no assistance made available by CNCS will be used to support any such 

prohibited activities. 

 

 Will comply with the nondiscrimination provisions in the national service laws, which provide that an individual with 

responsibility for the operation of a project or program that receives assistance under the national service laws shall not 
37 

discriminate against a participant in, or member of the staff of, such project or program on the basis of race, color, 

national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, disability, or on the basis of religion. (NOTE: the prohibition on religious 

discrimination does not apply to the employment of any staff member paid with non-CNCS funds or paid with CNCS 

funds but employed with the organization operating the project prior to or on the date the grant was awarded. If your 

organization is a faith-based organization that makes hiring decisions on the basis of religious belief, your organization 

may be entitled, under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, 42 U.S.C. § 2000bb, to receive federal funds and yet 

maintain that hiring practice, even though the national service legislation includes a restriction on religious 

discrimination in employment of staff hired to work on a Corporation-funded project and paid with Corporation grant 

funds. (42 U.S.C. §§ 5057(c) and 12635(c)). For the circumstances under which this may occur, please see the 

document “Effect of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act on Faith-Based Applicants for Grants”: 

http://www.usdoj.gov/archive/fbci/effect-rfra.pdf. 

 Will comply with all other federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination, including any self-evaluation requirements. 

These include but are not limited to: (a)Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352) which prohibits 

discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin; (b) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as 

amended (20 U.S.C. 1681-1683, and 1685-1686). which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex; (c) Section 504 of 

the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicaps 

(d) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6101-6107), which prohibits discrimination on the 

basis of age; (e) The Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-255), as amended, relating to 

nondiscrimination on the basis of drug abuse; (f) The Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, 

Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-616), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of 

alcohol abuse or alcoholism; (g) sections 523 and 527 of the Public Health Service Act of 1912 (42 U.S.C. 290 dd-3 

and 290 ee-3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records; (h) Title VIII of the 

Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination in the sale, rental or 

financing of housing; and (i) the requirements of any other nondiscrimination statute(s) which may apply to the 

application. 

 Will provide, in the design, recruitment, and operation of any AmeriCorps program, for broad-based input from – (1) 

the community served, the municipality and government of the county (if appropriate) in which the community is 

located, and potential participants in the program; and (2) community-based agencies with a demonstrated record of 

experience in providing services and local labor organizations representing employees of service sponsors, if these 

entities exist in the area to be served by the program; 

 Will, prior to the placement of participants, consult with the appropriate local labor organization, if any, representing 

employees in the area who are engaged in the same or similar work as that proposed to be carried out by an 

AmeriCorps program, to ensure compliance with the nondisplacement requirements specified in section 177 of the 

National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA); 

 Will, in the case of an AmeriCorps program that includes or serves children, consult with the parents or legal guardians 

of children in developing and operating the program; 

 Will, before transporting minor children, provide the children’s parents or legal guardians with the reason for the 

transportation and obtain the parent’s or legal guardian’s permission for such transportation, consistent with state law; 

 Will, in the case of an AmeriCorps program that is not funded through a State, consult with and coordinate activities 

with the State Commission for the state in which the program operates. 

 Will ensure that any national service program carried out by the applicant using assistance provided under section 121 

of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and any national service program supported by a grant made by 

the applicant using such assistance will address unmet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs 

through services that provide a direct benefit to the community in which the service is performed; 

 Will comply with the nonduplication and nondisplacement requirements set out in section 177 of the NCSA, and in 

CNCS’s regulations at § 2540.100;

 Will comply with the grievance procedure requirements as set out in section 176(f) of the NCSA and in CNCS’s 

regulations at 45 CFR § 2540.230; 

 Will provide participants in the national service program with the training, skills, and knowledge necessary for the 

projects that participants are called upon to perform, including training on prohibited activities; 
38 

 Will provide support services to participants, such as information regarding G.E.D. attainment and post-service 

employment, and, if appropriate, opportunities for participants to reflect on their service experiences; 

 Will arrange for an independent evaluation of any national service program carried out using assistance provided to the 

applicant under section 121 of the NCSA or, with the approval of CNCS, conduct an internal evaluation of the 

program; 

 Will apply measurable performance goals and evaluation methods, which are to be used as part of such evaluation to 

determine the program’s impact on communities and persons served by the program, on participants who take part in 

the projects, and in other such areas as required by CNCS; 

