2011 justice assistance grant (jag) & violence against women act (vawa) grant programs guidance...

2011 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) & Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant Programs Guidance for Potential Applicants

presented by

Melissa Darby, JAG Program PlannerJacquetta Al-Mubaslat, VAWA Program Planner

Sharon Schnelle, Researcher

Introduction and Agenda Overview

Purpose of JAG funding Purpose of VAWA Funding Overview of JAG Grant Program Overview of VAWA Grant Program How to Apply Grantee Selection Process Scoring Matrix Tips (How to Avoid Common Mistakes)

The Purpose of JAG Funding

The Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program was established by passage of the fiscal year 2005 omnibus spending measure. The program is federally administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance. JAG funds are designed to allow states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions.

The Purpose of VAWA Funding

STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funding is federally administered by the Office of Justice Programs, Violence Against Women Office within the U.S. Department of Justice. The subgrant program emphasizes coordinated community approaches to reduce violence against women and to create mutually respectful partnerships between the justice system and victim services.

Justice Assistance Grant(JAG)

OCJS and JAG Grant Program

The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state, and is responsible for administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also evaluates programs and develops technology, provides training, and products for criminal justice professionals and communities.

OCJS has been designated by Governor John Kasich to administer 2011 Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program funds.

Ohio’s JAG Program Areas

JAG funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one of the following

Program Purpose Areas: Law Enforcement Programs Prevention and Education Programs Corrections and Community Corrections Programs Prosecution, Court, and Victim Services Programs Research, Evaluation, and Technology Improvement Programs JAG LE, which has a separate RFP

Ohio’s JAG Grant Program- How to Apply

Read the 2011 JAG RFP(published May 1, 2011)

- Make sure your organization is eligible- Develop your project strategy- Write your application- Submit your application - Mandatory online submission. Projects that are not able to apply online must submit a waiver stating why they could not submit their application online.

Applicants must submit an electronic version through OCJS Online Grants System. To apply online go to

https://portals.ocjs.ohio.gov/ogss/login.aspx


JAG – Who is eligible to apply?

A unit of local government or council of governments. A unit of local government has legislative autonomy, jurisdiction, and authority to act in certain circumstances. Units of government include a city, county, township, or village. If two or more jointly apply, one designee to take the lead role and identify that agency's fiscal officer

State agencies, state-supported universities

Statewide and local nonprofit or faith-based associations. Projects implemented by courts, law enforcement agencies, and mental health boards may not act as their own subgrantees.

Eligibility continued

All applicants will be required to comply with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) that requires applicant’s to provide their data universal number (DUNS) and their federal Central Contract Registration (CCR) profile.

Your agency will be required to provide these prior to receiving an award.

CCR https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx

DUNS http://www.dnb.com/

https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx

http://www.dnb.com/


Law Enforcement agencies applying under this solicitation must be in compliance with crime statistics reporting using either the Ohio Incident-Based Reporting System or Uniform Crime Reporting Summary System, per Ohio Revised Code Section 5502.62(C)(6).

Ohio’s JAG Funding

All costs must directly relate to the goals and objectives of the proposed project.

OCJS reserves the right to modify project budgets that were submitted or provide partial funding for applications selected for funding.

Receiving previous funding does not guarantee funding for this year.

Funding of projects through OCJS is subject to availability of federal pass-through funding resources.

JAG – CASH Match Requirements

Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)) Overview

Application: For technical assistance on any part of the JAG application, call OCJS at: 614.466.7782 or e-mail: [email protected] . Note: Applicants submitting funding requests for local projects in Cuyahoga, Franklin, Lucas and Montgomery county applicants must also provide a copy of the application to RPU contact as specified in the RFP.

Award: If awarded, pre-award conditions will be faxed to selected projects. Before final approval, projects must complete and return all required forms. All awards will be for 12 months of funding, operating from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012.

Continuation Funding: Programs that received a 2010 grant will not be given preferential funding consideration nor will they be guaranteed funding for the same project.

mailto:[email protected]

Violence Against Women Act

(VAWA)

OCJS and VAWA Grant Programs

The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state, and is responsible for administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also evaluates programs and develops technology, provides training, and products for criminal justice professionals and communities.

OCJS is designated by Governor John Kasich to administer 2011 STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Program funds.

