Houston
Nourishing Neighbors Meals and Connecting to Federal Programs RFP:
Our stores will be raising funds in the month of May and those funds raised will be used as follows:
Up to 33% of the funds raised can be used for summer meals or other meals-based programs
- Programs eligible for funding can include (but are not limited to):
- Transportation
- Food Purchasing
- Staffing
- Marketing/Outreach
- Capacity (technical assistance, equipment, packaging)
For the remainder of funds raised – they will be used as follows
- If the state has under 81% participation in SNAP: remainder of funds to be used to connect people to federal programs (SNAP/WIC). This can include (but is not limited to):
- Supporting SNAP/WIC enrollment salaries at health clinics, food pantries etc.
- Supporting SNAP/WIC outreach
- Organizations that wish to set up booths at established job fairs, food distribution sites, etc. to help with eligibility and screening
- Removing barriers to SNAP/WIC enrollment – example: transportation
- If the state has over 80% participation you can consider other program enhancement programs
-
- Example: Produce incentives
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- Website to determine % participation (see following page for a map): https://www.fns.usda.gov/usamap
| Applications Due Date: | Thursday, April 21st by 11:59pm Pacific time |
| Time Terms: | June 2022 – May 2023 |
| Geographic Restriction: | Applications will only be considered for organizations working in counties where we have stores. Please see the attached list of counties where we operate. |
| Maximum Grant Amount: | Up to $100,000
The funding will be allocated depending on the needs. Applicants are strongly encouraged to request only the specific amount needed to adequately fund their effort and proposed needs. Please note that allocated funds will be in direct relation to the activities proposed. Funds stay locally where raised. Based on the attached store list, you can look at your catchment area and estimate the amount of funds available in your area. The average store will raise about $2,500. |
| Other Eligibility: | Organizations must be a 501c3 designated charitable organization or a K-12 school |
Please be as specific as possible on how you would plan to use the funding if your organization is selected.
This funding opportunity is made possible by the Albertsons Companies Foundation (national name) which operates locally under different banner names. If your proposal is approved, you will receive materials on the appropriate banner of the Foundation to recognize and local division contact(s).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Here’s your link to the invitation: https://albertsonscompaniesfoundation.versaic.com/login.
- Once you are logged in you will be asked to provide an invitation code in the application please use: May2022
- Applications must be submitted by April 21st, 2022 to be considered.
- You can apply for both opportunities, but please be sure to write separate applications for each section i.e. one application for the meals-based programs and a separate application for Federal Meals Program (SNAP/WIC/P-EBT, School Meals) Grant.
Please also see our attached FAQ sheet. Hopefully we have answered most of your questions there. Given the number of organizations we’re reaching out to, I would much prefer if you ask your questions through email. However, if a conversation is necessary, I’ll be sure to call you to provide any clarification and assistance. If you experience any technical difficulties with your application, please contact help@versaic.com.
FAQ:
- Regarding eligibility: simply put, if you are giving people food, you qualify for this grant. That said, we are prioritizing organizations that feed children and that are participating in Summer Meals. If you feed seniors in December, you are still eligible (assuming you operate in one of our operating areas and are a 501c3 designated charity or public school).
- There is some confusion on how the funds will be spent. Hopefully this will help:
- Up to 33% CAN be used for meals-based programs (any program that feeds people with priority to summer meals and children)
- If the SNAP participation is less than 80%, funds MUST be used for connecting people to federal programs
- If the SNAP participation is more than 81% funds CAN be used for enhancement programs as outlined above
If you are visual like me:
| Connecting to Federal Meals | Enhancing Federal Meals | Meals-Based Programs | |
| SNAP Participation below 80% | Can use up to 100% of funds raised in stores |
Not Eligible |
Only allowed up to 33% of funds raised in Stores |
| SNAP Participation above 81% | Can use up to 100% of funds raised in stores | Can use up to 100% of funds raised in stores | Only allowed up to 33% of funds raised in Stores |
Q: If this is a grant that I can apply for to help with Summer Meals, and I can ask for up to $100K, then why does it mention that the summer campaign is going to happen and that most stores raise an average of $2,500. Will that be in addition to the grant?
A: Grants can be no more than $100k but we also will not award more than is raised in your area. Some organizations cover a large portion of our stores, let’s say, for example they cover 100 of our stores. If you add up the total amount raised, it would be $250,000. They cannot apply for that much. It is capped at $100k.
Other organizations cover a few stores. Let’s say an organization covers 4 stores – 4x$2,500= $10,000 and that is how much will be available for that area.
Q: Because we offer food to children through our Food For Kids Program on a weekly basis, I thought it might be good to be able to purchase gift cards for the families. Would that come through the nourishing neighbors or would that be through this RFP/Grant?
A: This RFP is a subset of our Nourishing Neighbors program. We have 3 programs a year (1) this one, (2) breakfast for kids in September and (3) holiday gift card programs.
