Q. Why does the NSIIC have a grant program?

A. The NSIIC first developed a low interest loan program as a result of field hearings held in 1997. The National Livestock Producers Association (www.nlpa.org) through an intermediary arrangement with NSIIC administers this program.  (Loans)   The Board then began holding annual "Listening Sessions" in 2001 with sheep and goat industry groups and from these sessions the following needs were identified:

·         Small grants

·         Grants that could compliment the NLPA low interest loans.

·         Activities that help coordination between all segments of the sheep and goat industries

Q: How much money is available?

A: The Board  will grant approximately $300,000 in FY 2006.

Q: Is there a maximum amount for each proposal?

A: Yes, the maximum amount for any one proposal is $50,000.

Q: Who is eligible?

A: Eligibility requirements are detailed in the Federal Register Notice. Individuals are not eligible. The determination that individuals are not eligible was made when Congress authorized the NSIIC and is not a policy of the Board of Directors.

Q: What should I put on my cover page?

A: Form SF-424 serves as the cover page and no other cover page should be used.

Q: How should I organize and present my proposal?

A. Follow the guidelines in the Federal Register carefully. The Federal Register Notice may not be fascinating reading, but it does detail how your proposal will be scored and what format to use.

Q: Do I need a Dunn and Bradstreet number (DUNNS)

A.  If you plan to submit your proposal electronically through http://www.grants.gov a DUNNS Number is required in the registration process.

If you are submitting your application on paper then a Dunn and Bradstreet number is not required.  You may omit it or put N/A.

Q: What is the "Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number"?

A.  The number is 10-774 and the title is "NSIIC"

Q: Do you have any suggestions on how best to write my proposal?

A: The Board of Directors will use the selection criteria outlined in the Federal Register Notice to review the proposals. Each member of the Board of Directors reads each and every proposal. The Board is made up of individuals with backgrounds in the goat and sheep industries and you should write your proposal as if you were addressing someone with an extensive depth of knowledge and background. It is usually helpful to have your proposal reviewed by someone familiar with the issue you are addressing.  This will help you make sure that your proposal is clearly written and identity areas that could be strengthened.

In addition, NSIIC sponsored a grant writing session during their annual meeting in 2005.  The presentation material from that session can be found by going to Grant Writing Advice.

Q: Can I have a member of the Board or staff review my proposal before I submit it?

A: No, that could give an unfair advantage to those that were reviewed. Board members or staff can not, and will not review or give guidance to an applicant before the selection process begins.

Q: How will my proposal be selected?

A: The Board of Directors will use the Scoring Criteria in the Federal Register to make the selection.

Q: These are competitive grants, what does that mean?

A: There is approximately $300,000 available and each grant is competing with other grant proposals for the available funding. The Board will use the Selection Criteria outlined in the Federal Register to select those that will be funded.

Q: If I previously submitted a proposal that was not funded, can I submit it again?

A. Yes, Keep in mind that your proposal will be competing against an entirely different set of proposals this time. Also Board members change and the needs of the various industry segments change. You may also find it helpful to look at the types of projects that have been funded and have your proposal reviewed by others in the industry.

Q: If I previously submitted a proposal that was funded, can I submit another proposal for funding?

A. Yes

Q: Should I pad my budget?

A: It helps to be realistic about your budget. The Board of Directors will take a common sense approach and it really is not helpful to your overall project if they suspect that the budgeted expenses are inflated.

Q: Can I put in-kind costs in my budget as matching funds?

A: Yes, In-kind contributions such as labor and material can be included in your budget. Identify it as in-kind and be realistic about the value.

Q: Why are there two contact addresses?

A: NSIIC uses a Post Office Box for mail that it receives through the US Postal Service. If you use the US Postal Service then you should address your submission to PO Box 23483, Washington DC 20026.

Other carriers such as FED-EX, UPS, Airborne, etc, must deliver items to our physical office address and therefore your submission should be sent to 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 2117, Washington DC 20250. Do not mix these addresses, use one or the other.

Q: What does it mean that the proposals must be received no later than October 14, 2005?

A: Proposals must be received in the NSIIC Washington, DC office on or before October 14, 2005 before 5:00 PM EST. Proposals received after that time and date will be returned without review or consideration.  We strongly recommend you do not wait until the deadline date for submissions.

Q: Is it better to send a paper copy or submit it to http://grants.gov?

A: Either method is acceptable and you as the applicant should use the method that you are most comfortable with.  If you chose to use www.grants.gov make sure that you have gone through the registration process at least two weeks before the due date.  Once you have gone through the registration process, you will be registered and will not have to go through the process again for other grants or this grant process again next year.

Q: When will I find out what decision the Board made regarding funding?

A:  All applicants will receive notification of the outcome no later than January 23, 2006.  Notifications will be sent to the contact person identified on the SF-424 by traceable carrier or USPS certified, return receipt mail.

FINAL SUGGESTION: Writing a grant can be time consuming and those that are not selected can find it a very personal let down. DON’T, It is not personal and can be a good learning experience for writing a successful grant in the future.