The United Way of Lancaster County is accepting applications for its Emergency Food and Shelter Program to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental.
Donor Name: United Way of Lancaster County
State: Pennsylvania
County: Lancaster County (PA)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 01/08/2024
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Grant funds are used to supplement meals, shelters, rent/mortgage, and utility assistance for existing food and shelter services. This allocation is made available through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The regional allocation process is overseen by a National Board chaired by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Salvation Army, and United Way Worldwide.
The Lancaster County EFSP Local Board is a co-lead team of the United Way of Lancaster County and the Lancaster County Office for the Homelessness Coalition. The local board is comprised of representatives from local social service organizations, government entities, and community members is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any other additional funds made available under this phase of the program.
Funding Information
- The FY 2023 $130 million in annual funding is Phase 41 of the program and not the supplemental humanitarian relief funding.
- To facilitate a diverse array of programs providing services to Lancaster area residents county-wide, they anticipate that final award amounts will range from no less than $7,500.00 to no more than $30,000.00.
- January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Eligible Programs
- Served Meals
- Basic, nutritional, hot, or cold prepared meals that are served by the LRO or delivered to clients. Food costs for meals served in a shelter should be included here. The per meal rate of $3.00 may be used for agencies serving congregate meals. Ineligible: Any items not related to the serving of food, pet foods and products, excessive snacks and sweets, and purchases for staff or holiday events/functions. Note: Operational costs such as rent/mortgage, utilities, and staff salaries are included in the per meal allowance.
- Other Food
- This category includes food vouchers for food orders, food boxes, or food purchased by food banks and food pantries. Ineligible: Paper and cleaning products, vitamins, tobacco, alcohol, excessive snacks and sweets, and purchases for staff or holiday events/functions.
- Mass Shelter
- For providing shelter within their own facility. Food served in a shelter is not included here. LROs may use a per diem rate of $12.50 per bed night for housing individuals and families. Note: Operational costs such as rent/mortgage, utilities, and staff salaries are included in the per diem allowance.
- Rent/Mortgage
- To provide clients with rent/mortgage assistance, up to 90 days, per client/family to assist in maintaining their existing housing. Ineligible: Deposits, late and/or legal fees, taxes, insurance, escrow accounts, and first month of a new mortgage.
- Utilities – Metered Utilities – Non-Metered
- For providing clients with utility assistance, up to 90 days, per client/family/per utility to prevent disconnection of service. Ineligible: Deposits, cable, or satellite TV bills; phone bills, internet service, late fees, and payment on closed accounts.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funds, applicants must at a minimum meet the following criteria outlined below:
- 501(c)3, non-profit agency with a voluntary board or units of government in good standing to receive Federal funds that provide food and/or shelter to homeless and low-income people within Lancaster County.
- Demonstrate the capacity to and are already providing services under each category to which they are applying.
- Not charging fees to clients for the provision of EFSP-funded services.
- Practice non-discrimination and not require religious participation in EFSP-funded services.
- Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number and capacity to receive Electronic Funds from the National Board.
- Demonstrate other available funding resources to be utilized in conjunction with any EFSP award.
For more information, visit United Way of Lancaster County.
