First State Community Action Agency, Inc. (First State) in partnership with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services/Division of State Service Centers announces the availability of grant funds in the State of Delaware. A request for proposal (RFP) for the 2009 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) fund is being released on May 11, 2009 to interested applicants in all counties in Delaware. This grant will provide one time funding for the period July 15, 2009 through September 30, 2010.

Eligibility: Grantees under the CSBG Recovery Act funds are limited to private, nonprofit entities that provide services in New Castle, Kent or Sussex County, Delaware

CSBG Recovery Act Goals:

1. Reduction of poverty serving individuals and/or families at or below 200% of poverty guidelines
2. Empowerment of low-income individuals and/or families to become self-sufficient
3. Revitalization of low-income communities

Deadline for Applications: June 12, 2009

For more information please contact First State Community Action at 302-856-7761.

The SCF will select 34 programs from all applicants nationwide, up to $1 million each per program. The fund is a “nonprofit capacity building program” designed to help strengthen the management and operations of nonprofit organizations. The fund does not seek to help organizations provide services. Instead, the purpose is to expand the capabilities of the staff, board of directors and volunteers. Specifically, the SCF will help non-profits with organizational issues like board governance and management; program implementation and evaluation; and there is a particular focus on disseminating information to the community about available government benefits.

The grant allows multiple organizations to partner together, with one lead organization applying for funds. The lead organization will be a funding intermediary or pass-through and can be a state or local government or a large nonprofit. The lead organization will, in turn, distribute the majority of the grant funds to smaller non-profits—especially those targeted at vulnerable populations—to build their own capacities.

Lead organizations will assist nonprofit organizations working in distressed communities with capacity building activities that support economic recovery. Specifically, lead organizations will assist grassroots organizations working in distressed communities with capacity building activities in five critical areas:

1. Organizational Development,
2. Program Development
3. Collaboration and Community Engagement,
4. Leadership Development, and
5. Evaluation of Effectiveness.

Capacity building activities are designed to increase an organization's sustainability and effectiveness, enhance its ability to provide social services, and create collaborations to better serve those in need.

Eligible Applicants for the Strengthening Community Fund:

• City or township governments
• County governments
• For-profit organizations (other than small businesses)
• Indian/Native American Tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Indian/Native American Tribal governments (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status (other than institutions of higher education)
• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS status (other than institutions of higher education)
• Private institutions of higher education
• Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education
• Small businesses
• Special district governments
• State Governments

Deadline for Applications: July 7, 2009

Foreign entities are not eligible under this announcement.

Faith-based and community organizations are eligible to apply.

For more information on the Strengthening Community Fund, go to the US Department of Health and Social Services website, or contact Raina Allen, Director of Community Engagement and Programs in Lt. Governor Denn’s office at raina.allen@state.de.us or 302-577-8494.

The stimulus bill is making new funds available to Delaware’s First State Community Loan Fund, which is Delaware’s primary Community Development Financial Institution. The First State Community Loan Fund’s goal is to use proven business strategies in a new and innovative way, providing low-interest loans and business advice to community-based organizations and entrepreneurs in low-income communities.

The First State Community Loan Fund offers loans to organizations—including many non-profits—that might not otherwise qualify for credit from traditional banks. The new stimulus funds will allow the First State Community Loan Fund to expand its lending to new organizations.

For more information please contact First State Community Loan Fund at 302-652-6774.