TOT Grant Program

Yes, construction projects or a specific phase of a construction project are eligible for funding, but must be completed during the term of the funding agreement.

Our non-profit organization does business as (DBA)/uses a different name than what is listed as our official name in federal and state 501c3 documents, would this be considered a separate entity for purposes of the grant or just the main non-profit?

As long as both have the same Employer Identification Numbers (EIN)/are the same organization, then this is okay.

Is there crossover of project types of funding categories?

i.e. Training, development and education; programs, projects, and events that support tourism; project that address a community issue or problem; and/or projects that extend the reach of services to underserved populations.

The organization category should be chosen based on the primary mission of the organization, not on the project being delivered. An application should be for a specific project/program to be funded by this grant.

Are scholarships or program stipends for youth categorized as an award?

Program stipends are an eligible program cost.

If a project proposes to purchase consumable first aid supplies for use by volunteer emergency responders, can a five-year supply be requested or must it be for the upcoming year only?

No. Requested funds must be used for the purchase of goods or services to be consumed within the grant cycle or one year.

We are a small organization with officers but no board, no employees, all volunteers. Do we still qualify?

Yes, volunteer organizations are eligible to apply, but must be a registered non-profit organization or have a fiscal sponsor.

How many applications can an organization submit?

It is recommended that an organization submit only one application.

Should we submit separate projects with very different goals, separately or combined?

It is recommended that an organization submit only one application. If applying for more than one project/program please submit them separately. Remember that the organization category is chosen based on the primary mission of the organization NOT the project.

Can an organization apply for TOT funding for multiple events they put on, or just one?

An organization may apply for multiple events that are part of the same project/program.

You mentioned TOT has funded one-time equipment purchases, how would you fill in the start/end date for this kind of purchase, especially if it’s a box truck needed to grow a program that will be used well beyond the project end date.

Enter the beginning of the grant period as the start date and the planned date of purchase of the equipment as the end date. In the narrative, explain that the use of this equipment will extend beyond the one year date.

Does “member base” in question 4 mean clients/people served?

No. Members of the organization are those people who pay a membership fee to support the organization.

Will there be a section for letters of support?

Yes. Letters of support and testimonials may be attached in the supplemental documentation portion of the application as referenced on slide 24 of the PowerPoint presentation.

Can funds be applied to pay the services of a consultant to perform the objectives of the project?

Yes, you may pay the services of a consultant to perform the objectives of the project.

Would you fund the hiring of a consultant to spearhead a capital campaign if there is a specific start and end date?

No, any expenses related to a capital campaign are not eligible.

Is the match funds required?

Match funds are not required, however securing or seeking matching funds can strengthen your application.

Future plans for funding – Does that mean if someone applied before, they will not be able to ask for additional funding for the same program.

Funding can be used to support an ongoing project/program, even if it has been supported by the TOT Grant Program in the past.

Is pending funding (Column B) money we are requesting from you?

Yes. Column B of the Project Budget Form is specific to the grant funds being requested from the County of Sacramento.

Our organization runs on a calendar not fiscal year. The grant page recommends not applying for more than 20% of your overall budget. Would that mean we should use our 2020 budget or 2021 budget to ensure we do not exceed the 25% recommended cap?

It is recommended to use the last completed fiscal year’s budget to determine this amount.

Do you have a minimum participant capacity for a project?

No.

Could you please share a list and/or descriptions of the programs that have been awarded in the past? I was able to Google the past awards and list had the non-profits and their award amounts, but there were no descriptions of the programs.

The types of programs and projects awarded in previous grant cycles vary in size and scope, there is no specific priority the Board of Supervisors has established for awarding funds.

Who serves as review panelists for this grant?

County staff and members of the community who are experts in the field they are jurying.

Where can I find the list of panelists?

The list of organizations the panelists represent are included in the Board report from the public hearing approving grant award recommendations each year. The panelists have not yet been determined for this grant cycle.

Are projects intended to support sustainability planning for an existing project to either expand/scale the original project allowable?

Both are allowable uses.

Are projects expected to address Covid-19 challenges within the communities that we serve? If not, will those that do be given more consideration?

Projects are not expected to address COVID-19 challenges and COVID-19 related projects will not be given more consideration.

If you’ve received TOT funding in the past, does that decrease the probability that you receive current year funding?

No, being a past recipient won’t decrease or increase your chances for the current year’s program.

Is there a focus for funding?

An organization should be applying in one of the organization categories, but there is not a specific focus or type of project the County prefers.

Are projects that serve underserved communities given any preference?

Our evaluation panels jury and score each application based on the application criteria presented during the workshop: clarity of the application, merit of the proposed project and community impact.

Is there a way to include video testimonials?

No, the attachment of links to video or audio are not supported and will not be reviewed.

Are links to past project performance videos acceptable to include?

No, the attachment of links to video or audio are not supported and will not be reviewed.

What if a program has participants from multiple districts but they come to a location in one district? How is this addressed?

If program participants are coming from multiple districts to participate in a program or project in one specific district, please check all of the districts the participants are coming from and note this in the narrative description of your application.

Is it okay to initially fund the purchase and then submit the paid invoice as documentation to the county for reimbursement?

That is correct. Grant award funds are dispersed on a reimbursement basis within 20-30 days from an approved invoice submission.