Frequently Asked Questions

• All projects must have a program component that responds to COVID-19 impacts. 
• All applicants must provide proof of nonprofit status. 
• The organization must have the capacity to comply with the program guidelines. 
• A clearly defined Scope of Work, Budget and Schedule must be included in the submitted application. Clearly defined performance standards/metrics/outputs and outcomes must be identified within the narrative. 
• The program must maximize positive impacts in the Royal Oak Community. 
• The program goals must be realistic and achievable.

Eligible program participants for the ARPA program must meet ARPA guidelines according to the Treasury Final Rule and 2 CFR 200.

Organizations must meet the following criteria to be eligible for financial assistance from the City of Royal Oak (Individuals are not eligible to apply directly for funding):

All entities applying for the NOF ARPA grant program must demonstrate:

1. The negative economic impact of COVID-19
2. How the program they are applying for funding is addressing the impacts of COVID-19
3. 501(C)3 Organization must be registered with Sam.gov

Applicants can only apply once and can only receive a single award for a MAXIMUM of $50,000.  Applicants can apply in up to two priority areas. Minimum request is $25,000 in any one priority area. All required documentation must be submitted at the time of application.

Funding through this NOFA will be provided for seven (7) eligible activities under:

I. Education Examples

Education component may provide support to improve literacy, leadership development, and/or basic job training or skill set improvement. Proposals must be focused on the three major content areas below:

1. Literacy
2. Enrichment/Readiness
3. Job Training

II. Seniors Examples

Seniors’ component includes activities targeted for the well-being of senior citizens for transportation and physical, mental, emotional, and social health services. Services in this category should be focused on:

1. Transportation Resources and Services
2. Health Care Services
3. Senior Health & Wellness programs and activities

III. Health Examples

Health component is specifically designed for the provision of other health services, which does not include transportation or medical appointments. Basic health services may include, but are not limited to:

1. Nutritious lunch and snacks
2. Socialization and recreation, community outings, personal grooming, and hygiene
3. Therapeutic activities, health monitoring, medication administration, individual, family or group counseling services, and prescription assistance programs.

IV. Public Safety Examples

Public Safety component includes neighborhood or community-based activities focused on safe keeping of citizens. Program services may include, but are not limited to:

1. Domestic and gun violence prevention
2. Crime reduction and supportive counseling and referrals
3. Cyber Security Informational Programs/Trainings
4. Representation/Human Trafficking services
5. Grief support to individuals and families 

V. Recreation (Youth) Examples

Recreation component will be focused on youth programs. Eligible service activities may include, but are not limited to:

1. Arts, crafts, music, theater
2. Youth sports and activities

VI. Mobility and Accessibility Example

Programs and services that address and improve access and quality of life through sustainable transport and mobility. 

VII. Arts & Culture Examples

Art and Culture are catalysts for expression, connection, collaboration, and community. This component will prioritize initiatives that expand access to arts and cultural programs in the community, attract visitors, and promote development. Examples include projects that:

1. Develop arts & culture-based beautification projects
2. Positively impact the perception of the City of Royal Oak
3. Coordinate and promote arts, culture, history, and heritage events and activities

The City of Royal Oak expects to receive many highly competitive applications from across the City of Royal Oak. All applications that meet the basic eligibility requirements will go through a ranking process. Applications will be selected and funded based on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate their capacity to implement a successful project/program/activity, the City’s priorities, project ranking, and available funding.

Qualifying proposals meeting the above listed criteria will be ranked and scored on a 100-point scale, with 0 being the lowest and 100 the highest score. Proposals must score at least 80 points to be recommended for funding.

Proposals will be ranked according to the score and recommended for funding in rank order. The

Scoring Criteria is as follows:

• Organizational Information:  30 points
• Funding Need:  15 points
• Project Description:  55 points
• Total Score:  100 points

Responses will be evaluated on a 5-point scale where a multiplier will be used (1, 2, and 3) to compute the total points for each area:

• 5 - Points: criterion is clearly, directly, and verifiably satisfied
• 4 - Points: criterion appears to be satisfied
• 3 - Points: criterion appears to be satisfied, but is lacking in clarity or documentation
• 2 - Points: criterion is only partially satisfied
• 1 - Point: criterion is not satisfied
• 0 - Points: question or questions are incorrectly answered or not answered completely

After grant award decisions are made, all applicants will be notified of their award status.

Beneficiaries will be monitored to assess whether the organization program/activities have achieved its objectives and determine whether the program has maximized impacts and outcomes in the community and to the people being served.

Important Notes

No person or organization will be excluded from participation in, denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with the City’s funds on the basis of race, color, religion, sex including pregnancy (childbirth, and related medical conditions), sex stereotyping, transgender status and gender identity, national origin (including limited English proficiency), age, disability, or political affiliation or belief.

PLEASE NOTE: Only digital, electronically transmitted applications will be accepted.

Organizations may want to consult with a tax professional when applying. Recipients found to have expended grant funds on expenses previously covered by another federal, state, or local program or on ineligible expenses will be required to repay all grant funding awarded by this program.

For questions about the application, eligibility, or other concerns, please contact:

Jill Martin, Program Manager

Jill.Martin.@romi.gov