Emmett Louis Till Victims Recovery Program RFP: Q&A
Q: Can an organization that did not submit an LOI submit a proposal?
A: Letters of intent were required for this funding opportunity. Applications will only be accepted for those applicants who submitted a letter of intent by the March 15 deadline.
Q: Would victims of the Dakota War of 1862 qualify? The Henle family lost over 50 people in a massacre that was an attempt at ethnic cleansing. Today attempts to diminish this mass murder affect the descendants of the few survivors.
A: An eligible community-based organization could propose a project that ultimately serves victims of the Dakota War of 1862, but individual victims and survivors are not eligible to apply to this funding opportunity. More information on eligible applicants can be found on page 4 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: I am a family member of whom experienced a hardship due to a few violence episodes. Together we were strong and overcame such obstacles and today I'm told we could qualify for a grant of some sort to help fund finding the structure we'd once go on our day and earn our stay. I'd like to find out more information about this grant myself and my family could stream a new wealth during this hardship.
A: Individuals and families are not eligible to apply to this funding opportunity. More information on eligible applicants can be found on page 4 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: I’m organizing a Mental Health Awareness and Trauma Relief Music Festival? Can the funding go towards this event and our other Mental Health Healing Conference?
A: Events and conferences are eligible activities under this Request for Proposal as long as they meet requirements for eligible projects as described on page 7 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: Does the work under this program need to take place in Minnesota? Can the work take place internationally? We provide mental health services for survivors of trauma and their families overseas. I would appreciate any information you can provide.
A: Yes, applicants must conduct grant activities in the state of Minnesota. More information on eligible applicants can be found on page 4 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: Are there any ineligible expenses?
A: Yes, a list of ineligible expenses can be found on page 7 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: Can funds be used for care (therapy, medical visits)?
A: Yes, therapy and medical visits are eligible activities under this Request for Proposal as long as they meet requirements for eligible projects as described on page 7 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: Are there any word or page limits for the full proposal?
A: There are no word or page limits for the full proposal.
Q: I am a victim of a workplace fatal event. I am traumatized by my experience and seeking treatment.
A: Individuals and families are not eligible to apply to this funding opportunity. More information on eligible applicants can be found on page 4 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: I witnessed a false arrest and have the video of my brother and his wife victimized and falsely accused by police officers. We suffered greatly.
A: Individuals and families are not eligible to apply to this funding opportunity. More information on eligible applicants can be found on page 4 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: I understand that you are accepting applications from “community-based organizations experienced in providing support to victims, families, and their heirs.” We do serve victims who have experienced trauma and historical trauma, but I am wondering what the definition of a “community-based organization” is for this RFP.
A: Eligible applicants must have state or federal recognition as a formal organization or entity, such as a Federal Employer Identification Number or an active registration with the MN Secretary of State. Organizations or groups that do not have state or federal recognition must apply with a fiscal agent. The purpose of the mission of the organization must be to serve a community of people.
Q: What is the total amount my organization can apply? What guidelines are available to direct me to know how much to apply for? Can my project occur in the year 2024 for 3 projects?
A: Organizations submitting proposals as a sole applicant may request $50,000. Organizations submitting collaborative proposals with at least one substantive partner may request up to $100,000. More information on funding is available on page 3 of the Request for Proposals.
Projects must occur during the expect grant period. Grant awards are expected to start on July 1, 2024, and end on June 30, 2025. See page 3 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: Is this something individuals can apply to or is this just the business/facilities only?
A: Individuals and families are not eligible to apply to this funding opportunity. More information on eligible applicants can be found on page 4 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: Our organization provides safe, stable housing to trauma survivors with no means of making an income. Would housing qualify as "community resources and services to promote healing"?
A: No, housing would not qualify as community resources and services to promote healing. More information on eligible projects can be found on page 7 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: How do you define "cultural awareness services"?
A: “Cultural awareness services” include those services that aim to connect a community or individuals to cultural practices, customs, or art.
Q: How do you define "holistic healing services"?
A: "Holistic healing services" include services that approach health and healing with a holistic approach that goes beyond medical care.
Q: Please elaborate on what you mean by "community-based organizations." Would organizations with a national or international reach as well as programs local to Minnesota qualify?
