1. At what point in the grant submission process will we need to have proof of matching funds? We are prepared to go to partner organizations right away but for some, their process takes some time.
For the initial submission (closing date April 17) you would only need to provide an overview of the project including potential external funding sources. If your proposal is selected to move onto Phase Two, then you would need to provide proof of matching funds.
2. We would really like our proposal to be around health care as an economic issue. At first glance, does this issue appear like one the Economy Response Grant would fund? We have tons of data to support our position, but want to get an early read from you.
Health care is most definitely an economic issue and in fact is listed as one of the alternatives in the Scope section of the RFP (i.e. access to health care).
3. What sources of funding can be included as external funding sources?
External sources of funding may include foundation support, underwriting, and/or major gifts.
4. Is local or national programming preferred?
The grant proposal must include local programming that connects the local community to economic crisis resources through a network of community partners that raise awareness of specific implications.
5. We have an on-going initiative that taps individuals and organizations in the local community for expertise and insight into issues related to the economic crises, leading to online stories, on-air features, etc. Would this grant program consider funding part of this ongoing initiative?
If your proposal presents a specific and quantifiable project (or part of an ongoing project) that meets the grant requirements, including external matching funding, it will be considered.
6. In the eligibility requirements for the Emergency Response Grant, eligibility is stated as “CPB-qualified public radio.” Is this the same as CPB certification?
CPB certification essentially means that a station is in compliance with CSG requirements. If the station receives a CSG grant, and is in good standing with CPB, it is qualified.
7. Does the applicant station need to be on the air at the time of submitting the application or at the time that the grant project would be implemented?
Yes, the station has to be an operating entity and on the air.
8. Can in-kind contributions from community partners to our proposed project be used toward the required match?
You may include in-kind contributions from community partners, however other sources of external funding will be given more weight during the evaluation process.
9. Are we required to incorporate “My Source” strategies/elements into the proposed project?
Yes, you are required to incorporate “My Source”. See Scope section on page 3 of the RFP. “The project should also incorporate the framework developed by CPB’s Public Awareness Initiative, My Source…”.
10. We intend to submit a proposal for the Economy Response Grant which will involve partnering with our local cable franchise. The local cable franchise would be contributing several hours of programming air time and ad time as well as on-air promotion for the project. Would this meet the requirements for a match?
Partnering with your local cable franchise would be acceptable as an external funding source. You would have to quantify in as much detail as possible the amount of their contribution (i.e. on air time, promotion, etc.). You will have to ensure that contributions (i.e. cash, in-kind) from the cable franchise and/or other external sources amount to at least half the project cost.
11. We are thinking about a program that addresses the high cost of living (i.e. rent, electricity, health insurance, food, etc.), and identifies ways to help the local community deal with specific aspects of the problem (i.e. affordable housing, energy conservation, affordable health insurance alternatives, food buying, cooking, and storage techniques, etc.). Do you think this grant is a right fit for this type of programming in response to our community's needs?
It sounds like a great initiative, and definitely one in line with the objectives of this grant program. I would suggest you find relevant indicators that can substantiate your proposal (i.e. cost of living index, unemployment, potential savings of implementing efficient buying methods, food processing techniques, cooking tips, freezing and food storage information, gardening, etc.).