Standing Announcement for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)/Residential Energy Assistance Challenge Program (REACH)

HHS-2012-ACF-OCS-REACH-0268

Summary

Funding Opportunity Title:

Standing Announcement for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)/Residential Energy Assistance Challenge Program (REACH)

Funding Opportunity Number (FON):  

HHS-2012-ACF-OCS-REACH-0268

Program Office:

Office of Community Services

Funding Type:

Mandatory

Funding Category:

Grant

Announcement Type:

Initial

CFDA#:

93.568

Post Date:

02/21/2012

Application Due Date:

03/30/2012

Description

The purpose of this announcement is to (a) inform LIHEAP grantees that applications are being requested under the REACH Program, and (b) provide a copy of the REACH Model Plan format that may be used to apply for REACH funds each year. 

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issues REACH funds for the purpose of making incentive grants to LIHEAP grantees that submit qualifying REACH plans that are approved by the Secretary as REACH initiatives.  Grantees may use such funds for the costs of planning, implementing, and evaluating the initiative.

The purpose of the REACH program is to--

(1) minimize health and safety risks that result from high energy burdens on low-income Americans;

(2) prevent homelessness as a result of inability to pay energy bills;

(3) increase the efficiency of energy usage by low-income families; and

(4) target energy assistance to individuals who are most in need.

Priority consideration is giving to plans that focus on the home-energy related health and safety of vulnerable households (i.e., households with elderly members, small children and disabled individuals). 

REACH Plans will potentially receive additional REACH funds if they include an approved Energy Efficiency Education Services (EEES) plan that contains home-energy related health and safety components.