Senior Corps Grant Application Instructions

Volume I

RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer 

Program) for

Competitive Applications

Non-Competitive Administrative 

Renewals Continuation Applications

FACSIMILE OF ELECTRONIC FORMS

Form is Authorized for Local Reproduction

CNCS Form 424-NSSC OMB Control No. 3045-0035-Expiration 12/31/2021
This page intentionally left blank
Contents

1 GENERAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS......................................................................................................4

1.1 PURPOSE .......................................................................................................................................4

1.2 Notices of Funding Opportunity and Invitations to Apply ............................................................4

2 REQUIRED SECTIONS OF THE GRANT APPLICATION..................................................................................5

2.1 Facesheet Instructions: eGrants Account Registration, “Applicant,” “Application,” and “Funding 

Demographics” Sections..........................................................................................................................5

2.1.1 Instructions for Starting a New Grant Application for your Organization ...................................5

2.2 Project Narratives Instructions (eGrants “Narratives” Sections)..................................................8

2.2.1 Executive Summary...............................................................................................................9

2.2.2 Strengthening Communities........................................................................................................9

2.2.3 Recruitment and Development of Volunteers....................................................................10

2.2.5 Organizational Capability ....................................................................................................11

2.2.6 Other NOFA Requirements.................................................................................................11

3 PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND WORK PLANS – EGRANTS WORK PLAN SECTION.............................11

3.1 About Plan Requirements...........................................................................................................12

3.2 How to Enter Work Plans............................................................................................................12

4 REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS LIST (EGRANTS “DOCUMENTS” SECTION).............................22

5 BUDGET INSTRUCTIONS (EGRANTS “BUDGET” SECTIONS)......................................................................22

5.1 Volunteer Support Expenses (eGrants “Documents” Section)...................................................23

5.2 Volunteer Expenses (eGrants “Documents” Section).................................................................28

6 VOLUNTEER STATION ROSTER (EGRANTS “VOLUNTEER STATIONS” SECTION)....................................29

APPENDICES http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/senior-corps/managing-senior-corps-grants
1 GENERAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

1.1 PURPOSE

The Senior Corps Grant Application of the Corporation for National and Community Service 

(CNCS) is for use by prospective and existing sponsors of Senior Corps projects under the RSVP 

Program (RSVP), Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) Senior Companion Program (SCP), and 

Senior Demonstration Programs (SDP). The forms in this package conform to CNCS’s web-based 

electronic grants management system, eGrants.

The Senior Corps Grant Application Instructions consist of two volumes:

• Volume I: Used by applicants for RSVP grants. Instructions within the grant 

application indicate which sections are required for

o Competitive Grant Application Submissions

o Non-Competitive Administrative Renewals (only as applicable)

o Continuation Grant Application Submissions (current grantees only, for 

second or third years of a three-year grant)

• Volume II: Used by applicants for Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion grants. 

Instructions within the grant application indicate which sections are required for

o Competitive Grant Application Submissions

o Non-Competitive Administrative Renewals (only as applicable)

o Continuation Grant Application Submissions (current grantees only, for 

second or third years of a three-year grant)

Instructions in this package apply to all RSVP applicants. The instructions address the types of 

information that must be included to fulfill application and grant requirements.

1.2 Notices of Funding Opportunity and Invitations to Apply

For all competitive grant opportunities, please use these Grant Application Instructions in 

conjunction with the appropriate Notice of Funding Opportunity (Notice) and Program 

Regulations (Citations). For all administrative renewals and continuations, please use these 

instructions with the appropriate Invitation to Apply and Program Regulations. The Notices 

and Invitations include deadlines, eligibility requirements, submission requirements, review 

criteria, and other important information. Competitive Notices and Invitations are available 

on the CNCS Funding Opportunities & Resources page of the National Service website. In 

addition, please refer to the RSVP Performance Measures Requirements on the Managing 

Senior Corps Grants page when completing your grant application. Reviewing these 

documents together will provide a thorough understanding of what is required in the grant 

application.
2 REQUIRED SECTIONS OF THE GRANT APPLICATION

First-time Applicants that are applying for a competitive grant or current grantees applying for a non 

competitive administrative renewal grant must complete all sections of the Grant Application:

• Facesheet (Modified Standard Form 424 NSSC)

• Project Narratives

• Performance Measures and Work Plans

• Required Documents

• Budget (NSSC Form 424A)

• Volunteer Station Roster

• Assurances 

• Certifications 

Note: Submission of a grant application does not assure receipt of a grant award.

