FEMA Funding Applications

Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Funds Available Through United Way of South Central Michigan (Jackson County).
Please include the following information in your grant proposal:

• The amount of funding you are requesting. The Jackson County EFSP Board will be administering $70,387 for Phase 41.
• The specific number of people you expect to serve.
• An overview of the services that funding will provide (Note: The local funding board is prioritizing food and shelter, but the board will consider proposals for any allowable spending categories).
• Detailed budget of how funds will be spent.
• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
• Special consideration will be given to applications that serve the elderly, families with children, homeless individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and veterans.
• Applications should be concise.

To be eligible for funding, the organization must meet the following criteria and/or abide by the following guidelines:

• Nonprofit, faith-based, and governmental organizations that provide food, shelter, and supportive services within the intent of the program.
• Practice nondiscrimination
• Have a voluntary board if private, not-for-profit; and,
• To the extent practicable, involve homeless individuals and families, through employment, volunteer programs, etc., in providing emergency food and shelter services
• Must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)- https://sam.gov
• Must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)- http://www.irs.gov
• Maintain a checking account in the organization’s name for EFSP deposits
• Pay vendors directly within 90 days for services provided
• Have a valid email address for program communication and electronic signature processes
• Submit required reports
• Any agency that is awarded funds that participated in the EFSP in the past and has outstanding compliance exceptions must resolve them prior to the release of funds.
• 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 the list below. (Please refer to the FEMA Manual for more information on all allowable activities. The local board contact will also email the Responsibilities and Requirements Manual once it has been updated by EFSP staff. These documents can be found on the EFSP website.
  • FOOD SERVICES
    • Congregate Meals ($3 Per Meal Allowance)
    • Food Purchases
    • Home Delivery Meals (e.g., Meals on Wheels)
  • SHELTER SERVICES
    • Mass Shelters (e.g., local shelter facilities) $12.50 Per Diem Meal Allowance
    • Hotel/Motel (up to 90 days per phase)
    • Rent/Mortgage (up to 3 months or 90 days per phase)
  • SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT PURCHASES
    • Cleaning Supplies For Shelters, Feeding Sites
    • Small Equipment Purchases Up To $300 Per Item (e.g., microwave)
    • Personal Protective Equipment
  • UTILITY SERVICES FOR CLIENTS
    • (gas, electric, water), up to 3 months or 90 days per phase
  • ADMINISTRATIVE ALLOWANCE
    • 2% of Jurisdiction’s Award
    • Local Board Determines Use

Detailed expenditure tracking is required for any organization who receives these funds and will be addressed in the EFSP National Board Program Responsibilities and Requirements Manual.

Instructions to Submit Application:
Completed applications should be emailed to Eboné Young, Senior Community Impact Associate at United Way of South Central Michigan, at e.young@uwscmi.org by April 23, 2024 at 5:00 p.m., to be considered for funding. For any questions, email Eboné Young or call 517-796-5132.