 Will ensure the provision of a living allowance and other benefits to participants as required by CNCS; 

 Has not violated a Federal criminal statute; 

 If a state applicant, will ensure that the State subgrants will be used to support national service programs selected 

consistent with the requirements of the NCSA; 

 If a state applicant, will seek to ensure an equitable allocation within the State of assistance and approved national 

service positions, taking into consideration such factors as the locations of the programs, population density, and 

economic distress; 

 If a state applicant, will ensure that not less than 60% of the assistance will be used to make grants to support national 

service programs other than those carried out by a State agency, unless CNCS approves otherwise. 
39 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

Certification – Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters 

This certification is required by the government-wide regulations implementing Executive Order 12549, Debarment and 

Suspension, 2 CFR Part 180, Section 180.335, What information must I provide before entering into a covered transaction with a 

Federal agency? 

As the duly authorized representative of the applicant, I certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that neither the 

applicant nor its principals: 

 Is presently excluded or disqualified; 

 Has been convicted within the preceding three years of any of the offenses listed in § 180.800(a) or had a civil 

judgment rendered against it for one of those offenses within that time period; 

 Is presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State, or local) 

with commission or any of the offenses listed in § 180.800(a); or 

 Has had one or more public transactions (Federal, State, or local) terminated within the preceding three years for cause 

or default. 

Certification – Drug Free Workplace

This certification is required by the Corporation’s regulations implementing sections 5150-5160 of the Drug-Free Workplace Act 

of 1988 (P.L. 100-690), 45 CFR Part 2545, Subpart B. The regulations require certification by grantees, prior to award, that they 

will make a good faith effort, on a continuing basis, to maintain a drug-free workplace. The certification set out below is a 

material representation of fact upon which reliance will be placed when the agency determines to award the grant. False 

certification or violation of the certification may be grounds for suspension of payments, suspension or termination of grants, or 

government-wide suspension or debarment (see 45 CFR Part 2542, Subparts G and H). 

As the duly authorized representative of the grantee, I certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that the grantee will 

provide a drug-free workplace by: 

A. Publishing a drug-free workplace statement that: 

a. Notifies employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled 

substance is prohibited in the grantee’s workplace;

b. Specifies the actions that the grantee will take against employees for violating that prohibition; and 

c. Informs employees that, as a condition of employment under any award, each employee will abide by the 

terms of the statement and notify the grantee in writing if the employee is convicted for a violation of a 

criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace within five days of the conviction; 

B. Requiring that a copy of the statement described in paragraph (A) be given to each employee who will be engaged in 

the performance of any Federal award; 

C. Establishing a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about: 

a. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace; 

b. The grantee’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; 

c. Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and 

d. The penalties that the grantee may impose upon them for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace; 

D. Providing us, as well as any other Federal agency on whose award the convicted employee was working, with written 

notification within 10 calendar days of learning that an employee has been convicted of a drug violation in the 

workplace; 

E. Taking one of the following actions within 30 calendar days of learning that an employee has been convicted of a drug 

violation in the workplace: 

a. Taking appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including termination; or 

b. Requiring that the employee participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program 

approved for these purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate 

agency; 
40 

F. Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs (A) 

through (E). 

 

Certification - Lobbying Activities 

As required by 31 U.S.C. 1352, as the duly authorized representative of the applicant, I certify, to the best of my knowledge and 

belief, that: 

 No federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the applicant, to any person for 

influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, an officer of 

Congress in connection with the awarding of any federal contract, the making of any federal loan, the entering into 

of any cooperative agreement, or modification of any federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement; 

 If any funds other than federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or 

attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of 

Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with this federal contract, grant, loan, or 

cooperative agreement, the applicant will submit Standard Form-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in 

accordance with its instructions; 

 The applicant will require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all 

subcontracts at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans and cooperative 

agreements) and that all subrecipients will certify and disclose accordingly. 

Erroneous certification or assurance 

The assurances and certifications are material representations of fact upon which we rely in determining whether to enter into this 

transaction. If we later determine that you knowingly submitted an erroneous certification or assurance, in addition to other 

remedies available to the federal government, we may terminate this transaction for cause or default. 

