Section 4 Capacity Building Grants
Frequently Asked Questions – 2017 Request for Letters of Interest
GENERAL & SUBMISSION PROCESS
What is the definition of Communities of Opportunity?
A: Communities of Opportunity is defined as a comprehensive, holistic approach to community
development where people have access to education, job opportunities, public transit, health care and
other services and resources.
Will Enterprise offer an overview of the LOI to potential applicants under the Section 4 Capacity
Building LOI?
A: Enterprise hosted a web-based applicant question and answer session on May 10, 2017 from 2:00 –
3:30 pm EDT. The recording and the presentation materials are on Enterprise’s website.
Can an applicant propose a specific timeline for the grant period of performance?
A: If your organization is invited to submit a full application, Enterprise will ask applicants to provide a
proposed period of performance (start and end date).
Please note that Grants may not start earlier than 9/1/2017. Enterprise anticipates making awards with
a general duration of 12 to 24 months. The grant period of performance will be determined by the type
of grant award made and at the discretion of Enterprise staff.
Can you clarify for me that there are two Section 4 opportunities due on May 31, 2017 – Capacity
Building and Racial Equity.
A: There is only one Section 4 funding opportunity which is due on May 31, 2017. Racial Equity is part of
the work we’re doing as an organization and it is included as a question on the LOI.
Where can I find the Request for Letters of Interest (LOI) and how do I access it?
A: The LOI was released on Monday May 1, 2017. Please visit
http://www.enterprisecommunity.com/financing-and-development/grants to view and download the
LOI and the LOI application materials.
What needs to be submitted as part of the LOI response?
A: Each applicant must complete the LOI Narrative (Exhibit A) and upload it via the LOI Online
Submission form.
Applicants must first download, complete and save a copy of the LOI Narrative before beginning the LOI
Online submission process. Please note that once the LOI Online Submission form has been accessed,
applicants cannot save their work and exit the system. Only begin the LOI Online Submission process
after the LOI Narrative has been completed.
1
Section 4 Capacity Building Grants
Frequently Asked Questions – 2017 Request for Letters of Interest
What questions will applications be asked on the LOI Online Submission form?
A: To view a list of the questions refer to the LOI Submission Guide under Resources for Applicants and
Grantees on Enterprise’s website.
How will I know if I have submitted my application correctly?
A: Enterprise created a LOI Submission Guide that outlines the process, step-by-step. This is available
to view and download on Enterprise’s website under Resources for Applicants and Grantees.
Which Program Area should I apply under if my proposed project/program crosses multiple Program
Areas?
A: Enterprise cannot advise on this as your organization is in the best position to answer this question
based on the impact that the project may have.
Do applicants need to submit a proposal budget?
A: No, applicants are not required to complete a budget template at the LOI stage, but must describe
how funds would be used in the LOI Narrative and enter an amount requested within the LOI Online
Submission form.
What is the maximum request amount per LOI or project? Where can I find the request amounts and
limits?
A: Enterprise anticipates making awards that range from $25,000 to $100,000. Average award is
expected to be $40,000. Applicants are expected to submit requests based on a realistic estimate of the
costs involved in implementing and operating the proposed project or program.
If I have trouble submitting my application, whom can I contact?
A: Send an email to [email protected] and an Enterprise representative will provide
assistance.
If we have an open grant with Enterprise (from the 2016 funding round) which we are currently
spending down will this affect our eligibility for this round?
A: No, having an open grant will not affect an applicant’s eligibility.
How is the total award divided among the six program areas?
A: The program areas are only used to group similar types of activities. Funding is not divided among
program areas in advance. The final award amounts will be based on the number and quality of Letters
of Interest received.
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY & PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
Can you provide examples of the specific types of activities included in "creative place-making",
"master planning", and "neighborhood revitalization?"
