Assets for Independence Program

Posted by on July 16, 2004

It’s official! The Office of Community Services (OCS) published a request for proposals for the Assets for Independence (AFI) Program today. We are looking forward to receiving applications for new and expanded AFI Projects. We are also pleased to announce the launch of a new website, which includes information for potential applicants and special features for AFI grantees.

Quick Links:
2004 Funding Announcement
<a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-EI-0027.html">http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2004-ACF-OCS-EI-0027.html</a>

OCS Assets for Independence Website
<a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/">http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/</a>

AFI Guidebook for Applicants
<a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/guidesec1.html">http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/guidesec1.html</a>

1. Request for Proposals
2004 AFI Grant Information "At A Glance"

AFI Program Summary: AFI is a Federal grant program that explores ways to help low-income people become economically self-sufficient. AFI provides grants of up to $1,000,000 to nonprofit and government agencies that provide financial education to clients and assist them with saving money in Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) for the goal of acquiring one of three long-term assets (a first home, post-secondary education, or small business capital).

Eligible Applicants:
* Nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations;
* State, local, or Tribal government agencies applying jointly with a nonprofit;
* Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) or Low Income Credit Unions, in collaboration with a community-based anti-poverty organization

Grant Period: Five years.
Amount of Award: A one-time grant of up to $1,000,000. (Average grant award is about $350,000.)

Required Matching Funds: Equal to or greater than applicant’s Federal AFI grant.

Application Due Date: 4:30pm ET, July 27, 2004
For more information, please contact the Office of Community Services at 202-401-4626 or email afiprogram@acf.hhs.gov.