Notice of error in certification or assurance 

You must provide immediate written notice to us if at any time you learn that a certification or assurance was erroneous when 

submitted or has become erroneous because of changed circumstances. 

Definitions 

The terms “debarment”, “suspension”, “excluded”, “disqualified”, “ineligible”, “participant”, “person”, “principal”, “proposal”, 

and “voluntarily excluded” as used in this document have the meanings set out in 2 CFR Part 180, subpart I, “Definitions.” A 

transaction shall be considered a “covered transaction” if it meets the definition in 2 CFR part 180 subpart B, “Covered 

Transactions.” 

Assurance requirement for subgrant agreements 

You agree by submitting this proposal that if we approve your application you shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier 

covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in 

this covered transaction, unless authorized by us. 

Assurance inclusion in subgrant agreements 

You agree by submitting this proposal that you will obtain an assurance from prospective participants in all lower tier covered 

transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions that the participants are not debarred, suspended, ineligible, 

or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction. 

Assurance of subgrant principals 

You may rely upon an assurance of a prospective participant in a lower-tier covered transaction that is not debarred, suspended, 

ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless you know that the assurance is erroneous. You may 

decide the method and frequency by which you determine the eligibility of your principals. You may, but are not required to, 

check the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs. 

Non-assurance in subgrant agreements 

If you knowingly enter into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily 

excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the federal government, we may 

terminate this transaction for cause or default. 

Prudent person standard 

Nothing contained in the aforementioned may be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in 

good faith the assurances and certifications required. Your knowledge and information is not required to exceed that which is 

normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.
41 

Certification - Grant Review Process (State Commissions Only) 

I certify that in conducting our review process, we have ensured compliance with the National and Community Service Act of 

1990, and all state laws and conflict of interest rules. 

ASSURANCES AND CERTIFICATIONS

ASSURANCE SIGNATURE: NOTE: Sign this form and include in the application. 

SIGNATURE:

By signing this assurances page, you certify that you agree to perform all actions and support all intentions in the Assurances 

section. 

Organization Name:

Program Name: 

 Name and Title of Authorized Representative: 

Signature: 

Date: 

CERTIFICATION SIGNATURE: NOTE: Sign this form and include in the application. 

SIGNATURE:

By signing this certification page, you certify that you agree to perform all actions and support all intentions in the Certification 

sections of this application. The three Certifications are: 

Certification: Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters 

Certification: Drug-Free Workplace 

Certification: Lobbying Activities 

Organization Name:

Program Name: 

Name and Title of Authorized Representative: 

Signature: 

Date: 
 

ATTACHMENT J: eGrants Indirect Cost Rate (IDCR) User Instructions 

42 

eGrants Indirect Cost Rate (IDCR) User Instructions 

A new feature has been introduced to eGrants which allows users to input Indirect Cost Rate information into their 

eGrants account. Grantees who will be claiming indirect costs on CNCS awards are required to enter the following 

indirect cost rates in eGrants: federally negotiated rates, state negotiated rates, and the use of de minimis rate of 10% 

of modified total direct costs (MTDC). Recipients of AmeriCorps State and National awards may only charge 5% 

of their negotiated rate to the federal share of the award, with the remaining balance being charged to match (See 45 

CFR §§ 2521.95 and 2540.110). 

Once a rate is entered and saved in eGrants, it cannot be edited. If users inadvertently enter incorrect 

information, a new entry must be submitted with the correct information. 

Entry for the IDCR screen can be accessed using the following steps: 

1) From the eGrants Home screen, in the lower panel under Managing My Account, click on My Account

2) From the My Account screen, under Edit My Organization Info, click on Add and View Indirect Cost 

Rate
43 

3) From the Add and View Indirect Cost Rate screen, select add a new to add a rate or cancel to back out 

of the screen. 

Field by field instructions can be found by clicking the “?” located next to Indirect Cost Rate or Indirect Cost Rate 

Record. 

If add a new is selected, the screen below will pop up. 
44 

4) Do you have an Indirect Cost Rate to record? Respond Yes or No. If NO is selected, users cannot go 

any further and nothing will be recorded. If Yes is selected, users can continue. 

If your organization will be claiming a current, approved indirect cost rate on any CNCS award, it must be 

reported on this page. The rate information you record will be used in all award negotiation and reviews 

until it is superseded by a new approved rate, or expires. Applicants will have the opportunity to identify, in 

application submissions, if they elect to use a lesser percentage of an approved rate. 