2.1 Facesheet Instructions: eGrants Account Registration, “Applicant,” “Application,” and 

“Funding Demographics” Sections

Information entered when creating your eGrants account, including the Applicant Info, Application Info, 

Funding/Demographics, and Review and Submit sections will populate the SF 424 Facesheet in the 

eGrants system. The items below coincide to sections of the SF 424 Facesheet.

This section contains information that would have been entered when creating an eGrants account.

2.1.1 Instructions for Starting a New Grant Application for your Organization

1. Click on the “New” link under Creating an Application menu on the bottom left of the screen. 

2. From the dropdown menu, select the program area “Senior Corps.” Click the “Go” button.

3. A list of NOFA options will appear. Select the appropriate NOFA and click the “next” link.
4. Follow the prompts entering all requested information. There are 11 sections that will need to 

be completed.

Note: Fields with a red asterisk (*) are required.

Review and verify that you have selected the correct NOFA. Near the bottom of the screen, click 

on the “create a new project” link to enter information about your project. (Hint: Select a 

unique project name for each application that you submit.)

5. Select the appropriate dropdown project or enter/edit the following project information:

a. The title of the project. RSVP must be included in the title as well as a short description 

of the geographic area. (For example, RSVP of Cabot County).

b. Your organization’s complete address with the 5-digit ZIP code and the 4-digit extension. 

The 4- digit ZIP code extension is required.

c. The name and contact information of the project director or other person to contact on 

matters related to this application. The contact person needs to be the individual who 

can best answer questions about the application.

d. Continuation and Renewal Applicants: Use the view/edit link to review the project 

name and address and update as necessary and confirm that the project name 

associated with this request matches the project name used last year.
6. List all the geographic locations where the service will occur or is occurring. Please designate by 

the county or counties. Please include all counties applicable. For competitive grants, please 

also include the appropriate opportunity number from Appendix A of the Notice (for example: 

NC-03).

7. Fill in the project start and end dates. This is the time period covered by the project, generally 

three years. If other than three years, the Notice or supplemental guidance will indicate the 

project period.

8. In accordance with the Notice this competition is not subject to Executive Order 12372, 

“Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” Please select No, as the appropriate box.

9. Check the appropriate box to indicate whether the applicant is delinquent on any federal debt. 

This question applies to the applicant organization, not the person who signs as the authorized

representative. Categories of debt include delinquent audit allowances, loans, and taxes. If Yes, 

include an explanation.
10. Estimated Funding: Enter the estimated amount requested or to be contributed during this 

performance period on the appropriate line, as shown below. The value of in-kind contributions 

should be included in these amounts, as applicable.

• Total - The applicant's estimate of the total funding amount for the agreement. This 

amount is automatically populated based on budget sections I and II.

• Federal - The total amount of Federal funds being requested in the budget. This amount 

is automatically populated based on budget sections I and II.

• Applicant - The total amount of the applicant share as entered in the budget. This 

amount is automatically populated based on budget sections I and II.

• Local - The amount of the applicant share that is coming from local sources.

• State - The amount of the applicant share that is coming from state sources.

• Other - The amount of the applicant share that is coming from other sources.

• Income - The amount of the applicant share that is coming from income generated by 

programmatic activities.

11. Check the box to indicate whether your organization is funded by CNCS.

12. Enter the total number of unduplicated volunteers. This number should match the number of 

unduplicated volunteers entered in the Work Plans.

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

authorized representative must be using eGrants under their own account to submit the 

application. Please note that this is an electronic signature that results from submitting the grant 

application in the electronic grants management system, eGrants. A copy of the governing 

body’s authorization for this official representative to sign must be on file in the applicant’s 

office.

NOTE: If you are proposing an Amendment to your grant, check the type of revision you are 

submitting. Contact your CNCS Portfolio Manager prior to creating an amendment.

Falsification or concealment of a material fact or submission of false, fictitious or fraudulent 

statements or representations to any department or agency of the United States Government may 

result in a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, or both. 

(18 U.S. Code Section 1001).

2.2 Project Narratives Instructions (eGrants “Narratives” Sections)

The purpose of the program narratives and the accompanying Work Plans (see part 3) is for you to 

provide a project plan with a clear and compelling justification for achieving results with the requested 

funds.

