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As a nonprofit, you’re a central partner of United Way in working for community change. We support nonprofits’ work with resources including volunteers, advocacy and—where strategies align—funding.
Funding Announcements
Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP): 2024 Phase 41 Funding Application
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board receives an appropriation from Congress each year to supplement and expand emergency food and shelter programs throughout the country. The award amount for King County is based on the total number of unemployed as compared to the total number of unemployed in all qualifying jurisdictions. The award is made through FEMA, under the Department of Homeland Security.
EFSP Funding Application FAQs
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Nonprofit, faith-based, and governmental organizations in King County, WA
- Past EFSP participation is not a requirement.
- Must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). To apply, go here (https://sam.gov).
- Must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) (http://www.irs.gov).
- Maintain a checking account in the organization’s name for EFSP deposits.
- Pay vendors directly within 90 days for services provided.
- Submit required reports.
What are the eligible services and expenditures?
- Food Services: Congregate Meals, Food Purchases, Home Delivery Meals (e.g., Meals on Wheels).
- Shelter Services: Mass Shelters (e.g., local shelter facilities), Hotel/Motel, Rent/Mortgage.
- Supplies and Equipment Purchases: Cleaning Supplies for Shelters, Feeding Sites; Small Equipment Purchases up to $300 per item (e.g., microwave); Personal Protective Equipment
- Utility Services for Clients: Gas, electric or water
- Administrative Allowance: 2% of Jurisdiction’s Award
What are the award amounts?
A minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $40,000 will be awarded to approximately 20-25 agencies in King County.
Is there a deadline to spending funds awarded?
If awarded funding, your agency will need to submit all required paperwork, Interim and 2nd Payment requests promptly. Final Reports for Phase 41 will be due to the National Board on February 15, 2025.
What are the program guidelines?
A quick reference of the guidelines can be found here, along with an overview of the type of required spreadsheets. There are three updates to these guidelines:
- Per Meal Allowance: The per meal allowance is $3 per meal for agencies using the per meal rate when providing congregate meals.
- Mass Shelter Expenditures: The current guideline is a flat rate of $12.50 per bed night when using the per diem rate for mass shelter services.
- Rent/Mortgage/Utility/Other Shelter (Motel/Hotel) Expenditures: The current guideline allows for up to 90 days (3 months) for clients per phase if it maintains housing, prevents disconnection of utility services or prevents homelessness.
- If awarded funds for rent/mortgage, payment must guarantee 30 days of additional service. Assistance can be provided to the client by only one LRO in the jurisdiction. You will need to use the Local Board tracking system to confirm no duplication of service before issuing payment.
What is the application timeline?
Monday, April 15, 2024: Seattle Times Grant Advertisement
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 12:00 PM – Monday, May 6, 2024 at 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time: Application Process Opens at 12 PM and closes at 5 PM. Please complete the application online using e-CImpact here. The application along with scoring criteria can be found in the e-CImpact Resource Center and below. You may find it helpful to review and/or complete the word document before submitting the online application.
If you don’t have an active account in the UWKC e-CImpact website, you will need to register to access the online application first (this is a quick process). If you need assistance registering, please contact Damian Spence at dspence@uwkc.org. If you have a current account on the e-CImpact website please login, then from the left-hand navigation select the link titled “Request Grant Application.” From there select continue to confirm your interest in the application and launch the required form.
Tuesday, April 23, 2024: Q & A Session 1pm-2pm via Zoom. Please email United Way of King County at communityservices@uwkc.org and the Zoom invite will be sent to you beforehand.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024: Q&A session 11am-12pm via Zoom. Please email United Way of King County at communityservices@uwkc.org and the Zoom invite will be sent to you beforehand.
Monday, May 6, 2024 at 5:00PM: This is the official application deadline. Sorry, no exceptions. Complete your application online HERE. Once you submit your application, no further edits can be made. You will receive an automated response confirming receipt of application.
May 9, 2024 – May 17, 2024: Local Board Members Review Application.
May 31, 2024: Award notifications, including next steps, will be emailed to the contact people listed on the application.
Phase 41 Spending End Date: All funds must be spent by December 31, 2024. Final report and all required documentation will be due on February 15, 2025.
I am a current or previous LRO.
If your agency has any unresolved reporting or documentation compliance issues from a previous EFSP Phase, we encourage you to resolve the compliance issues before requesting additional EFSP funds in Phase 41. If you have questions or are unsure if your issue is resolved, please contact the staff person listed below.
Are you hosting any Community Information Session?
Yes, the dates are:
Tuesday, April 23, 2024: Q & A Session 1pm-2pm via Zoom. Please email United Way of King County at communityservices@uwkc.org and the Zoom invite will be sent to you beforehand.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024: Q&A session 11am-12pm via Zoom. Please email United Way of King County at communityservices@uwkc.org and the Zoom invite will be sent to you beforehand.
Who should I contact for additional questions or support?
EFSP Staff Contact Information:
Marlo Klein
Senior Community Impact Manager/Homelessness Prevention
United Way of King County
206.461.5082
mklein@uwkc.org
Find Volunteers
We matched thousands of people with nonprofits last year. And we want to do that for you too. Want to list your volunteer opportunities and find volunteers committed to your cause? Get started here.
Volunteers use our database to search for opportunities that match their interests and availability. We also auto post your volunteer listings to Serve Washington’s Get Connected, AARP’s Create the Good, and Points of Light—which means you get greater reach! Interested organizations can also register their projects for MLK Day of Service.
Get Help With Volunteer Management
Volunteer Management Guide
United Way of King County partners with 501 Commons to support volunteer management trainings across our region. Browse upcoming workshops, volunteer position descriptions, and other resources to boost your nonprofit’s use and management of volunteers.
Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color Peer Network
United Way staff support a network of people who manage volunteers at BIPOC-serving and serving organizations to build relationships as they engage volunteers in our community. We host quarterly learning and networking opportunities in a safe space for communities of color.