04/29/2020
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was appropriated supplemental funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in FY 2020 in the amount of $200 million. Besides the CARES funding to respond to the COVID-19 impact on communities, the program was appropriated $120 million in FY 2019 and $125 million in FY 2020 annual appropriations. The total of these three appropriations awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the National Board for the EFSP is $445 million.
The National Board will allocate all the funding to qualifying jurisdictions (counties and cities) in Calendar Year 2020. Phase 37 (FY 2019 annual funding) and Phase CARES (FY 2020 COVID-19 supplemental funds) jurisdictional allocations are scheduled to be announced on Friday, May 1, 2020. Both these phases will be administered concurrently. Jurisdictional allocations for Phase 38 (FY 2020 annual funding) will be announced at a date to be determined.
The National Board will provide updated guidance and other supportive materials when jurisdictional funding allocations are announced. In the interim, the National Board is sending this notice to 1) advise of the funding opportunities; 2) share the key program dates regarding the funding; and 3) advise Local Boards and agencies interested in applying for funds of the importance of obtaining a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) as soon as possible.
All agencies applying for EFSP funds must provide their DUNS number and FEIN in their applications. Failure to provide these numbers will prevent or delay the release of funds to agencies, if they are awarded by the Local Board. The numbers may be obtained, as follows:
– Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number. DUNS numbers are issued by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) at no cost. Link to Apply for DUNS – https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html
– Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) – FEIN numbers are issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at no cost. Link for FEIN – www.irs.gov
Any nonprofit, faith-based or local government agency that provides food and shelter services may apply for funds in all 3 phases. Current or former EFSP participation is not required for participation. Interested agencies must submit an application to the Local Board in the jurisdiction where they are providing services. Local Board contact information can be found on the EFSP website homepage, www.efsp.unitedway.org, for requesting any technical assistance that may be needed. The information is available by clicking on the FY 2019-2020 Funding Info Tab.
The National Board has prepared a webinar, Overview and Guidance, Phases 37, 38 and CARES, Calendar Year 2020, to provide additional information to Local Boards and interested agencies. The webinar may be accessed from the EFSP website homepage under the FY 2019-2020 Funding Info Tab. Additional information will be added to the website as needed to help participants with questions they may have.
EFSP funds must be used to supplement food and shelter services and may not be used as seed money for new programs. The key responsibility of participating organizations is to provide assistance within the intent of the program. Agencies may receive funds to provide food, shelter and supportive services, including, but not limited to:
– Food services, such as congregate meals or groceries;
– Lodging in a mass shelter, or in a hotel/motel or other off-site shelter facility limited to 30-days assistance per individual or household;
– One month rent or mortgage assistance to prevent eviction or foreclosure;
– Utility assistance for one month of service for gas, electric and water service;
– Supplies, including but not limited to cleaning supplies, and small equipment essential to feed or shelter people, not exceeding $300 per item; and
– Administrative funding, if approved by the Local Board. Administrative funds may be used to offset costs to administer the program, including staff salary. Two percent of a jurisdiction’s award may be used for administrative expenses. Agencies must confirm with the Local Board before making administrative expenditures with the funds.
Below is the anticipated timeline that will be used for the awarding of funds in Calendar Year 2020. Should these dates change, information will be shared as quickly as possible.
Item/Date
Phase 37 (FY19) and Phase CARES Jurisdictional Allocations Made Available – 05/01/2020
Phase 37 and Phase CARES Local Board Plans Due to National Board – 05/29/2020
Payments to Awarded Organizations Projected to Begin – 06/01/2020
Phase CARES State Set-Aside Committee Plans – Due Date Varies
Phase 38 (FY20) Jurisdictional Allocations Made Available – TBD
Phase 38 Local Board Plans due to National Board – TBD
Once the National Board has finalized the guidance materials for the awards, the materials will be shared with Local Boards and local social service organizations via the EFSP website.
For all questions regarding this preliminary notice, please contact the EFSP staff at efsp@uww.unitedway.org or 703.706.9660.