United Way of Greater Chattanooga has announced the availability of funds for local nonprofits working in emergency food and shelter services. In FY 2023, FEMA awarded to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board $130 million in annual funding for Phase 41 of the program.
For EFSP Phase 41, Hamilton County has been awarded $133,675. Funding can only be allocated to eligible nonprofit organizations, who in turn provide services to individuals. Expenditures for this program must take place between Oct.
1, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2024. Funding is for existing programs only and cannot be used for start-ups.
To apply for these funds, agencies must be nonprofit, faith-based or a local government agency that currently provides emergency food and shelter services opportunities as prioritized by the Local Board. Organizations must have a UEI number (Unique Entity Identifier is a number issued by the System for Award Management (SAM) to identify businesses and other entities that do business with the federal government.), Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), an organizational checking account with the ability to accept EFT, computer and internet access, and be able to verify fiscal responsibility. Funded organizations must provide the required reporting according to the defined timeline. Separate applications must be completed for each funding program. Incomplete and late applications will not be reviewed.
For more information and to apply, visit their
website. For additional questions, email Maggie at EFSP@UWChatt.org. The deadline for applications is April 12 at 3 p.m. Late and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Local Board reviews applications, and decisions will be made available following the approval of a Board Plan by the national EFSP.
EFSP funds must be used to supplement food and shelter services and may not be used as seed money for new programs. Agencies may receive funds to provide food, shelter, and supportive services, including, but not limited to:
• Food services, such as delivered meals, congregate meals or groceries;
• Lodging in a mass shelter, or in a hotel/motel or other off-site shelter facility limited to 90-days assistance per individual or household to prevent homelessness;
• Up to three months rent or mortgage assistance to prevent eviction or foreclosure;
• Utility assistance for up to three months 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.
The Local Board prioritizes these areas and funding is distributed accordingly. Funded agencies are required to abide by required recordkeeping. Agencies denied funding in previous years by national EFSP will not be eligible to receive funds until the issue has been remedied. All decisions of the Local Board are final. There is a limited appeals process, which would allow the agency to make application in the next funding Phase. The local board consists of representatives from the national organizations FEMA convenes including United Way, Jewish Federations of North America, Catholic Charities USA, The Salvation Army, American Red Cross and the National Council of the Churches of Christ USA.