A: Organizations with a national or international reach would be eligible to apply, but applicants must conduct grant activities in the state of Minnesota. More information on eligible applicants can be found on page 4 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: Our organization serves asylum seekers, immigrants who are fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries and seeking humanitarian protection in the United States. Many are survivors of torture, and all of them consider it unsafe to return home. Would this population qualify in your understanding of "victims/survivors of trauma"?
A: Individuals who have experienced torture would qualify as victims/survivors of trauma as described on page 6 in the Request for Proposals.
Q: What is the process for an organization to submit an LOI for this by Friday, March 15?
A: Applicant letters of intent must be sent via email to health.victimrecovery@state.mn.us. Please include subject line, “Emmett Louis Till Victim Recovery LOI.” Within the body of the email or attachment, include the following information: lead organization name, address, lead contact name, lead contact email, lead contact phone number. Nothing else is required to be included except the above subject line and information. Additional information is helpful, but not necessary. More information on letters of intent can be found on page 14 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: Is there someone who could provide guidance to our vision for this application?
A: No one from MDH is available to provide guidance on this application. To ensure the proper and fair evaluation of all applications, MDH is prohibited from discussing this RFP outside of the informational call and this Question and Answer forum.
Q: I understand the grant is for programming costs (not operational), however many programming grants allow for a percentage of administrative costs to the organization. Are we allowed to add a percentage/ administrative fee to our overall program budget? If so, is there a cap such as 20% or 10%?
A: Indirect costs are expenses of doing business that cannot be directly attributed to a specific grant program or budget line item. These costs are often allocated across an entire agency and may include administrative, executive and/or supervisory salaries and fringe, rent, facilities maintenance, insurance premiums, etc. MDH will accept an indirect rate of up to 10 percent of total direct costs.
In contrast, administrative costs are expenses not directly related to delivering grant objectives but necessary to support a particular grant program. These are general expenses that can be attributed and appropriately tracked to specific awards. These items should be included in the grantee budget as direct expenses in the appropriate lines (Salary and Fringe, Contractual Services, Travel, Supplies or Other. They should NOT be included in the Indirect line. For more information, see Attachment E: Budget Summary and Narrative.
Q: Are 1:1 services allowable services?
A: Grant funding will not be awarded to individuals. Direct payments to individuals are not allowed. Organizations that provide 1:1 services to survivors of trauma, and the families and heirs of victims/survivors are eligible applicants. For example, an individual will not be awarded funds to participate in counseling but an organization offering 1:1 counseling to communities impacted by trauma is eligible for funding.
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support communities in healing from trauma. In your narrative, we encourage you to describe how activities will have a community level impact.
Q: Are Black-centered organizations given priority?
A: Grants will be awarded to community-based organizations that can describe experience providing culturally competent and responsive support or services to survivors of trauma, and the families and heirs of victims/survivors. The aim of awarded grantees will include reaching communities that experience disproportionate rates of trauma, including historical trauma, resulting from events such as assault or another violent physical act, intimidation, false accusations, wrongful conviction, a hate crime, the violent death of a family member, or experiences of discrimination or oppression based on the victim's/survivor’s race, ethnicity, or national origin.
Q: What time are letters of intent due? Is there a letter of intent template you would like us to use? Do all collaborative partners have to submit letters? Will we be notified that we are invited to apply after submitting the letter of intent?
A: Letters of intent are due at 4:30 p.m. Central Time on Friday, March 15. There is no template. Applicant letters of intent must be sent via email. Please include subject line, “Emmett Louis Till Victim Recovery LOI.” Within the body of the email or attachment, include the following information: lead organization name, address, lead contact name, lead contact email, lead contact phone number. Nothing else is required to be included except the above subject line and information. Additional information is helpful, but not necessary.
Q: Can applicants apply for less than $50,000? Is $50,000 the minimum or maximum award?
A: Sole applicants must apply for $50,000. Collaborative applicants can apply for $50,000-$100,000.
Q: Is this a one-year grant? What is the activity period when activities would need to take place?
A: Yes, this is a one-year grant. Expected activity period dates are July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025.
Q: What details of past performance would be considered?
A: It is up to the applicant to identify and describe past performance relevant to this funding opportunity.