Program Areas (VAWA)

VAWA applicants may apply for funding under one of the following Program Areas:

Training: Supports training for law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, and court personnel.

Enhancement Efforts: Supports the development, training, and expansion of units of law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, and court personnel.

Policy and Protocol Development: Supports the implementation of more effective law enforcement, court/prosecution policies, protocols, orders, and services.

Data Collection and Communication Systems: Supports the installation of computerized systems to identify and track protection orders, arrests, and violations of orders, prosecutions, and convictions.

Victim Service Programs and Visitation Centers: Supports the development and strengthening of victim service programs and visitation centers.

Stalking Programs: Supports the development and strengthening of programs to address stalking.

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE): Supports training for sexual assault forensic medical examiners.

Ohio’s VAWA Grant Program How to Apply

Read the 2011 VAWA RFP (published May 1, 2011)

- Make sure your organization is eligible- Develop your project strategy- Write your application- Submit your application - Mandatory online submission. Projects that are not able to apply online must submit a waiver stating why they could not submit their application online.

Applicants must submit an electronic version through OCJS Online Grants System. To apply online go to



VAWA – Who is eligible to apply?

A unit of local government or council of governments. Can include a city, county, township, or village. If two or more jointly apply, they must designate one body to take the lead role and identify that agency’s fiscal officer, or

Local and state nonprofit, non-governmental victim service programs. Non victim service agencies? Collaboration Boards? Law Enforcement?

INELIGIBLE VAWA PROPOSALS include activities focusing exclusively on minors (birth-18 years) or prevention; batterer treatment projects; divorce assistance projects, legal separations, and child custody projects; and legal or defense services for perpetrators of violence against women.


All applicants will be required to comply with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) that requires applicant’s to provide their data universal number (DUNS) and their federal Central Contract Registration (CCR) profile.

Your agency will be required to provide these prior to receiving an award.


Law Enforcement agencies applying under this solicitation must be in compliance with crime statistics reporting using either the Ohio Incident-Based Reporting System or Uniform Crime Reporting Summary System, per Ohio Revised Code Section 5502.62(C)(6).

VAWA Allocation categories

Federal requirements mandate the VAWA funding distribution within Ohio’s justice system. OCJS determines funding categories for projects based on the agency implementing the project and the services most directly supported by the project. The 2011 allocations are: Law Enforcement 25%

Prosecution 25%

Court 5%

Discretionary 15%

Victim Services 30% (10% must go to culturally specific community-based organizations)

Ohio’s VAWA Funding

All costs must directly relate to the goals and objectives of the proposed project.

OCJS reserves the right to modify project budgets that were submitted or provide partial funding for applications selected for funding.

Receiving previous funding does not guarantee funding for this year.

Funding of projects through OCJS is subject to availability of federal pass-through funding resources. FUNDING CAP-a maximum of $60,000 in federal VAWA funds

VAWA Match Requirements

All VAWA awards are required to provide a cash or in-kind match of at least 25 percent of the total project

cost. Exception

Projects funded through victim/service allocation, if the benefit/purpose is to be received by a non-profit victim service provider.

OCJS determines the allocation categories and will notify

projects regarding their matching requirements.

VAWA Grant Overview

Continuation Funding: Programs that received a 2010 grant will not be given preferential funding consideration nor will they be guaranteed funding for the same project.

Note: There is a page in the online grant application for applicants to provide details as to what the programs have been able to accomplish. This can be for any existing programs whether they were funded by OCJS or not. It helps the reviewers assess the impact that your proposed project will have on the targeted population.

Violence Against Women (VAWA) Overview

Application: For technical assistance on any part of the VAWA application, call OCJS at: 614.466.7782 or e-mail: [email protected] .

Note: Applicants submitting funding requests for local projects in Cuyahoga, Franklin, or Lucas counties must contact the RPU listed on page five of the request for proposal. Montgomery county applicants must submit through the OCJS online system, and provide a copy to Montgomery county contact as specified in the RFP.

Award: Award notifications will be faxed to selected projects. Before final approval, projects must complete and return all required forms. All awards will be for 12 months of funding, operating form January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.

mailto:[email protected]

Writing the JAG/VAWA Application

Include Title Page, Executive Summary, Project Narrative, and Budget Pages

Application should be: submitted online through the portal previously listed 4000 characters per section (with the exception of the objective

section 250 characters per box) Be as succinct and clear as possible Respond to the criteria identified in the solicitation

Please do not attach additional pages. Faxed copies of the application are not accepted. The

RFP specifies which parts of the proposal should be faxed.