2
Section 4 Capacity Building Grants
Frequently Asked Questions – 2017 Request for Letters of Interest
A: Creative placemaking is the intentional integration of the arts, culture, creativity and design in a
comprehensive community development. An example could be incorporating art and education around
a project like solar panels or community collaborations that raise awareness around a particular
community need. Strategies that help shape the built environment and strengthen a community.
Master planning is the activity and examples of potential grant activities could include sustainable
master planning and design recommendations for affordable housing and other community
developments but master planning is the activity.
Neighborhood revitalization is the same as it could be a variety of community development activities
that a group undertakes to enhance their community. Some examples-affordable housing development,
community and economic development planning, charrettes, and community engagement.
If I apply under the Rural & Native American Program Area, does our organization have to be
headquartered in a rural area?
A: No, your organization does not need to be located in a rural area however, proposed grant activities
must take place in a rural area.
Are architectural and design costs for a proposed project eligible?
A: Yes, architectural and design costs are considered eligible expenses. To view a list of common
examples of eligible expenses, please review the Enterprise Grants Guide or the Full Application & Grant
Award Requirements document online.
If we were to create a newly formed CDC or DHDO would we be eligible for the grants?
A: Any organization, including newly formed organizations, that meets the eligibility criteria described in
Appendix A could apply.
Our organization receives funding from LISC. Are we eligible to apply?
A. You are eligible to apply under this funding opportunity if you meet the eligibility requirements as
listed in Appendix A of the LOI. If you received funds from LISC, who is also a HUD Section 4
intermediary like Enterprise, then you may still apply however you may not request that Enterprise
grant funds support the same costs supported by LISC.
Does Enterprise provide grant funding to individuals?
A: Unfortunately, Enterprise does not provide grant funding to individuals.
Are there threshold requirements?
A: Yes, under the Section 4 LOI there are two Threshold Requirements that must be met in order to
advance LOIs to the review stage:
1. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements as described in Appendix A of the LOI.
2. Program activities must address the needs of households with low income as required under the
Section 4 program (80 % AMI or lower).
3
Section 4 Capacity Building Grants
Frequently Asked Questions – 2017 Request for Letters of Interest
Is my organization still eligible to submit a proposal if we meet only one of the Threshold
Requirements?
A: No, if applicants do not meet all Threshold Requirements the proposal will not be reviewed.
One of the Threshold Requirements states that program activities must address the needs of
households with low income as required under the Section 4 program. What does the definition of
households include? Could a household include not only parents and children, but just one individual
as well?
A: Yes. For the purposes of this grant, program activities must address the needs of low income
households which may be a single person who may be elderly, displaced, disabled, near elderly, or any
other single person; a group of persons residing together or any persons occupying a housing unit.
Under the Section 4 program, low income is defined as 80 % Area Median Income or lower.
Our organization is an umbrella for multiple CHDO entities. Are we eligible to submit on behalf of our
parent entity only, or could individual CHDO entities apply?
A: Yes, individual CHDOs may apply.
Can an LOI request support for capacity building for residents of projects, or is it only for building the
capacity of organizations?
A: Activities must build the capacity of CDCs and CHDOs.
Can a project augment an existing Enterprise funded project? Should we include past successes from
prior Enterprise funding in our LOI even if it does not relate to the new project?
A: Yes, a project could augment an existing Enterprise funded project however. In question #2 on the
LOI Narrative (Exhibit A) you can list past successes and prior housing experience; however, it should be
relevant to the newly proposed project or activity.
If we propose a project for $100,000, is there a chance that Enterprise will negotiate a lower award for
that project rather than not funding it at all?
A: Yes, award amounts may be lower than the amount requested. Grants will be scored against the
established scoring criteria and final awards will be determined by a review panel comprised of
Enterprise staff.
If applicants receive less than the amount proposed, or do not receive an award, they may contact
Enterprise for feedback about their proposal.
Can you tell me if my organization meets the eligibility criteria?