Net/net: you can apply for funds that you can use to purchase gift cards for families in need through this grant opportunity.
Q: When the application asks “Please provide the name of the organization that nominated you for funding,” we do not have a relationship with any of the orgs listed. Should we put “Other” and then Albertsons Companies Foundation/Nourishing Neighbors?
A: Since you received the RFP directly from me, please select “other” and write “Direct RFP” in the field that pops up.
Q: For the question, “What does this application pertain to?”, should we check “Summer Meals” or “Other” if our program does not specifically target school-aged children?
A: Please check “other”
Q: What are examples of SNAP enhancement programs?
A: Examples of enhancement programs:
- Produce Prescriptions (example here)
- Cooking on a SNAP budget classes (example here)
- Produce purchase incentive programs (double up bucks etc.)
Q: Please see the below email which has apparently been shared with a number (as many as 80) of food pantries within Bergen County, circulating your email of yesterday regarding the Nourishing Neighbors RFP. I was under the impression that this opportunity was by invitation only (we ourselves did receive a direct invitation from you). Could you please advise as to whether your opportunity is in fact open to any and every organization that learns about it, or whether in fact it is in fact available only to the organizations which have received a direct invitation?
A: This opportunity is shared in many ways and is open to anyone who hears about it.
Q: <Organization> feeds at-risk students backpack meals 10-11 months per year but does not have a ” summer food program”. May we still apply for a grant under the “other meal based program” section?
A: Yes, you may.
Q: What is the invitation code?
A: It is May2022
Q: Is your program for kids only? I see that there is a question in the application about use of free & reduced lunch programs in our community’s schools, so I want to make sure Age Well is a match for this program. We provide nutrition services throughout much of Orange County, but our programs are exclusively for seniors. Please advise.
A: The meals-based program is not limited to kids only.
Q: I’ve been hearing that a number of Salvation Army divisions across the country have received an invitation to apply and wanted to check-in to be sure that it’s okay for us to apply in each region/division again?
A: Yes, that is ok.
Q: I saw on the FAQ’s that national organizations should submit a single application, but our org has four separate EINs and 40 divisions. In the past we have applied at the divisional level and have submitted in several geographic areas for each RFP. Is that okay to do again?
A: Please apply at the division level. That way it is easier for us to manage. We say that you can submit one application for a national org but we recommend that you submit separately by region.
Q: For the Nourishing Neighbors Summer Meals Grant, is that limited to summer only, or can it be for any time during the 2023 fiscal year? Also, I saw in the FAQ that food distribution could be covered in addition to meals, so would our School Pantry Program be an option? These are permanent food pantries in high-need schools which offer a wide variety of nutritious items for kids and their families, along with nutrition education materials. We have 4 new School Pantries in the Lake Charles area for which this could be a great fit.
A: The grant period is June 2022 through May 2023.
Q: This grant notes summer, but the FAQs say the grant period is June 2022 – May 2023. May we apply for meal programs throughout that time (i.e. during the full school year) or just for the summer?
A: You may apply for meal programs anytime during the grant period but we are giving preference to summer meals.
Q: The 33% of funds allocated for summer meals or other meal-based programs- is this 33% of the funds raised by Albertsons, or should we only apply for 33% of the funds we need?
A: That is 33% of the funds we raise – not the amount of what you need.
Q: Does “meals-based programs” refer only to programs that provide whole meals- or does a food pantry and mobile pantry program providing food to make meals count? We have both situations. We count equivalent meals distributed in our pantry programs by converting pounds of food distributed to meals as per Feeding America’s standard.
A: Any program providing food for people in need would qualify – meals do not need to be prepared. Donating ingredients for meals also qualifies.
Q: When selecting the stores impacted, it comes up as “no records found” but I know you have stores here. What’s happening?
A: There are two reasons that may be:
- your store is part of our United Division in Western Texas and New Mexico. Those stores are not participating in this program.
Or
- You have a filter in that is stopping stores from coming through. We recommend you click the “clear filers” link and then simply select your county without putting in any additional information
Q: If we were to apply for both opportunities (summer meals and the Federal Programs), is $100,000 the max amount we can request for the two opportunities combined, or per opportunity?
A: You can apply for $100,000 for each application.
Q: Can organizations apply for both Meals-Based funds and Connecting Families and Children to Federal Programs Grant?
A: Yes, organizations can apply for both. Please submit an application for each.
Q: How much should we ask for? What are the general parameters of what is “acceptable”?
A: We generally ask organizations to request the amount that is needed to adequately fund their efforts and proposed needs. Grant can be made up to $100,000 each for both grants.
Q: What is the time period of the grant?
A: The grant period is June 2022 – May 2023
Q: Are food distribution efforts including emergency food boxes are qualified for the Meals-Based grant?
A: Yes, food boxes would qualify and be eligible for this grant.
Q: What kind of programs qualify for the Federal Meals Program grants?