5) Rate Type: If your rate type is not one of the following options, contact your grants officer for guidance: 

 Federally Negotiated – select if your rate has been negotiated by your cognizant federal agency. 

Cognizance is determined by the agency which provides the highest amount of direct federal 

funding; 

 State Negotiated – select if your rate has been negotiated by a state agency or other pass through 

entity; or 

 10% of MTDC – select if your organization qualifies for and elects to use the 10% de minimus 

rate of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). Organizations qualify for this rate if they have 

NEVER had a federally negotiated rate. State entities must also not receive more than $35 million 

in direct federal funding.

Rates must be used consistently across ALL federal awards. 

6) Issuing Agency. Respond by selecting the federal agency that approved your rate, or if the federal agency 

who issued your rate is not listed, select Other, or if your rate is issued by a state agency select Other. 
45 

Identify federal agencies using the drop-down list. If your rate is approved by a federal agency other than 

the ones listed, notify your grants officer. Other federal agencies may be added as needed. 

7) Acceptance Date. Enter a valid date. 

The acceptance date is usually identified where the rate was signed by the issuing state or federal agency. 

 

8) Rate Status. Select one of the following options: Final, Provisional, Predetermined, Fixed, Other, or 

Other – 10%. 

Rates issued by federal agencies will almost always be final or provisional. However, if your organization 

has formally notified a federal or state agency of your eligibility and intent to use the 10-percent of MTDC 

rate, select Other – 10%. If your organization has a predetermined or fixed rate, select those options 

accordingly. If a state rate indicates a term that is not listed here select Other and notify your grants 

officer. Additional rate status options may be added as needed. 

 

9) Effective From. Enter a valid date. 

The effective from date is found on your indirect cost rate document. If using the 10-percent of MTDC rate, 

enter today’s date or the date your organization formally started charging costs under the 10-percent of 

MTDC rate. 

 

10) Effective To. Enter a valid date. 

The effective to date is found on your indirect cost rate document. If your organization has received 

approval to extend your rate, enter the end date of the extension. 

11) No Expiration. Check or leave unchecked. 

If your rate does not have an expiration date, as is the case with the use of the 10 percent of MTDC rate, 

check this box, otherwise, leave unchecked. 

 

12) Extended? Respond Yes or No. 

If the rate “effective to” date has been extended with approval of the federal cognizant agency under 

authority of the 2014 Omni Circular, respond Yes. If it is not an extended rate effective to date, respond 

No. 

 

13) Rate Base. Enter up to 500 characters including spaces. 

Enter the text as found on your indirect cost rate approval document. For rates issued by state agencies, 

enter either the rate base used to determine the indirect cost pool as stated on your indirect cost rate 

approval document or “State Rate N/A.” If you need more than 500 characters, indicate “Summary” and 

record the most important content. 

 

14) Treatment of Fringe Benefits. Enter up to 500 characters including spaces. 

Enter the text as found on your indirect cost rate approval document. For rates issued by state agencies, 

enter either the how fringe benefits were treated in determining the indirect cost rate as stated on your 

indirect cost rate approval document or “State Rate N/A.” If you need more than 500 characters, indicate 

“Summary” and record the most important content.

 

15) Treatment of Paid Absences. Enter up to 500 characters including spaces. 

Enter the text as found on your indirect cost rate approval document. For rates issued by state agencies, 

enter either the how paid absences were treated in determining the indirect cost rate as stated on your 

indirect cost rate approval document or “State Rate N/A.” If you need more than 500 characters, indicate 

“Summary” and record the most important content.
46 

16) When you have completed all of the above entries, click the “save & close” button at the bottom of the 

page. 

 If you would like to cancel your entry, click the “cancel” button and the entry will be cancelled. All 

entry information will be lost and no entry will be shown. 

 Once a rate is saved it cannot be modified. 

 If users inadvertently enter incorrect information, a new entry must be submitted with the correct 

information. 

17) Order of Rates - Once an entry is saved, users will be able to see the rates they have entered. Rates will 

display in the order of entry. Entry of rates will provide users and CNCS with a historical record which can 

be used to clarify indirect cost rate inquiries for monitoring, consistent record maintenance, and audits. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your assigned grants officer.