A: Applicants should review the eligibility criteria as described in Appendix A of the Section 4 LOI to
determine if they are eligible to apply and possibly receive funding.
However, if an applicant is still unsure if their organization meets the eligibility criteria, emails may be
sent to the following email [email protected]
4
Section 4 Capacity Building Grants
Frequently Asked Questions – 2017 Request for Letters of Interest
Once an email has been received, Enterprise will review the applicant’s eligibility. If additional
information is needed to determine eligibility, Enterprise may request documents such as articles of
incorporation, bylaws, and confirmation of 501c3 status. Please do not submit any documentation
unless requested by Enterprise.
I represent a consolidation of four CDCs across a region. Each group carries out local activities, and
through the consolidation we are beginning to regionalize certain programs that can be scaled. Could
each CDC apply for these funds separately?
A: Yes, each individual CDC may apply for funds separately, however if the CDCs are coordinating on one
project and seek funding for that project, only one CDC may apply on behalf of the consolidated group
of CDCs.
Our organization received a grant from Enterprise last year and we are still in the process of finding
funding to fully fund the program. Would a grant request to fund a second year of capacity building
for this program be a competitive application?
A: Enterprise cannot advise on this as your organization is in the best position to answer this question
based on the impact that the project may have.
At least one Program Area mentions mixed-income projects. Are activities that serve <80% AMI in
addition to moderate-income groups eligible? Is it more competitive if a proposed grant project serves
only <80% AMI?
A: Activities should address the needs of households with low income as required under the Section 4
program (80% of AMI or lower). In addition to this requirement, projects may also address moderateincome groups. According to the Scoring Criteria, LOIs will be scored on whether the proposed project
presents a significant impact to the needs of families and person with low income and the
community(ies) served.
Does the CDC have to identify the specific homeowner benefiting from any grant in advance of
submitting?
A: No however, you may want to provide some detail about the beneficiaries (i.e. if homeowners are
disabled veterans, seniors, etc.).
GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
Our organization serves geographies in both Northern California and Southern California. Which
market should I apply under?
A: Unfortunately, Enterprise cannot advise you on which market area is the best fit. Both Northern and
Southern California staff will be holding their own webinars to discuss their market-specific priorities. If
you are able to attend both, that may help you determine which market is the best fit for your proposed
project or program. If you can’t attend both, they will be recorded and available as a resource.
Registration details are included in each market’s supplements.
5
Section 4 Capacity Building Grants
Frequently Asked Questions – 2017 Request for Letters of Interest
Can you tell me if northern Vermont and New Hampshire are eligible? Not sure if this is considered
the greater Boston area.
A: On page 12 of the LOI, it states that funding will be prioritized but not limited to the Geographic Areas
listed in the table. This means that our priority will be to support organizations operating in the
geographies listed – Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Gulf Coast, Mid-Atlantic, New York, Northern
California, Ohio, Pacific NW, Rural states, Southeast, and Southern California - but applications from
organizations operating nationwide will also be accepted.
New Hampshire and Vermont would not fall under the Boston Market Area’s geography as that is
defined as Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex and Essex counties only. We would consider New Hampshire or
Vermont as “Other” Market Areas.
On the LOI Online Submission Form, one of the questions that applicants must answer is which Market
Area they are applying under. From the dropdown selection, all Market Areas as listed in the table
starting on page 12 of the LOI are available as a selection including Other. If you decide to submit an
application for an organization operating in New Hampshire or Vermont, you would select “Other” from
the drop down. Screenshot of this particular question is below.
If my project does not fall within a specific Market area, which area do I choose?
A: If your project does not fall within one of the Markets and their specific geographic areas, you would
choose Other under Market Area on the LOI Online Submission Form.
Can organizations that work in the state of California, apply for both a N. California and S. California
LOI?
A: No, organizations may only submit one Letter of Interest in response to the LOI.
