Response & Recovery Grant Program

The application period for the Response and Recovery Grant Program has closed.  If you have questions regarding a submitted application, please contact the Program Outreach Coordinator via SPARK-RR@finneycounty.org or call (620) 805-6767.

This is sub-program 3 of 3 for PHASE 2 of the SPARK Grant program.

Application Intake Period: September 24, 2020 through October 18, 2020

Funding Allocation Summary: $2,184,933.00
Maximum Award: Up to $100,000 per Entity

QUICK LINKS:

Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)

Contact

*The County reserves the right to make exceptions to the award cap for projects it deems strategic to the County's recovery from COVID-19.


WHAT IS THE RESPONSE AND RECOVERY PROGRAM?

As part of its strategy to leverage local intellectual capital and expertise, Finney County has established the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Program (hereinafter, referred to as the “Program”) designed to give maximum flexibility to local entities to propose recovery initiatives that are right sized for targeted relief of the community served.

Through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), the Program is intended to fund projects that address the most urgent and emerging needs of the County as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and serve to build a better, more resilient community.

Finney County is seeking qualified Applicants to enter into Grant Agreements for the implementation of the Program. Entities eligible to apply are small businesses, private nonprofit organizations and governmental entities. The collaboration of the County with local entities will ensure the Program’s success in its response to and mitigation of the impacts of COVID-19.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?

Interested Applicants should complete and submit all required NOFA exhibits. The application process will follow the schedule shown below. Once applications are submitted, eligible Applicants will be awarded funds based on application scores, subject to funding availability.

If awarded, all grant funding for these short term projects must be incurred by December 30, 2020. Awardees must submit a close-out report by January 30, 2020, that includes source documentation of paid eligible expenses. 


Event

Date

NOFA Documents Availability

09/22/20

Application Due Date

10/18/20

Application Evaluation Period (Expected)

From:

10/19/20

Up To:

10/23/20

Notice of Award (Expected)

10/26/20

Execution of the Grant Agreement (Expected)

10/30/20

Project Completion Deadline

12/30/20

Project Closeout Report Deadline

01/30/21


WHO CAN APPLY TO THE PROGRAM?

This Program is open to small businesses, private nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities who propose projects that respond to or mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligibility Criteria for Small Businesses and Private Nonprofit Organizations:

  • Applicant must be located and registered to operate within Finney County. 

Eligibility Criteria for Governmental Entities: 

  • Any entity recognized as a political subdivision or municipality under the laws of the State of Kansas such as an incorporated city, Unified school district, community college, emergency services district, other special district, joint board, or other entity defined as a political subdivision under the laws of Kansas that maintains the capability to provide mutual aid that is operating in Finney County. 

HOW DO I APPLY?

In order to apply, each applicant should download, complete, and submit the following documents:

  1. Exhibit A: Applicant Information and Qualifications
  2. Exhibit B: Program Proposal
  3. Exhibit C: Proposed Budget
  4. Exhibit D: Non-Conflict of Interest Certification

Documents shall be sent in one single email attachment, via a compressed zip file format, to SPARK-RR@finneycounty.org.

Supporting Documentation is not required but may be submitted Program application.

WHAT ARE ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURES UNDER THIS PROGRAM?

To qualify for this Program, the expenditures must satisfy three general conditions:

  1. Are necessary expenditures Incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19);
  2. Were not accounted for In the budget most recently approved as of March 27, 2020 (the date of enactment of the CARES Act) for the State or government (applies to Local Governmental Entities); and 
  3. Were incurred during the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and December 30, 2020. 

Nonexclusive eligible use of funds for the Program include, but are not limited to:

  • Awardee staff salaries, benefits and supplies that are directly associated with implementing the proposed Program; 
  • Enhancement, installation, and fortification of digital infrastructure to respond to increased needs due to the COVID19 public health emergency;
  • Technical and life skills training, including support services to assist unemployed and/or underemployed workers’ increased needs due to the COVID19 public health emergency;
  • Creation or expansion of childcare services with special considerations to enable compliance with COVID-19 public health precautions; 
  • Emergency Assistance initiatives; and
  • Food Security; including delivery to residents, for example, senior citizens and other vulnerable populations, to enable compliance with COVID-19 public health precautions;
  • Mental Health; human services, and similar employees whose services are substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID19 public health emergency;
  • Housing; Expenses for quarantining individuals and similar for responding to the COVID19 public health emergency;
  • Other measures to respond to or mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

WHICH EXPENDITURES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING?

Nonexclusive ineligible use of funds for the Program include, but are not limited to: 

  • Construction activities;
  • Reimbursement for costs incurred prior to application to the Program;
  • Purchase of equipment not directly tied to Program work;
  • Political or religious activities;
  • Entertainment, including amusement, recreation and social activities; food and alcohol associated with parties or socials, meals, lodging, transportation, and gratuities associated with entertainment; 
  • Pre-award costs, including preparation of the grant proposal;
  • Fundraising activities;
  • Operating costs associated with day-to-day functions of the entity not dedicated to the approved project;
  • Payroll benefits expenses for employees whose work duties are not dedicated to the approved   project; and
  • Expenses not incurred due to the public health emergency COVID-19.

WHO CAN I CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS AND ASSISTANCE ON THIS PROGRAM?

If you have any questions about this program or would like assistance with completing the required application documents, please send an email to SPARK-RR@finneycounty.org or call (620) 805-6767.