Q: What percent of the budget must be attributed to evaluation?
A: There is no requirement to include evaluation in your budget.
Q: Can you clarify what is meant by "community resources and services to promote healing"? Are there any services (i.e. housing, case management) that would be excluded?
A: Community resources and services that promote healing may include many individual and community services, but housing is not eligible.
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support communities in healing from trauma. In your narrative, we encourage you to describe how activities will have a community level impact.
Q: Is paying a stipend to program participants for specific activities allowed?
A: No, direct payments to program participants are not allowed.
Q: Must a CBO have an established 501c3?
A: No, community-based organizations are not required to have a 501c3.
Q: When you say that outcomes must include "reaching communities that experience disproportionate rates of trauma" - does this mean we must track the number of participants who have experienced trauma? In other words, what does evaluation for this outcome look like?
A: MDH will provide further information about the format, timeline, and details for reporting to grantees at the beginning of the grant period. Applicants will be required to track and provide stories and numbers to MDH about their project over the course of the grant using the reporting format, timeline, and details decided upon by MDH and the grantee at the start of the grant period. Each grantee will be required to track and report to MDH the following on an ongoing basis:
- Number of individuals, organizations, and/or communities served by the project.
- Type of activities completed.
- Details and stories about the ongoing progress of the project, including accomplishments, successes, learnings, and challenges/barriers.
Q: Can local public health or another governmental entity be a collaborative partner as long as they are not the lead applicant?
A: Local public health and other governmental entities can be partners in-kind, but funding is not allowed to go to governmental entities. Collaborative proposals must include at least one other community-based organization to be eligible to request up to $100,000.
Q: Can an organization apply with a fiscal sponsor?
A: Yes.
Q: We provide the services mentioned in the application to the population we serve as a whole which includes victims/survivors, but is not specific to victims/survivors - would we need to separate the population that would receive services as a result of these funds?
A: Applicants are encouraged to describe the direct recipients of services as proposed as well as the impact to the broader community in their applications.
Q: Can we use these funds to fund a navigator to support other organizations as they provide direct services?
A: The applicant is asked to describe how their proposed activities fit within the eligible activities as listed in the RFP in the application. Applicants may propose activities that are not specifically listed in the RFP.
Q: Does trauma have to be a one-time event? We serve the Spanish speaking, "undocumented" population and I am wondering if trauma for this grant can also be considered for those who are living in fear, at risk or have gone through family separation, underserved and don’t have access to traditional health services?
Do experiences of oppression include economic oppression--such as redlining?
Does MDH consider domestic violence as a form of intergenerational trauma that could be addressed with these grant funds?
A: We are looking to applicants to define trauma and oppression for themselves and the communities that they serve in their application.
Q: My organization provides residential substance use treatment integrated with mental health services. Substance use treatment is not explicitly listed in RFP. Would treatment services provided to women at our treatment center be considered an eligible activity?
A: The applicant is asked to describe how their proposed activities fit within the eligible activities as listed in the RFP in the application. Applicants may propose activities that are not specifically listed in the RFP.
Q: If applying as a collaborative would it be acceptable to apply more than once with different organizations?
A: Organizations may only submit one application as a lead applicant. Organizations may submit an application as a lead applicant and also be named as a collaborative partner on a proposal with a different lead applicant. Organizations may be named as a collaborative partner on multiple applications.
Q: Would a proposal focused on making our residential treatment center a more trauma-informed space be an eligible activity?
A: The applicant is asked to describe how their proposed activities fit within the eligible activities as listed in the RFP in the application. Applicants may propose activities that are not specifically listed in the RFP.
Q: Can we use funding to pay for staff implementing programming that reaches individuals in our community?
A: Yes, funds can be used to pay for staff salaries and expenses.
Q: Can free events that are for clients of trauma but opened to the community, can those programmatic events be included in this grant?
Yes, this is an eligible activity.
Q: Are the reimbursements made monthly or quarterly?
The invoicing and payment schedule will be monthly, with invoices due 30 days after the end of each month. MDH pays all approved invoices within 30 days of receipt.
Q: What is the deadline for submitting questions? There are different dates listed on the website and in the RFP.
We apologize for this mistake. Questions must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST), on Monday, March 25, 2024.
