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How to Apply for an AFI Grant
December 17, 2012Application Due DatesWe are accepting applications for funding new AFI projects now! All applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov as paper applications are no longer being accepted.
Applicants may submit materials at any time throughout the year. OCS will review and fund new grants in two cycles in calendar year 2013. The application receipt dates are as follows.
2013Spring Cycle -- March 25, 2013 Summer Cycle -- June 7, 2013
Assets for Independence Program Summary
July 5, 2012The Assets for Independence Program Summary includes information regarding the program's grant, including the type of grant, the appropriation amount, the legislative authority, the program's purpose, target population, and eligible applicants.
AFI Legislation
May 30, 2012AFI was established by the Assets for Independence Act (AFI Act) in Title IV of the Community Opportunities, Accountability and Training and Educational Services Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998, P.L. 105-285. It was subsequently amended in December 2000.
Serving People With Disabilities
April 26, 2012AFI grantees and their partner organizations report that some people with disabilities are having trouble accessing and using IDAs. Because they are disproportionately low-income, people with disabilities account for a large share of the AFI target population, but they are underrepresented among IDA participants.
Financial Education
April 26, 2012Financial education is an important part of every AFI project. Many participants say the financial education classes are among the most helpful aspects of AFI projects and saving money in IDAs. With strong financial education curricula, effective trainers, and steady followup with participants, AFI projects can profoundly affect the individuals and families they serve.
Apply for an AFI Grant
May 30, 2012AFI provides five-year grants to nonprofit organizations and government agencies that empower low-income families to become economically self-sufficient for the long-term. Grantees provide financial education training on money management issues, and they assist participants with saving earned income in special matched savings accounts called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). Participants use the IDAs to accumulate funds with the goal of acquiring a first home, post-secondary education, or starting up or expanding a small business. The program is administered by the Federal Office of Community Services, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
AFI Grantee Handbook-Intro to Project Administration
July 12, 20124.1 Introduction to AFI Project AdministrationUse this section of the AFI Handbook for keeping program administration tip sheets, articles, best practice examples, and other guidance issued from the AFI Resource Center and other sources.
This section includes the following pieces, all jam-packed with helpful information and guidance.
Seeking Grant Application Reviewers
May 31, 2012The Office of Community Services is seeking experienced professionals to participate in reviewing grant applications for several programs including Assets for Independence (AFI). The office is particularly eager to identify potential reviewers with experience in administering or studying effective service delivery. While OCS selects fewer than 20 individuals to assist with reviewing applications for AFI grant, opportunities are also available for other OCS grant reviews.
AFI Grantee Handbook-Intro to Grant Management
July 12, 2012This section of the Handbook offers a general explanation of the different roles and responsibilities of AFI Program staff in the Office of Community Services (OCS) and staff of the Office of Grants Management (OGM) who work with AFI grantees. Included as well are guidelines, primary documents, instructions and examples for reporting, and procedures for managing an AFI Project grant.
AFI Project Builder
July 20, 2012The Project Builder serves both those new to IDAs who want to prepare a proposal to request an AFI award and those current AFI project staff who are planning a new request for AFI funding. The Project Builder is a practical, comprehensive reference.