A: Through this grant we are hoping to support organizations that are helping enroll families and children to federal meals programs. Any programs that are connecting families and children to federal meal programs either through direct enrollment process, or advocacy and outreach or by any other innovative means are eligible to apply.
Q: When will I receive my funds?
A: If you did not have a nominator, your funds will be received before the end of June. If you were nominated by one of our National Partners (FRAC, Feeding America, Why Hunger or Hunger Free America), you will receive the funds through them.
Q: Do we need to submit a report for this grant?
A: We do not anticipate any reporting required at this time. We do love photos and stories that you may want to share. If you have any good photos or stories, please forward them along! We love reading stories and hearing about all the wonderful work that you are doing to help the community!
Q: Are there any budget stipulations with this funding?
A: We do not have any budget stipulations and do not request a budget. All we ask is that funds are restricted to whatever the nonprofit or school needs to feed kids this summer and connect families and children to federal meal programs. We believe your organization knows best how to allocate funds provided and will ask you to do that without mandating a specific overhead allotment.
Q: Is it better to apply for the program we have been funded for or should we consider applying for a new program?
A: That is completely up to you. If the program is working and funding still needed, then I would recommend continuing with the current program. If you wish to try something new or feel that the program has run its course, then a new program might be better. Please apply for whatever is best for your organization.
Q: Would a research grant/survey qualify?
A: Yes, this is within scope if it is focused specifically on breakfast.
Q: Are grant award funds able to be re-granted to community partners? Example, if we wanted to increase access to breakfast programs and could offer schools and summer feeding programs a small grant to start or expand their breakfast program.
A: Yes, we do consider re-granting applications.
Q: Is there an Impact Genome portion of the application this year?
A: No, the questions are integrated into the Versaic application.
Q: Can my organization fill out the short application?
A: There is no long or short application. There is only one for everyone.
Q: We are working state-wide and our work encompasses all schools in our state. Which areas do I select?
A: If your organization is working in all areas in a state, please select all stores in that state where there are kids and families that will benefit from your work.
Q: How do I define my area?
A: Your area is the geographic area where the people you serve live. To determine if a store is encompassed by your work, we typically use a 5-mile reach outside of our stores. However, we recognize that this distance doesn’t make sense in some rural areas. Here’s how we think about it: If your project is working with people who have our stores in their consideration set for where to shop, we would consider you working in our neighborhood.
Q: Should our work focus narrowly on the five communities that have stores or can we focus on a broader region/statewide (which would include those communities)?
A: Our funding is specifically meant to benefit the areas where we have stores. As much as possible, please propose projects that will benefit those areas.
Q: We are a national organization that covers all your stores. Should we select every store?
A: You can, but we don’t recommend it. We recommend that you select a specific geographic area where you have a stronghold and concentrate your application on that area. A good guide is to use the “division” filter on the spreadsheet and select one single area.
Q: We were nominated by several national organizations and will select one. What is the benefit of selecting one over the other?
A: This is completely up to you. If you select a national organization, your funds will come from them and they will provide notices etc. to you regarding the reports due etc. They also can be helpful with any technical questions and needs you may have. Other organizations prefer to work directly with us and receive their check directly. Either way, you will receive 100% of the funds raised for your organization.
Q: Our previous grant request for Nourishing Neighbors fund was turned down. Can I still apply?
A: Yes. Please remember applications are not usually declined because they are “bad” applications. It is a very challenging decision to make as we do not want to say ‘No’ to all the good work that organizations are doing to help the community especially during these times. We receive a lot more requests than our grant budget allows us to fund. As long as your focus is on feeding families and individuals in need; and if you serve communities where our stores are located, you are welcome to apply again.
Q: Do I have to purchase materials/and or items at Albertsons stores?
A: No, you do not need to purchase items at our stores. We would prefer, however, that if you are shopping at a typical retail store, you shop with us rather than using these funds to buy materials at one of our competitors.
Q: Can we use the funds to purchase gift cards at your stores rather than traditional method of delivering food?
A: Yes, but please note we do not allow virtual gift cards in our stores. We do have a method for purchasing bulky physical gift cards at a discount. If you would like to purchase gift cards, please free to contact CSC. Their number is 877-723-3929, option #4 or email is GCorders@albertsons.com.
Q: Do we have to use the funds to purchase gift cards?
A: No. Our bulk program is an option, but not a requirement. Our bulk program is super simple, and we also will extend a 5% discount so that puts even more funds in the hands of those that need the assistance.
Q: My email doesn’t work and I wasn’t sent a password. Can you set up a new account for me?
A: Each grant writer at each organization will need to set up an account. Please select the “create account” button to create a new account.
Q: Can I set up a time to call you and go over my application before I submit?
A: Unfortunately, no. I wish I could, but we have invited hundreds of organizations to apply across the country and we simply cannot speak to each group individually. We will contact you if we have any questions at all regarding your application. Your question is not included? Please feel free to contact Christy.duncan-anderson@albertsons.com or Anjana.Bhattarai@Albertsons.com.