Q: If you are a state employee, are you eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants must be community-based organizations.
Q: We would like to use these funds to support a statewide American Indian Youth Symposium. Tentatively the event would be hosted on MEA weekend in St. Paul. It would likely be a 2-day event offering a series of session for A.I. Youth addressing Health & Wellness (both physical and mental), Historical Trauma, Cultural Teachings, prevention topics, i.e., Chemical Health, Commercial Tobacco, and Suicide. The budget would cover space rental, community resources, elders for cultural teachings, supplies, t-shirts, etc.
A: The applicant is asked to describe how their proposed activities fit within the eligible activities as listed in the RFP in the application. Applicants may propose activities that are not specifically listed in the RFP.
Q: We wish to apply for funds to employ a community mental health navigator whose role would braid community outreach (alongside our Black Youth and Somali Youth Networks) with the referral process to direct service providers (named partners committed to this work and whose staff include individuals from BIPOC communities). This community mental health navigator would also support the coordination of a "Navigator Network" that consists of over 80 role-alike individuals and that we are currently developing with over 40 community partners. Lastly, the community mental health navigator would support the coordination of community listening sessions and mental health forums alongside several partners who have expressed their commitment to these efforts.
A: The applicant is asked to describe how their proposed activities fit within the eligible activities as listed in the RFP in the application. Applicants may propose activities that are not specifically listed in the RFP.
Q: Do all collaborative partners have to submit letters?
A: Only the lead organization must submit a letter of intent.
Q: Will we be notified that we are invited to apply after submitting the letter of intent?
A: The Minnesota Department of Health will assume that anyone who has submitted a letter of intent will also submit a full application. You will not be invited to apply.
Q: Would a Google or Excel spreadsheet suffice as an accounting system?
A: Google or Excel spreadsheets are not considered accounting systems with internal controls.
Q: I could only find the following language regarding ineligible expenses for the Emmett Louis Till Program grant. Is there a more comprehensive list?
Ineligible expenses include but are not limited to:
- Fundraising
- Taxes, except sales tax on goods and services
- Lobbyists, political contributions
- Bad debts, late payment fees, finance charges, or contingency funds
- Direct payments to victims, families, and heirs
A: For more information on ineligible expenses, see Attachment E: Budget Summary and Narrative. The final grantee budget will be negotiated with the MDH after grantees are selected.
Q: I was familiarizing myself with the budget templates and some of them are sheet protected. What is the password to remove the protection?
A: The first two protected sheets include instructions and information (Instructions and Indirect Guidance). You only need to add information into the third sheet, 12-Month Budget Narrative. This sheet is unlocked and can be edited. The final sheet, 1-Year Budget Summary, will auto-populate based on the information entered in the 12-Month Budget Narrative sheet.
Q: Would a screen shot from the Office of the Secretary of State be appropriate documentation to show our organization is in good standing with the state or if we need to purchase an official certificate of good standing and include the certificate with our application for the Emmett Louis Till Victims Recovery Program grant application?
A: Please complete the due diligence form to the best of your ability. This is an unscored component of the application. If you are a finalist for funding, we may request that you provide additional/updated information or documentation if needed.
Q: The due diligence form requests a number of employees. Are we eligible if we do not have w2 employees and are all contract/1099 team?
A: The Due Diligence form asks how many paid employees the applicant has. If you have none, select “1 (5 points)” and then in Section 6. Performance Capacity, question #2, describe your current staffing and state that there are not actual employees but rather contractors/volunteers, etc. This does not make you ineligible to apply.
Q: Our 12-month budget narrative total and 1 year budget summary total do not match. We have not edited any of the formulas for the data. These two numbers should match, correct?
A: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. There was an error in the budget summary sheet. We have fixed this error and a new Attachment E: Budget Summary and Narrative is available on our website.
Q: On the 12-month budget narrative, should all collaborative agencies be listed in box 1A of the excel sheet?
A: Only the lead agency should be listed in box 1A of Attachment E: Budget Summary and Narrative. All collaborative partners should be included within Contractual Services of the budget narrative.
Q: If we are applying as a collaboration, does each partner fill out the due diligence form?
A: No, only the lead organization needs to fill out the due diligence form.
Q: Do the other organizations need to all be based in Minnesota?