You may not exceed 15 double-spaced pages for the Narratives, including the Executive Summary and 

Facesheet, as the pages print out from eGrants. In the case of competitive grants, reviewers will not 

consider material submitted over the page limit, even if eGrants allows you to enter and submit text 
over the limit. From the Review and Submit page, print out your application prior to final submission to 

ensure it is not over the 15-page limit. This limit does not include the budget and work plans. 

2.2.1 Executive Summary

Please provide a summary of your proposed or ongoing project using the template paragraph below. 

You may include additional information, at your discretion. The Executive Summary must be no longer 

than one page.

“An estimated [fill in the number] RSVP volunteers will serve. Of this number, [fill in number] RSVP 

volunteers will be placed in outcome assignments. Some of their activities will include [fill in a sample of 

no more than six (6) service activities]. The primary focus area of this project is [fill in CNCS Focus Area]. 

At the end of the three-year grant, [fill in the anticipated outcome(s)]. The CNCS federal investment of $ 

[fill in the annual federal grant amount or the requested amount] will be supplemented by $ [fill in the 

anticipated level of non-federal resources].”

NOTE: CNCS will make available these summaries on www.nationalservice.gov in the interest of 

transparency and open government.

Guidelines for Writing Your Narratives 

As you write your grant application narratives, which are found in Part II – Sections B through F of the 

grant application, unless otherwise noted, please focus your descriptions on how you will achieve the 

outcomes anticipated. 

2.2.2 Strengthening Communities

Performance Measures Requirements for RSVP

Your grant application must reflect the Performance Measures Requirements established for the RSVP 

program by CNCS.

Please refer to the RSVP Performance Measures Requirements. These requirements contain definitions, 

descriptions, and other information.

The unit of measure for RSVP performance measures requirements is “Unduplicated RSVP volunteers.” 

“Unduplicated RSVP volunteers” means that each RSVP volunteer is only counted once, even if the 

volunteer is engaged in more than one activity.

The strengthening communities section is addressed in the Work Plan section. Your work plans will be 

reviewed and assessed on the extent to which each Work Plan:

• Describes and demonstrates the community need

• Articulates a theory of change, meaning how the services of the volunteers will address the 

community needs and how the service activity described provides a significant contribution to 

the outcomes of the work plan that lead to national performance measures outcomes.

• Logically connects all elements together, as described in the Notice.

• Work Plan outputs and outcomes align with National Performance Measures Requirements.
• Work Plan outputs and outcomes are achievable, based on resources, program design, and 

volunteers engaged.

For Continuation and Renewal applicants, the most recent required Project Progress Reports and Project 

Progress Report Lites will be reviewed and assessed on the extent to which

• Performance Measure outputs and outcomes were reported in alignment with National 

Performance Measure requirements and data collection plans as stated in approved prior 

application as submitted

• The program is achieving its volunteer recruitment goals in the current grant cycle.

2.2.3 Recruitment and Development of Volunteers

In this section of the narrative, please describe:

• Your plan and infrastructure to ensure RSVP volunteers receive training needed to be 

highly effective means to addressing identified community need(s)

• The demographics of the community served and plans to recruit a volunteer pool 

reflective of the community served. This could possibly include: 

o Individuals from diverse races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, or degrees of 

English language proficiency 

o Veterans and military family members as RSVP volunteers 

o RSVP volunteers with disabilities 

o RSVP volunteers between ages 55 and 70 years old 

• Your plan and infrastructure to retain and recognize the RSVP volunteers

2.2.4 Program Management

In this section, describe specific plans and strategies for overall management of the RSVP project that 

you propose. Please focus your narrative on the following: 

• Your plan and infrastructure to ensure management of volunteer stations in compliance with 

RSVP program regulations, such as preventing or identifying prohibited activities 
• Your plan and infrastructure to develop and/or oversee volunteer stations to ensure that 

volunteers are performing their assigned service activities 

• Your experience and organizational track record in work plans that lead to national performance 

measures outcomes

For Continuation and Renewal applicants, the previous project will be reviewed and assessed on the 

extent to which

• The project has met deadlines

• The program demonstrated a pattern of consistent communication and receptiveness to 

instructions from CNCS over the life of the grant.

2.2.5 Organizational Capability

Briefly describe your organization’s capability to operate the RSVP project that you propose with respect 

to 

• Your plan and infrastructure to provide sound programmatic and fiscal oversight (both financial 

and in-kind) and day-to-day operational support to ensure compliance with RSVP program 

requirements (statutes, regulations, and Uniform Guidance); to ensure accountability, and 

efficient and effective use of available resources.