6
Section 4 Capacity Building Grants
Frequently Asked Questions – 2017 Request for Letters of Interest
If there are national organizations that have projects in multiple geographic areas, can they only apply
once?
A: Only one LOI is allowed per CDC/CHDO organization. Subsidiaries operating under a national
organization may submit an LOI if the individual subsidiary meets the eligibility requirements as
described in Appendix A of the LOI.
Do you cover geographic areas that are not listed in the LOI?
A: We do, however funding will be prioritized to the specific Geographic Areas listed in the LOI.
What is the definition of a rural area?
A: Areas served must meet the definition of rural as applicable to the Section 4 program. Under the
Section 4 program, a rural area is a statistical geographic entity delineated by the Census Bureau that
does not meet the definition of an urbanized area contained in the Office of Management and Budget’s
2010 Standards for Delineating Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas, 75 FR 37252 (June 28,
2010). That is, a rural area is an area that is NOT a statistical geographic entity delineated by the Census
Bureau, which would consist of densely settled census tracts and blocks and adjacent densely settled
territory that together contain at least 50,000 people. To determine if the area where grant activities
will take place qualifies as rural, enter the zip code or city here to confirm eligibility. Areas shaded pink
are not eligible geographies.
Is there a way to find out the specific reason why a geographic area does not prioritize a Program
Area?
A: Enterprise works with local partners to test and scale new solutions to some of the most pressing
housing and economic problems facing low-income communities. This work is based on a strategic plan
and therefore specific geographic locations that we have prioritized are in alignment with that strategy.
SCORING
While the LOI instructions state that one Program Area should be chosen per LOI, can applicants get
additional points for describing how that project aligns with other program areas?
A: We understand that there may be overlap between program areas in your proposed project.
However, organizations must pick only one program area to apply for and additional points will not be
given based on alignment with other program areas.
Are points awarded to LOI’s depending on the number of units produced?
A: No, points are not awarded based on the number of units produced. Points will be based on the
scoring criteria listed in the LOI.
Are proposals scored against the total group of submissions or just against the other proposals in that
specific program area. Will you try to have an equal amount of awards in each program area?
7
Section 4 Capacity Building Grants
Frequently Asked Questions – 2017 Request for Letters of Interest
A: Applications are based on the Scoring Criteria listed in the LOI. The number and amount of awards in
each program area is not pre-determined and will depend on the number and quality of LOIs submitted
for each program area.
Does how we are addressing race and equity apply to our organization or to our grant project?
A: The LOI Narrative asks how your organization is currently addressing race and equity in a significant
and impactful manner which can apply to both your organization as well as your grant project. It also
asks how the grant (as applicable) will address your organization’s capacity building needs around race
and equity.
Are there tools or resources available to help us address racial equity?
A: On Enterprise’s website, there are 3 tools related to racial equity that applicants may find useful:
• Racial Equity webinar & presentation slides
• Racial Equity Worksheet
• Racial Equity Toolkit
98% of the population we serve are very low and low income African American residents. What would
the racial equity look like for us?
A: The fact that an organization serves a marginalized population is not enough to say that racial equity
is being addressed. If the focus is on low income African Americans, applicants should articulate how
their efforts will reduce the inequities that the population served faces, or the capacity the applicant will
develop to increase the likelihood that they can perform the proposed work to address racial equity.
Applying the Racial Equity toolkit to determine if they are pursuing the best course of action will be
helpful, however describing desired outcomes and how that will be achieved is important.
FULL APPLICATION & GRANT AWARD REQUIREMENTS
Can you clarify the amount of the match grantees will be required to provide? I understand that
Enterprise must match the HUD funds dollar for dollar with private funds. Will a 1:1 match be
required for each grantee?
A: Match is not a request at the LOI phase of the process. If you are invited to submit a full proposal,
and if you receive a grant award, we will request that applicants provide match at a 3:1 level from
private sources. Example: If you receive a $25,000 award we would request that your organization
provide $75,000 in match.
8