Opportunity Information: Apply for DHS 16 CIS 010 002
Apply for DHS 16 CIS 010 002
- The DHS-OPO in the community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2016 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 97.010.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 29, 2016 and posted on Feb 29, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 22, 2016. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $9,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 36 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Opportunity Summary:
The FY 2016 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), specifically the Office of Citizenship (OoC). The program is built around the idea that naturalization is a major step in an immigrant's civic integration, and that preparing for citizenship helps lawful permanent residents build practical knowledge and skills they will use as future U.S. citizens. USCIS emphasizes that the naturalization process encourages learning in key areas like English language proficiency and understanding U.S. history and civics, which together form a foundation for meaningful participation in American civic life.
The central purpose of the grant program is to expand the availability of high-quality citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents across the United States. In practical terms, the funding is aimed at strengthening and increasing access to two core service areas: citizenship instruction (such as English and civics education tied to the naturalization test and interview) and naturalization application services (helping eligible applicants prepare and complete the naturalization application process). A strong focus is placed on ensuring these services reach low-income communities and other underserved lawful permanent residents who may face obstacles to naturalization, including limited access to affordable instruction, lack of reliable information, language barriers, and challenges navigating the application process.
Beyond direct classroom instruction and application help, the program also supports broader activities that improve the overall effectiveness and reach of citizenship preparation programs. This includes developing, identifying, and sharing promising practices so organizations can learn what works and replicate successful approaches. It also encourages innovative and creative solutions to barriers that keep people from applying for naturalization, such as exploring new service delivery models, removing logistical hurdles, and improving how programs connect immigrants to accurate guidance and support. Another priority is increasing the use of and access to technology in citizenship preparation, reflecting an interest in tools that can make learning and application assistance more accessible, efficient, and scalable.
The opportunity also highlights collaboration with local libraries, recognizing that libraries often serve as trusted, accessible hubs for immigrant communities. Libraries can provide space, resources, internet access, and connections to community programming, making them valuable partners in expanding outreach and delivering citizenship-related services. In addition, the grant program incorporates strategies meant to foster welcoming communities, linking citizenship preparation not only to passing a test or filing paperwork, but also to helping immigrants feel supported and included as they integrate into civic and community life.
From a policy alignment standpoint, USCIS frames the grant as part of DHS mission priorities described in the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR). Specifically, it aligns with Mission 3, "Enforce and Administer Our Immigration Laws," and Goal 3.1, which includes strengthening and effectively administering the immigration system, promoting lawful immigration, effectively administering immigration services, and promoting the integration of lawful immigrants into American society. In that sense, the grant is positioned as both a community development investment and a way to support the lawful immigration framework by helping eligible permanent residents complete the naturalization process successfully.
Key administrative details from the funding notice include the funding opportunity number DHS 16 CIS 010 002 and the CFDA number 97.010. The award ceiling listed is $9,000,000, with an expectation of 36 awards. The opportunity was posted on February 29, 2016, and the application closing date was April 22, 2016. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with additional clarification referenced in the full notice under eligibility details, which typically indicates that certain types of community-based organizations, nonprofits, public institutions, or other entities involved in citizenship preparation may qualify depending on the specific requirements in the complete announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is the FY 2016 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program (Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services)?
It is a discretionary federal grant opportunity offered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), specifically USCIS' Office of Citizenship (OoC). The program is designed to expand access to high-quality citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents in the United States.
2) Which agency is offering this grant?
The grant is offered by DHS through USCIS, via the USCIS Office of Citizenship (OoC).
3) What is the main purpose of this grant program?
The central purpose is to expand the availability of high-quality citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents nationwide. The funding is aimed at strengthening and increasing access to (1) citizenship instruction and (2) naturalization application services, with a strong emphasis on reaching low-income and other underserved lawful permanent residents.
4) Who are the intended beneficiaries of the funded services?
The program is focused on lawful permanent residents, especially those in low-income communities and other underserved populations who face obstacles to naturalization (such as limited access to affordable instruction, lack of reliable information, language barriers, and difficulty navigating the application process).
5) What types of services does the grant emphasize?
The notice emphasizes two core service areas:
- Citizenship instruction (such as English language and civics education tied to the naturalization test and interview)
- Naturalization application services (helping eligible applicants prepare and complete the naturalization application process)
6) What is meant by "citizenship instruction" in this program?
Citizenship instruction refers to educational services that help lawful permanent residents prepare for naturalization, including building English language proficiency and learning U.S. history and civics as they relate to the naturalization test and interview.
7) What is meant by "naturalization application services" in this program?
Naturalization application services refer to assistance that helps eligible applicants prepare and complete the naturalization application process, addressing common barriers such as unreliable information, language challenges, and the complexity of the process.
8) What barriers to naturalization does the program aim to address?
The opportunity highlights several obstacles faced by underserved lawful permanent residents, including limited access to affordable citizenship instruction, lack of reliable information, language barriers, and challenges navigating the naturalization application process.
9) Does the grant support activities beyond direct instruction and application help?
Yes. In addition to direct services, the program supports broader activities intended to improve overall effectiveness and reach, including developing, identifying, and sharing promising practices so organizations can replicate successful approaches.
