Human Service Funding through the American Rescue Plan

Applications were due Friday, September 24, 2021. Please email the Department of Equity and Inclusion at equity@raleighc.gov about additional funding opportunities. 

The City of Raleigh’s Department of Equity and Inclusion, in conjunction with the Raleigh Human Relations Commission, desires to engage qualified non-profit agencies that are tax-exempt (under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code) to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and address its economic effects. The City has received federal American Rescue Plan funding to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative economic impacts. 

Notice is hereby given that human service funds ($1 million) are available through the City of Raleigh’s Department of Equity and Inclusion and Human Relations Commission to provide support to non-profit agencies assisting disproportionately impacted communities through the American Rescue Plan Act, specifically Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF). Specifically, these funds will be used to address equitable outcomes and provide direct services to low-income Raleigh residents who identify with one of the targeted groups: elderly, youth, individuals with disability (physical or mental), individuals who use substances, and people who are experiencing homelessness.  

General Eligibility Requirements

The following criteria are minimum qualifications for an application to be considered. All funding recommendations will be based on available funds. 

• Not-for-Profit & 501c3 Status: Human services grant funds may be awarded only to not-for-profit organizations with 501c3 status, that have federal and state tax-exempt status. To ensure tax-exempt status, the organization’s IRS Form 990 from the most recently completed fiscal year will be reviewed. 
• Population Served: Proposed programs and projects must benefit low-income persons and households residing in Raleigh. Applicants should also have a documented history of directly serving Raleigh residents. 
• Agency Experience: Qualified applicants must have at least one year of recent experience in the delivery of services to the specified target group(s) and demonstrate sensitivity to the special needs of their clientele. 
• One Year Program Service Delivery: Only projects or programs that have been established and providing services for at least one year will be considered.
• Financial Review: Qualified applicants must present proof of an externally conducted audit that occurred within the last two years. 
• Agencies must be specific about the requested amount and provide detailed information concerning the use(s) of awarded funds. An applicant may only request an amount greater than or equal to $25,000. The Department of Equity and Inclusion will award grants to agencies on a case-by-case basis as funding allows. 

Eligible Uses of Funds

The following are eligible uses of grant funds for reimbursement:

• Materials and supplies costs, including costs of computing devices:  The costs incurred for materials and supplies necessary to directly serve/carry out the Federal award are allowable. Materials and supplies used for the performance of a Federal award may be charged as direct costs. These costs should directly connect to a designated program that serves a target population (youth, elderly, people experiencing homelessness, disability, substance user). 
• Training and education costs: The costs of training and education provided for employee development is allowable so long as this cost is directly connected to a designated program that serves a target population (youth, elderly, people experiencing homelessness, disability, substance user). 
• Publication and printing costs: Publication costs for electronic and print media, including distribution, promotion, and general handling are allowable so long as this cost is directly connected to a designated program that serves a target population (youth, elderly, people experiencing homelessness, disability, substance user). 
• Memberships, subscriptions, and professional activity costs: The costs of membership in business, technical, and professional organizations are allowable so long as this cost is directly connected to a designated program that serves a target population (youth, elderly, people experiencing homelessness, disability, substance user).
• Compensation and fringe benefits costs: Compensation and remuneration for service of employees rendered during the period of performance under the Federal award, including wages and salaries, are allowable so long as this cost is directly connected to a designated program that serves a target population (youth, elderly, people experiencing homelessness, disability, substance user). Compensation may also include fringe benefits. 

Application Process 

Based on recommendations by the Raleigh Human Relations Commission, the City of Raleigh awards Human Services Agency Funding. Inability to meet the requirements and include the documentation described in the Human Service NOFA may result in the disqualification of your application.

Submission Procedure

Agencies whose current organization mission falls within the parameters outlined in the Human Service NOFA are strongly encouraged to evaluate their programs to see how they can best increase their current capacity and/or initiate new programs to work with the City in responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Strategic alliances and partnerships with other entities are acceptable and encouraged. Agencies currently funded by the City seeking additional funds are also encouraged to respond. Please submit all letters of interest and proposals to humanrelations@raleighnc.gov  with ESG-CV2 in the subject line.

• Click here to view the NOFA - Human Services

Timeline

The anticipated grant cycle will follow the below sequence: 

Questions or comments regarding this notice should be directed to HumanRelations@raleighnc.gov or 919-996-5740.