QUESTION: Will there be an opportunity for people to sign up to be ETO users, or is ETO exclusively for people that are currently already using it?
ANSWER: We will work with you if you are interested in using the ETO system that the City has to offer. We are also willing to work with whatever database system that you have in place.
QUESTION: Is there a minimum number of children that may be served through this initiative?
ANSWER: There is no minimum number, as long as it is above zero. You would need to justify the budget costs and ensure that they are reasonable to serve the number of youths that you propose serving.
QUESTION: When do the grant-funded program period start and end?
ANSWER: The program periods are as follows: Summer (July 1 – August 31, 2023) and Year-Round (July 1 – June 30, 2023)
QUESTION: Is there a designated day(s) or time within the Summer (July through August) that is required?
ANSWER: No, there is not. Again, we want to be supportive of your programs, so we ask you to tell us when the days and times the program(s) meet, but we don’t have a requirement on the days, times or number of occasions of these meetings.
QUESTION: Does the City promote or advertise the events or projects being offered by people who were able to get funding.
ANSWER: Yes, we do, even for those who do not get funding. This is done mainly through e-mail, so we encourage you to send into your information to be shared.
QUESTION: Can the organization be an LLC? Does it have to be based out of Hartford?
ANSWER: Yes, the organization can be an LLC if you are applying for any funding amount less than $25K. The organization does not have be based in Hartford, however you do have to serve only Hartford youth residents with the funding dollars.
QUESTION: Are you allowed to use DFCYR employees on your staff?
ANSWER: No. If there are employees that happen to work for DFCYR, or the City of Hartford in any form or fashion, they cannot be paid through American Rescue Plan dollars.
QUESTION: Where can you find the downloaded version of this RFP online and the recorded Bidders’ Conference?
ANSWER: All the information regarding the Hartford UNITY Grant can be found at www.HartfordUnity.com.
QUESTION: Will you be funding school-based programs during the school day, or just after-school programming?
ANSWER: The intent is for enrichment programs, including programs that are operating after school. We will not be funding programs during the school day. This grant is not a general operating grant.
QUESTION: Who would be the appropriate contact to send pictures and content of the different activities and programs the participants are involved in?
ANSWER: We ask that you send those pictures and other items to the email youthengagementgrants@hartford.gov.
QUESTION: Will the “Past Performance Review” section on the rubric be used to make funding decisions? Does that also apply if it's a program not previously funded by UNITY?
ANSWER: Yes, the score that a previous grantee will receive in the “Past Performance Review” will impact their overall score. If not previously funded by Hartford UNITY dollars, then this section does not apply to applicants.
QUESTION: When can we expect to hear about award notifications?
ANSWER: The tentative announcement is scheduled for April 2023.
QUESTION: If an IRS determination letter was submitted in round one, do you need to see that again?
ANSWER: Yes, all documentation that is requested in the application is required.
QUESTION: Are questions allowed following the Bidders’ Conference?
ANSWER: Yes, please send your questions to youthengagementgrants@hartford.gov
QUESTION: Would a program that runs on weekends and after school be considered school-based? Can we still apply?
ANSWER: Yes, you may apply.
QUESTION: Our summer program takes place from 4 pm- 8:30 pm M-F and on weekends. Is this allowable, or do the hours have to be 8 am - 5 pm?
ANSWER: Yes. There is no specific timeframe that a program must adhere to. The only requirements are that the programs serve Hartford-based youth between the ages of birth-24 and take place between July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.
QUESTION: Is Youth Participatory Research eligible for this grant?
ANSWER: Yes, as long as it serves Hartford-based youth between the ages of birth – 24.
QUESTION: Can programs that take place during lunchtime still apply?
ANSWER: If the program takes places during the school-year, and within the school-day hours, the program would not be eligible for funding.
QUESTION: Can programs that happen during the day for childcare centers and in formal and informal daycare still apply?
ANSWER: Yes.
QUESTION: If we are serving children birth up to age 5 who do not have a SASID can we still apply?
ANSWER: Yes, you may apply for funding.
QUESTION: You mentioned last year that this year's grant might not include programs that are school-based. Is this the case?
ANSWER: Yes, school-based programs are not eligible for funding.
QUESTION: If our program runs all year-round and includes a summer program do we apply as a year-round program?
ANSWER: Yes, you may apply as a year-round program.
QUESTION: Currently my program is school-based. Can I still apply?
ANSWER: School-based programs will not be accepted this year. However, if you alter your program to operate as a summer-only program or as an afterschool program, your application may still be accepted.