10) Does the program encourage innovation in service delivery?
Yes. The notice encourages innovative and creative solutions to barriers that prevent eligible residents from applying for naturalization. This can include exploring new service delivery models, removing logistical hurdles, and improving how programs connect immigrants to accurate guidance and support.
11) Is technology a priority area for this grant?
Yes. A stated priority is increasing the use of and access to technology in citizenship preparation, reflecting interest in tools that can make learning and application assistance more accessible, efficient, and scalable.
12) Does the opportunity mention partnerships with libraries?
Yes. The opportunity highlights collaboration with local libraries, noting that libraries can serve as trusted hubs for immigrant communities and may provide space, resources, internet access, and connections to community programming that support citizenship-related services.
13) What is the grant program's connection to "welcoming communities"?
The program incorporates strategies meant to foster welcoming communities. It frames citizenship preparation as more than test preparation or paperwork support, linking services to helping immigrants feel supported and included as they integrate into civic and community life.
14) How does USCIS describe the importance of naturalization and citizenship preparation?
USCIS frames naturalization as a major step in an immigrant's civic integration. Preparing for citizenship is described as helping lawful permanent residents build practical knowledge and skills they will use as future U.S. citizens, including English proficiency and understanding U.S. history and civics.
15) How does this grant align with DHS mission priorities?
USCIS states the grant aligns with DHS priorities described in the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR), specifically Mission 3, "Enforce and Administer Our Immigration Laws," and Goal 3.1, which includes strengthening and effectively administering the immigration system, promoting lawful immigration, administering immigration services effectively, and promoting the integration of lawful immigrants into American society.
16) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?
The Funding Opportunity Number is DHS 16 CIS 010 002.
17) What is the CFDA number for this grant?
The CFDA number listed is 97.010.
18) What is the award ceiling listed in the notice?
The award ceiling listed is $9,000,000.
19) How many awards are expected under this opportunity?
The notice states an expectation of 36 awards.
20) When was this opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on February 29, 2016.
21) What was the application closing date?
The application closing date was April 22, 2016.
22) Who is eligible to apply based on the summary provided?
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others", with additional clarification referenced in the full notice under eligibility details. The summary indicates this typically means certain community-based organizations, nonprofits, public institutions, or other entities involved in citizenship preparation may qualify depending on the requirements in the complete announcement.
23) Where should applicants look for the full eligibility requirements?
The summary notes that additional eligibility clarification is provided in the full notice under the eligibility details section.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DHS 16 CIS 010 002) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| FY 2016 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: Citizenship Instruction Apply for DHS 16 CIS 010 001 Funding Number: DHS 16 CIS 010 001 Agency: DHS-OPO Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Community Programs Expansion, NPS Centennial Apply for P16AS00068 Funding Number: P16AS00068 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $94,500 |
| Rural Housing Preservation Grants Apply for USDA RD HCFP HPG 2016 Funding Number: USDA RD HCFP HPG 2016 Agency: USDA-RHS Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Educational Civic Engagement Apply for P16AS00073 Funding Number: P16AS00073 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $40,000 |
| Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages Apply for FR 6000 N 23 Funding Number: FR 6000 N 23 Agency: HUD Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $5,500,000 |
| Community Roots Project Apply for RFA 520 16 000003 Funding Number: RFA 520 16 000003 Agency: USAID-GUA Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $40,000,000 |
| Inclusion for Peace Activity Apply for RFA 514 16 000005 Funding Number: RFA 514 16 000005 Agency: USAID-COL Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $50,000,000 |
| Ambassador's Self Help Fund, Embassy Kinshasa Apply for SSH 508 16 300 Funding Number: SSH 508 16 300 Agency: DOS-COD Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Awareness Caravan Apply for S ND POL 16 001 Funding Number: S ND POL 16 001 Agency: Department of State Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| Veterans Cemetery Grants Apply for VA GRANTS NCA FY2017 Funding Number: VA GRANTS NCA FY2017 Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs, VA National Cemetery Administration Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $45,000,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award Apply for BOR LC 16 N015 Funding Number: BOR LC 16 N015 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $396,831 |
| Financial Literacy for Mexican Women: Breaking the Cycle of Violence Apply for DOS MEX PD DF 2016 04 Funding Number: DOS MEX PD DF 2016 04 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mexico Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $75,500 |
| Rural Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Grants Apply for FR 6000 N 08 Funding Number: FR 6000 N 08 Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Apply for P16AS00356 Funding Number: P16AS00356 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Apply for P16AS00369 Funding Number: P16AS00369 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $690,000 |
| Cane River National Heritage Area Apply for P16AS00422 Funding Number: P16AS00422 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $591,000 |
| FY2016 Implementation of Kenai Mountain Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area Management Plan Apply for NPS DOIP16AC01283 Funding Number: NPS DOIP16AC01283 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area Apply for P16AS00498 Funding Number: P16AS00498 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Master Plan Abingdon VA to Elizabethton, TN Apply for P16AS00503 Funding Number: P16AS00503 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Complete Master Plan from Chesnee to Blacksburg Apply for P16AS00507 Funding Number: P16AS00507 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $70,000 |
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