A: No, collaborative organizations do not need to be based in Minnesota but grant activities must take place in Minnesota.
Q: Do we need to identify and include details on how the other organizations will be assisting us as the lead organization?
A: Yes, you will need to identify and include details on how other organizations will be assisting you as the lead organization in your application.
Q: We intend to work collaboratively with one or more organizations. Do we need to identify each of the other organizations in our application?
A: Yes, all collaborative organizations should be identified in the application, and should also be listed in the budget narrative. You are also required to include letters of support from each collaborative partner. A collaborative proposal is one where multiple organizations have agreed to share the funds available to collaboratively meet the objectives and goals of the project.
Q: In reviewing the FAQ and minimum requirements for eligible applicants, we do provide culturally competent and responsive support to trauma survivors both in our workforce and with residents and families. Question: I am wondering if you can verify if we would meet the requirement of being a "community-based organization" and/or elaborate on what is meant by community-based organization?
A: Based on your description, your organization is eligible to apply for funding.
Q: Do you want all accounting/financial statements?
A: Please complete the due diligence form to the best of your ability. This is an unscored component of the application. If you are a finalist for funding, we may request that you provide additional/updated information or documentation if needed.
Q: In section 6 of the due diligence form if we have not had previous grants is there something else you want information on when asking provide history of performing similar activities to those being proposed and current staffing and budget?
A: Please complete the due diligence form to the best of your ability. This is an unscored component of the application. If you are a finalist for funding, we may request that you provide additional/updated information or documentation if needed.
Q: Is it acceptable to have a national organization such as CMS/SAMHSA Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and the CMS Behavioral Health Strategy as a collaborative partner?
A: Yes, collaborative partners may be national organizations, but grant activities must take place in Minnesota.
Q: The agency is collaborating with partners-other community providers. Do we just complete one application which is from the lead agency and attach the letters of support from the community providers that will partner with the lead agency?
A: Yes, only the lead organization needs to complete the application. The application should include letters of support from collaborative partners. A collaborative proposal is one where multiple organizations have agreed to share the funds available to collaboratively meet the objectives and goals of the project.
Q: Does both the fiscal agent and lead organization need to complete the Due Diligence form? Do all collaborating organizations need to complete the Due Diligence form?
A: If the applicant is applying with a fiscal agent, the fiscal agent should complete the Due Diligence form.
Q: I am trying to use the budget form but it is not allowing me to do so. Can I use a form I create on my own or does it need to be the form your office provided in the link? Please advise!
A: The first two protected sheets include instructions and information (Instructions and Indirect Guidance). You only need to add information into the third sheet, 12-Month Budget Narrative. This sheet is unlocked and can be edited. The final sheet, 1-Year Budget Summary, will auto populate based on the information entered in the 12-Month Budget Narrative sheet. If you have any difficulty using this budget, you may submit a budget in your own format. We highly suggest you use the Attachment provided. The Budget Summary and Narrative is required, but not scored.
Q: Are for-profit community organizations eligible as a sole applicant or as a partner with another community organization?
A: For-profit community-based organizations are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity as long as they meet eligibility requirements as found on page 4 of the Request for Proposals.
Q: Aside from the letters of support, it doesn’t look like you require any other information or documentation from our partners. Does it matter how we structure our partnership as long as the funding is shared? I ask because our partners would prefer that we contract with them rather than making them sub-awardees. Based on how the application materials are written, that partnership structure looks to be fine, but we wanted to confirm with you.
A: We do not require a specific partnership structure. You will need to follow your own procurement policies and procedures to make the determination. Section 2.4 of the RFP provides guidance regarding contract and bidding requirements.
Q: I have a question regarding the indirect rate requirements. I see a note that the indirect rate cap is 10% or less, or federally-negotiated rate. Our current federally-negotiated indirect rate (Department of Education) is 16%. Can we use this rate, or do we need to limit to 10%?
A: Yes, you can use your federally negotiated rate. You will be required to provide documentation of your approved federally negotiated indirect cost rate if you are a finalist for funding.
Q: Is food an eligible expense for the Emmett Louis Till Program grant?
A: Yes, food is an eligible expense. Like any expense, it should be reasonable and aligned with your proposed work plan.