• Clearly defined paid staff positions, identification of current staff assigned to the project (name, 

title, and brief position description) and how these positions will ensure the accomplishment of 

the program objectives.

• Demonstrates organizational capacity to:

o Develop and implement internal policies and operating procedures to provide 

governance and manage risk, such as accounting, personnel management, and 

purchasing 

2.2.6 Other NOFA Requirements

This section is used, as needed, to address any additional program requirements that appear in the 

published Notice of Funding Opportunity (Notice) or supplemental instructions. Refer to the Notice for 

specifics.

3 PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND WORK PLANS – EGRANTS WORK PLAN 

SECTION 

For RSVP Competitive and Renewal applicants, this section must be completed.

For Continuation Applicants, you MUST UPDATE the continuation grant application to reflect any 

changes from previous submission to ensure that Performance Measures and Work Plans are aligned to 

the proposed activities and outcomes in the upcoming year.
3.1 About Plan Requirements

About Work Plans

Work Plans follow a standard format in eGrants Performance Measures Module.

How are Work Plans completed?

Data that you enter into the eGrants Performance Measures Module (PMM) are the basis for your work 

plans. As you enter data on the community need and select your outcomes, outputs, service activities 

and other information, the eGrants PMM will build your work plans for you.

The RSVP Work Plan Development Worksheets (located in the Appendix of these instructions: 

https://www.nationalservice.gov/documents/2015/2016-rsvp-performance-measures-work-sheet) are 

designed to help you plan your performance measures. These worksheets can help to organize how you 

will fit your performance measures together with the volunteer activities. We recommend that you use 

the worksheets and instructions to map out your work plans, and then use the completed worksheets to 

transfer the information into the eGrants PMM.

3.2How to Enter Work Plans

1. Click to enter the work plan Performance Measure Module.
2. Click Begin to start entering work plans.

3. The Objectives tab displays the options for work plan development. The six CNCS Focus 

Areas are displayed: Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Education, Environmental 

Stewardship, Healthy Futures, and Veterans and Military Families. In addition, Capacity 

Building and Other Community Priorities may also be selected for work plan development.

4. Clicking on each Focus Area will show specific objectives available for that Focus Area. Check 

the boxes next to each objective to create work plans in that particular objective. 
• The objective option for Disaster Services is Disaster Assistance Provided.

• The objective options for Economic Opportunity are Employment, Financial Literacy, 

and Housing.

• The objective options for Education are K-12 Success, School Readiness, and Other 

Education.

• The objective option for Environmental Stewardship is At-Risk Ecosystems.

• The objective options for Healthy Futures are Access to Care, Aging in Place, 

Inclusion of People w. Disabilities, and Obesity and Food.

• The objective option for Veterans and Military Families is Veterans & Families 

Served.

• The objective option for Capacity Building is Capacity Building & Leverage.

• The objective option for Other Community Priorities is Other.

5. When all necessary objectives have been selected, choose a Primary Focus Area from the 

drop down list at the bottom. Only the Focus Areas that are part of the objectives that were

previously selected will show up on this list. Then click Next or the Performance Measures 

tab to move to the Performance Measures tab.
6. The Performance Measure tab allows you to create sets of aligned performance measures 

for all the grant activities you will measure. The work plans you will develop are for the 

objectives that were previously selected. Begin by selecting a Category Title from the drop 

down options.

7. Select an objective for your aligned Performance Measure. The objectives dropdown list will 

generate based on the category title selected.

8. Provide a brief description of the need your project will address in this Performance 

Measure.
9. Select the output you wish to measure in this set of work plans. The output dropdown list 

will generate based on the objective selected.

10. Select the instrument you plan to use to measure the output. The instrument dropdown list 

will generate based on the output selected. Enter an instrument description. Give the name 

of the instrument and briefly describe who will collect the data from whom, and when it will 

be collected.
11. Select the outcome you wish to measure in this set of work plans. The outcome dropdown 

list will generate based on the output selected. If the output does not have corresponding 

outcomes available, outcome options will not be available in the dropdown list. If you do 

not plan to measure outcomes for the output selected, do not select an outcome from the 

dropdown list. Instead, skip ahead to select service activities.

12. Select the instrument you plan to use to measure the outcome. The instrument dropdown 

list will generate based on the outcome selected. Enter an instrument description. Give the

name of the instrument and briefly describe who will collect the data from whom, and when 

it will be collected.

