Instructions for Electronic Submission

• To apply electronically, applicants must find the Funding Opportunity Announcement on the Grants.gov website at http://www.grants.gov and download and complete the application package. Instructions for Registration, Finding and Applying for grant opportunities can be downloaded from Grants.gov: http://www.grants.gov/assets/ApplicantUserGuide.pdf
  
  
• ACF will not accept applications via facsimile or email.
  
  
• Attachments to the application package must be of a compatible file-type. Those file types are defined here: http://www07.grants.gov/help/submit_application_faqs.jsp#13
  
  
• Incorrect registration and authorization to submit on behalf or your organization causes errors in electronic submission of your application. Complete all Grants.gov registration processes listed on the Organization Registration Checklist before preparing your electronic application: http://www.grants.gov/assets/Organization_Steps_Complete_Registration.pdf
  
  
• When submitting an application via Grants.gov, applicants must comply with all due dates and times referenced in Section IV.3.  Submission Dates and Times of the funding opportunity announcement.
  
  
• It is to an applicant's advantage to submit their applications 24 hours in advance of the closing date and time.
  
  
• If any difficulties are encountered in using Grants.gov you may:
• Visit the Submit Application FAQs at Grants.gov at: http://www07.grants.gov/help/submit_application_faqs.jsp
• Contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at: 1-800-518-4726 (Hours of operation: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET), or by email at support@grants.gov, to report the problem and obtain assistance prior to the deadline. Retain your service ticket number for reference with any interaction with the Grants.gov Contact Center.
• After the application is submitted electronically, the applicant will receive the three emails below. If these emails are not received, contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726.

1. An automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov of the application's submission that will provide a Grants.gov tracking number. (The date-time stamp for this email serves as the official record of your application submission.)
2. An acknowledgement from Grants.gov that the submitted application package has passed or failed a series of checks and validations.
3. An acknowledgement from ACF that the application has been retrieved and received by ACF.

• ACF may request that the applicant provide original signatures on forms at a later date.
  
  
• The electronic application must still comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement.
  
  
• Applicants that must demonstrate proof of non-profit status may submit proof at the time of application by attaching the documentation to the electronic application, if they wish to do so.   Proof of non-profit status, and any other required documentation, may be scanned and attached as an "Other Attachment."  Assurances, certifications, and/or proof of non-profit status that are not submitted electronically at the time of application, are required to be submitted to ACF by the time of award and in hard copy.
  
  
• It is strongly recommended that the applicant retain a printed hard copy of the application.
  
  
• The Grants.gov website complies with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.   Grants.gov webpages are designed to work with assistive technologies such as screen readers.   If an applicant uses assistive technology and is unable to access any material on the site, contact the Grants.gov Contact Center at support@grants.gov for assistance.