Submitting Your Application

The deadline for submission is: Online proposals must be electronically

submitted by 5 p.m. on May 31, 2011

Applications received after this date and time will be classified as late and may not be considered for funding.

OCJS 3-prong Grantee Selection Process

OCJS Grant Coordinator’s Review All applications will be screened to make sure:

a) They were received by the closing date and time and they have complied with the basic requirements as outlined in the program solicitation. b) The requested amount does not exceed the limitations detailed in the RFP. c) If previously funded, ensure subgrantee is compliant with all reporting requirements.

OCJS Peer Review Applications that pass the initial Grant Coordinator’s review will be subjected to outside review and rated by an outside panel based on the program elements and review criteria as presented in the full program announcement. The basis for this review is outlined and detailed in the scoring matrix.

Directors Review: Applications will be reviewed by the Executive Director.

OCJS Scoring Matrix

Project Narrative / Budget and Budget Justification

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Total value: 22 points

CRITERIA 1: The level to which applicant clearly identifies the problem to be addressed including adequate statistics documenting the problem or need for assistance (up to 6 points).

PROBLEM STATEMENT


CRITERIA 2: The level to which the applicant identifies the target population to be served and provides documentation or detail as to how the services proposed are appropriate. In addition the problem to be addressed should clearly relate to the identified target population, and information regarding size and characteristics of the population should be included in the application (up to 6 points).

PROBLEM STATEMENT cont


CRITERIA 2: The level to which the applicant identifies the target population to be served and provides documentation or detail as to how the services proposed are appropriate. In addition the problem to be addressed should clearly relate to the identified target population, and information regarding size and characteristics of the population should be included in the application (up to 6 points).

CRITERIA 3: The level to which the applicant has provided data and other information demonstrating both short term and long term consequences that will impact the community (up to 4 points).


CRITERIA 1: The level to which applicant clearly identifies the problem to be addressed including adequate statistics documenting the problem or need for assistance (up to 6 points).CRITERIA 2: The level to which the applicant identifies the target population to be served and provides documentation or detail as to how the services proposed are appropriate. In addition the problem to be addressed should clearly relate to the identified target population, and information regarding size and characteristics of the population should be included in the application (up to 6 points).CRITERIA 3: The level to which the applicant has provided data and other information demonstrating both short term and long term consequences that will impact the community (up to 4 points).

CRITERIA 4: The level to which the applicant provides information showing other resources available are insufficient to address the problem (up to 6 points).


PROJECT DESCRIPTION


Project Description

CRITERIA 1: The level to which applicant clearly describes the program model to be implemented and project activities are directly related to that model (up to 6 points).

Project Description cont

CRITERIA 1: The level to which applicant clearly describes the program model to be implemented and project activities are directly related to that model (up to 6 points).

CRITERIA 2: The level to which applicant adequately explains why the program model was chosen(up to 8 points).


CRITERIA 1: The level to which applicant clearly describes the program model to be implemented and project activities are directly related to that model (up to 6 points).CRITERIA 2: The level to which applicant adequately explains why the program model was chosen(up to 8 points).

CRITERIA 3: The level to which the program model chosen is the most appropriate in addressing the problem as supported through research and professional experience (up to 10 points).


CRITERIA 1: The level to which applicant clearly describes the program model to be implemented and project activities are directly related to that model (up to 6 points).CRITERIA 2: The level to which applicant adequately explains why the program model was chosen(up to 8 points).CRITERIA 3: The level to which the program model chosen is most appropriate in addressing the problem as supported through research and professional experience (up to 10 points).

CRITERIA 4: The level to which the program model chosen is reasonable and effective in addressing the problem as supported through research and professional experience (up to 10 points).


CRITERIA 1: The level to which applicant clearly describes the program model to be implemented and project activities are directly related to that model (up to 6 points).CRITERIA 2: The level to which applicant adequately explains why the program model was chosen(up to 8 points).CRITERIA 3: The level to which the program model chosen is most appropriate in addressing the problem as supported through research and professional experience (up to 10 points).CRITERIA 4: The level to which the program model chosen is reasonable and effective in addressing the problem as supported through research and professional experience (up to 10 points).CRITERIA 5: The level to which the program model chosen will be effective in addressing the problem as supported through research and professional experience (up to 10 points).