13. Select all the service activities that apply. The service activities that appear are generated 

based on the objective selected. Each service activity selected will create a new work plan. 
Enter a description of the service activity in the corresponding text box. The service activity 

description should explain what the RSVP volunteers are doing in a way that shows how 

they will achieve the outcome or output. Say who the beneficiaries are, and what the 

volunteers will be doing with the beneficiaries. Say how often volunteers will provide the 

service and for how long. Say where the service will take place.

14. Click Complete PM after completing the information for each objective.

As work plans are completed for each objective, the objectives will appear at the top of the screen.

15. After all Work Plans have been completed, click Next or the Target tab to move to the 

Target tab. The Target tab allows Targets to be set for each work plan. First, enter the 

project’s total number of unduplicated volunteers in the volunteer calculator.
16. For every work plan, enter the output target, outcome target (if an outcome was selected), 

number of unduplicated volunteers, number of total volunteers contributing, and number of 

volunteer stations. Targets must be numbers, not percentages.

 

The Volunteer Calculator at the top of the screen will update accordingly to display the 

percentage of volunteers for the Performance Measure requirements. As you enter target 

numbers, click on Review Allocations to update the volunteer calculator. Once all Performance 

Measure requirements are met, the success notice will populate in the volunteer calculator. 
17. Click Next or the Summary tab to move to the Summary tab. This page provides a summary 

of all the information you have entered in the module. To print the entire summary, click 

Print PDF for all Performance Measures.

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

bottom right of the screen.

18. Click Edit Performance Measures to return to the Performance Measure tab.
19. Click Validate Performance Measures to validate the module prior to submitting your 

application.

If all Performance Measures are validated successfully, the following message will appear.

20. Click Back to eGrants Application to return to the rest of the application and exit the 

Performance Measure module.
4 REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS LIST (EGRANTS 

“DOCUMENTS” SECTION)

Please refer to the Notice for list of additional documents the specific submission instructions. Unless 

otherwise noted in the Notice, use eGrants to indicate the status of documents: Already on file at CNCS, 

Not Applicable, Not Sent, Sent

Document Status Definitions

• Sent: means you have sent the document to CNCS

• Not Sent: means you intend to send the document to CNCS, but have not yet done so. If Not 

Sent is selected, the application cannot be submitted in eGrants

• Not Applicable: means the document is not required for this application

• Already on file at CNCS: means the document is already on file at CNCS because it was 

submitted with a previously awarded application

The following documents will need to be submitted with applications:

• Cost share or matching fund verification letters

• Tribal organization eligibility documentation

• Applicant Operational and Financial Management Survey (OFMS)

Note: By signing the application, an official of the grantee organization certifies that any attachment not 

included has not changed from the prior submission that is on file with CNCS.

5 BUDGET INSTRUCTIONS (EGRANTS “BUDGET” SECTIONS)

For competitive applications, please refer to the Notice, which includes the elements of cost 

effectiveness and budget adequacy that will be highlighted during the competition. 

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

and budget narrative report. 
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).

Briefly describe:

• The reasonable cost per volunteer that will be proposed in the work plan section that lead to 

national performance measures requirements; and,

• The plans and infrastructure to secure the non-federal share, including dedicated staff, grant 

proposal processes, and other plans.

General Instructions for SF 424A Budget form Columns 1, 2, 3, and 4

1. In Column 1, enter the total project cost for that line item from all sources.

2. In Column 2, enter the amount of CNCS funding requested for each line item and the total.

3. In Column 3, enter the amount of funds for the item that is expected to be covered by grantee 

funds or funds the grantee expects to receive from other sources, including cash and in-kind 

support.

4. Required Non-Federal Share: Please see table below. In cases of demonstrated need, as 

specified in the respective program regulations, exceptions to these cost-sharing (match?) 

requirements may be allowed.

Required Non-Federal Share

New Applicants that do not currently sponsor an RSVP project: 10% of 

the total project cost in Year 1, 20% in Year 2, and 30% in subsequent 

years

Current RSVP sponsors applying for a competitive grant in their current 

geographic service area: 30% of the total project cost for every year

5. Enter any excess contributions in excess of required non-federal share in optional Column 4, as 

stipulated in Section 224 of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act, as amended.

6. For each Budget Line Item, please:

i. Briefly describe all amounts in Columns 2, 3, and 4.