IDENTIFY UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS(VAWA projects ONLY)

Specific to VAWA applications Applicants must describe a target population to be served; and to identify at least one underserved

population that will be targeted for outreach and services.

The purpose is to ensure the identification of needs and to improve access to services for underserved populations. VAWA underserved populations include geographic location (rural isolation), underserved racial and ethnic populations, special needs populations (language barriers, disabilities, alienage, or age); or any other population determined to be underserved by the U.S. Attorney General or by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as appropriate. All projects must identify at least one underserved population.

Target Population / Underserved Population

Target Population:Describe in terms of population size and demographic characteristics, including any relevant local statistics that link the need for assistance to this particular target population.

Underserved Population: What is the underserved population your project will serve?

Why is this population currently underserved?How will the project meet the needs of the underserved population?

PROJECT OBJECTIVESTotal value:

22 points

Project Objectives

CRITERIA 1: The level to which the applicant has identified appropriate objectives for the proposed program(up to 6 points).

Project Objectives


CRITERIA 2: The level to which the applicant has identified appropriate measures for each respective objective(up to 6 points).

Project Objectives



CRITERIA 3: The level to which the baseline information documents the current status of each performance measure(up to 6 points).

Project Objectives




NOTE for CRITERIA 3: If this is a new project the applicant should include some explanation for lack of baseline data, or they should note the EBP and what is appropriate amounts of change to project for this project.

Project Objectives




CRITERIA 4: The level and extent to which the amount of accomplishment or change is ambitious yet realistically can be achieved (up to 4 points).

PROJECT TIMELINE


Project Timeline

Criteria 1: Level and extent to which applicant presents a comprehensive, thorough timeline that is well-defined and specifies what will be done, who (individuals and organizations) will do it, and when it will be accomplished, including both programmatic and grant administrative activities (up to 4 points).

ORGANIZATION AND STAFF CAPACITYTotal value:

14 points

Criteria 1: The level to which applicant clearly demonstrates and details their capacity and history of administering grants of similar size and scope (up to 6 points).

Organization and Staff Capacity



Criteria 2: The level to which the applicant clearly details how the implementing organization has sufficient staff (including volunteers) with the training and experience to successfully implement the project and accomplish its goals (up to 4 points).



Criteria 2: The level to which the applicant clearly details how the implementing organization has sufficient staff (including volunteers) with the training and experience to successfully implement the project and accomplish its goals (up to 4 points).

Criteria 3: The level to which the applicant clearly details how the implementing organization has the physical resources to successfully implement the project and accomplish its goals (up to 4 points)

COLLABORATION BOARD


Collaboration Board

Criteria 1: The level to which applicant includes all the participating organizations on the collaboration board and clearly demonstrates how identified board members are appropriate and adequate in helping accomplish its objectives (up to 6 points).

Collaboration Board


Note for Criteria 1: The applicants will be required to submit letters of participation from each of the identified members of their Collaboration Board. So be sure to only include those that have agreed to participate on your board unless indicated in the body of the narrative as being “invited.”

Collaboration Board


Criteria 2: The level to which the applicant provides clear details on Board management including when the regular meetings of the collaboration board will occur and how the implementing agency will use board input to help achieve the stated objectives(up to 4 points).

CONTINUATION PROJECTS (JAG only)

Continuation Projects

Specific to JAG applicationsPurpose

This section SHOULD be used by existing projects to showcase the accomplishments that have been achieved to date. This will give reviewers additional information to assess overall success or likelihood of success for the project.

Necessary to explain any discrepancies in the application. 4,000 characters max

PROJECT BUDGET / BUDGET JUSTIFICATION


Budget / Budget Justification

CRITERIA 1: The level to which the applicant clearly demonstrates that the budget costs and expenses are logical and directly related to the problem statement, project description, and objectives previously discussed in the application (up to 8 points).


CRITERIA 1: The level to which the applicant clearly demonstrates that the budget costs and expenses are logical and directly related to the problem statement, project description, and objectives previously discussed in the application (up to 8 points).

CRITERIA 2: The level to which the budget expenses/costs are reasonable based on the objectives of the proposed program (8 points).


Additional Questions?

Sharon [email protected] 614-466-0346

Melissa [email protected] 614-728-8740

Jacquetta [email protected] 614-728-7291

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