Please note that you are required to put the total cost in all line items to identify the source of funds as 

appropriate.

5.1 Volunteer Support Expenses (eGrants “Documents” Section)

Source of Matching Funds: Please fill in the sources of non-federal share at the beginning of eGrants 

Sections I and II. 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, or State/Local) 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. 

NOTE: For all line items, please put the total cost in Column 1 and then use Columns 2 – 4 to identify the 

source of funds as appropriate.

Line A. Project Personnel Expenses – List the title of each staff position charged to the project. List all 

positions/titles that are either funded by CNCS, grantee share, or excess resources. Include:

• The position title

• The full-time equivalent (FTE) annual salary. 100% FTE is normally 40 hours/week. Thus, if an 

employee works half time or 20 hours/wk for the project and is paid $10,000 from project 

funds, the FTE annual salary would be $20,000

• The percentage of time the person will work for the project over a 12 month year (for example, 

if the employee works 10 hours per week for the project over 12 months, you would enter 25%)
Line B. Personnel Fringe Benefits - Enter in the appropriate column the cost of fringe benefits to which 

employees are entitled, calculated on the same percentage time indicated under line A for each 

individual. In your Budget Narrative, provide details concerning the benefits provided. (e.g., Retirement 

contributions for all staff working over 60% time, calculated at 5% of total annual salaries of $80,000 =

$4,000).

 

Once you have clicked the ‘edit’ or ‘add a new budget’ link under Personnel Fringe Benefits, you will be 

able to enter a short description of the calculations of the benefits. 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. 
Line C. Local Travel – Enter travel costs on the local lines, as appropriate, on the Budget form. Include 

only travel costs for staff listed under budget line A and who directly support the grant activities 

described in your application. Local travel is travel within the project service area as shown in item 12 of

the Face Sheet. Briefly list the purpose of anticipated local travel and the basis for cost calculations. 

Provide a calculation that includes itemized costs 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. 

Line D. Long Distance Travel – Enter travel costs on the long distance lines, as appropriate, on the 

Budget form. Include only travel costs for staff listed under budget line A and who directly support the

grant activities described in your application. All travel outside the service area is long distance travel. 

For long distance travel, show the purpose for each trip and break out for each the cost of 

transportation, per diem, lodging, and other travel costs 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.

Line E. Equipment - Enter on the Budget form the cost of 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 that do not 

meet this definition should be entered in Supplies. Provide a brief justification for the purchase of the 

equipment under Item/Purpose.

Line F. Supplies – List the types of supplies and their respective costs. Please itemize any single item 

costing $1,000 or more.

Line G. Contractual and Consultant Services - Enter the cost of contracts and consultants as appropriate. 

Itemize each contract or consultant and provide a brief justification of the need for each. Include here all 

services documented in a contract, such as clerical support, training consultants, equipment repair and 

maintenance, or bookkeeping services.

Line H. Other Volunteer Support Costs – Briefly describe all other allowable Volunteer Support Expenses 

not included in categories A through F, such as criminal history background checks, training, evaluation 

services, recruitment expenses, and other items. Criminal history background checks are required for all 

employees or other individuals who receive a salary or similar payment from the grant (CNCS Share or 

Grantee Share). If funds are not budgeted for criminal history checks, an explanation for how the costs 

will be covered must be noted in the budget.
For the Criminal Background check, you will have to click on the ‘edit’ link to add the appropriate costs 

to perform this action.

For any additional Volunteer Support Costs, click on the ‘add a new budget item’ and complete the 

appropriate fields.

Line I. Indirect Costs - Enter indirect charges applicable to volunteer support expenses. Describe the 

type of rate (provisional, predetermined, final or fixed) in effect during the budget period, estimated 

amount of the base to which the indirect rate was applied, and total indirect expense. A copy of the 

current negotiated indirect cost agreement must be in place with the cognizant federal agency.

Indirect costs are an allowable budget item in CNCS grants. IAW 2 CFR §200.414 Indirect (F&A) costs, 

grantees have the option of using an indirect cost rate which has been negotiated with, and approved 

by, their cognizant federal agency; or a non-federal entity, except those receiving more than $35 million 

in direct federal funding, which has never received a federally negotiated indirect cost rate may elect to 

charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. 

Grantees may also charge certain administrative costs directly as outlined in 2 CFR §200.413 Direct 

costs. 

Calculating Indirect Costs 

CNCS allows applicants to include administrative (indirect) costs in budgets. Based on qualifying factors, 

applicants have the option of using a federal or state approved indirect cost rate, a 10% de minimus rate 

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

200.413. 
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 and 

who receive less than $35 million in direct federal funding, may indefinitely use a de minimis rate of 10% 

of modified total direct costs (MTDC). Additional information regarding what is included in the 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. 

Federally Approved Indirect Cost Rate Method 

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

documentation of your administrative costs. 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 indirect cost rate (percentage) and the base upon which this rate is calculated (direct 

salaries, salaries and fringe benefits, etc.). It is at your discretion whether or not to use your entire 

indirect cost rate to calculate administrative costs. If you choose to claim a lower rate, please include 

this rate in the Rate Claimed field. 

As specified in your indirect cost rate agreement, apply your rate against the direct costs in your budget, 

including both the CNCS and Grantee’s shares (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. 

SUBTOTAL BUDGET SECTION I – The subtotal will automatically be populated based on Budget section 

A.

5.2 Volunteer Expenses (eGrants “Documents” Section)

Source of Matching Funds: Please fill in the sources of non-federal share at the beginning of eGrants 

Sections I and II.
Line A. Other Volunteer Costs – Enter line items in the respective categories for the applicable costs and 

reimbursable expenses in columns 1, 2, 3, and 4, as appropriate. Provide a calculation that includes

itemized costs for each line item. RSVP allowable costs and reimbursable expenses include: Volunteer 

Travel, Meals, Volunteer Recognition, and Insurance. Insurance for volunteers when on assignment is 

required. Volunteers may also be reimbursed for costs incurred while performing assignments –

including transportation, equipment, supplies, etc. – provided such costs are described in the 

Memorandum of Understanding negotiated with the volunteer station where the volunteer is assigned 

and there are sufficient funds available to cover these expenses and meet all other requirements of the 

NGA.

SUBTOTAL BUDGET SECTION II – The subtotal will automatically be populated based on Budget section 

B.

TOTAL PROJECT COSTS – The sum of the totals for Sections I and II in each column.

FUNDING PERCENTAGES - Totals will auto-calculate in eGrants.

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. To ensure you have validated the budget, the link will turn green with a check 

mark. 

To complete the budget section, you will be required to provide the applicant share breakdown for the 

application. 

6 VOLUNTEER STATION ROSTER (EGRANTS “VOLUNTEER STATIONS” 

SECTION) 

While completing your continuation or renewal application, you will notice a section: Station Roster. 

Below are the instructions for entering your volunteer station roster.

Review the instructions for entering your volunteer station information. Click on the “add a new” link to 

enter you volunteer station information.

A pop-up screen will appear to enter each volunteer station. Fields with a red asterisk (*) are required 

for completion of each volunteer station.
Enter data for each field. For help, click the help text ( ) to understand the description of what should 

be entered into that specific field. For example, the street address line should be entered as the actual 

physical address location where Senior Corps volunteers will serve. Do not enter post office boxes.

For the Focus Areas and Objectives, you will have to select one Focus Area and Objective at a time. For 

example, I have selected Healthy Futures – Other Healthy Futures. I will need to ‘save & close’ the popup screen in order to add another Focus Area and Objective for this station roster.
Active MOU: check this box to indicate that there is a current signed MOU with this station.

Active: once a volunteer station is created it cannot be deleted. If an organization was entered in error 

or is no longer an active Senior Corps station, uncheck this box.

To enter more than one Focus Area and Objective for a volunteer station, you will have to enter them 

separately. Click on the “view/edit” link to add additional Focus Areas and Objectives.
You will be able to select another Focus Area and Objective for this volunteer station.

NOTE: Please ensure that you enter all of the Focus Areas and Objectives that occur at that particular 

volunteer station.

The recent entries will be included on the Volunteer Stations screen. Repeat steps above until all 

volunteer stations have been completely entered for this grant.

Click on the ‘next’ link once all volunteer stations have been added.

You will notice the next screen you will see the Review screen. Review all information to ensure that you 

have completed all information for this continuation or renewal grant. Click “next” to go to the next 

screen.
Review, Authorize and Submit

On the next screen, the authorizing representative will be able to select the “I Agree” radio button for 

the authorization, assurances, and certifications for this grant application. To submit your continuation 

application, click on the ‘Submit application for grant continuation

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

authorized representative must be using eGrants under their own account in order to submit the 

application.