Opportunity Information: Apply for OOF2012
Apply for OOF2012
- The National Veterans Sports Programs in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Olympic Opportunity Fund Grant" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 64.034 VA Assistance to United States Paralympic Integrated Adaptive Sports Program.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 5, 2012 and posted on Apr 5, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 11, 2012. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $1,600,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $25,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 140 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Independent school districts City or township governments Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) County governments Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education For profit organizations other than small businesses.
- Those eligible to apply for the OOF grant include Paralympic Sport Clubs, colleges/ universities, Parks and Recreation Agencies, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and community based non profit organizations. Eligibility is focused on provision of qualified rehabilitative support through Paralympic and adaptive sports to disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Olympic Opportunity Fund (OOF) Grant is a competitive grant program run by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Paralympic Division using funding provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events. In 2012, the program made a total of $1.6 million available to support the U.S. Paralympic Integrated Adaptive Sports Program. The central purpose is to expand and strengthen community-based adaptive and Paralympic sport opportunities for disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces, with an emphasis on sustained participation that can extend from introductory recreation all the way to higher-performance competition. A major theme throughout the opportunity is partnership: the USOC is looking for projects that connect local programs with VA clinical personnel and with other national, regional, and community organizations so that veterans can access consistent programming close to home.
Program goals focus on health, access, and growth of sport pathways. Funded projects are expected to promote lifelong health through regular physical activity and sport, increase the number of disabled veterans and service members participating in sports, and enhance recreational offerings by building partnerships among organizations that can support training, coaching, and participant development. Another explicit aim is to provide training and technical assistance to nonprofits so they can deliver Paralympic sport opportunities in their communities, not just host occasional events. One-time events generally are not funded unless they clearly serve as a kickoff or organizing hub for ongoing sport programming over weeks or months, and applicants are expected to show how the program will remain viable after the grant period ends.
Eligible applicants include Paralympic Sport Clubs, colleges and universities, parks and recreation agencies, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), and community-based nonprofit organizations. Applicants must serve disabled veterans and/or disabled members of the Armed Forces, provide regular and frequent activities over an extended period, and present a plan built for long-term sustainability with clear objectives and measurable outcomes. Federal agencies themselves cannot receive funding under the program (per 38 U.S.C.A. 521(a)), but they are encouraged to collaborate with eligible community organizations or VSOs to help create and deliver programs.
Award sizes range from $10,000 to $25,000 per applicant, with grants running for up to one year. For the 2012 cycle, the anticipated project period was October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013, and the USOC estimated about 140 total awards. Cost sharing or matching was not required. Funds could be used for typical program delivery needs such as personnel (coaches and staff time directly tied to the program), travel necessary to run sports programming, operating costs like facility rentals, equipment with a useful life over two years, and supplies/other consumables. Administrative costs were capped at 10 percent of the total award, and grant funds could not be used for construction. The USOC reserved the right to negotiate or reduce budgets and to decide whether costs were reasonable and appropriate.
Applications were submitted online and required several core components. The main narrative was limited to five pages and had to cover an organization overview (mission, strategic goals, recent history and results, experience serving disabled veterans/service members, and who the organization serves), followed by detailed program design. Program details were expected to include which adaptive or Paralympic sports would be offered, the needs being addressed, measurable goals and outcomes, target participant demographics and an estimated number of veterans/service members served, a timeline with milestones and locations, staff qualifications and infrastructure, and a clear list of collaborators (such as VA Medical Centers, VSOs, Warrior Transition Units, National Governing Bodies, or other community partners). Applicants also had to describe outreach and awareness plans and explain how the program would continue after the grant ended. In addition, applicants had to complete an online budget table and include a budget narrative that aligned mathematically with the table, plus provide documentation of tax-exempt status (such as an IRS 501(c)(3) letter when applicable). Letters of collaboration were required when the proposal depended on partners to carry out the project.
The review process had two stages: an initial responsiveness screen to confirm eligibility, completeness, and on-time submission, followed by a competitive scored review by a panel of at least three reviewers. Scoring emphasized whether the project would truly reach disabled veterans and service members, the strength of partnerships, whether objectives were achievable and measurable, the applicant’s capacity to deliver quality programming, the likelihood of sustainability after the grant, and whether the budget was reasonable relative to deliverables. The program also used incentive scoring: applications earned extra points for including at least two Paralympic sports, and additional points for documented collaboration with a VA Medical Center or a Veteran Service Organization. If applications tied, priority went first to Paralympic Sport Clubs and then to organizations actively pursuing that status. The USOC also noted it could reject projects that were technically or financially infeasible regardless of score.
Post-award requirements included compliance and reporting expectations typical of federally supported programs administered through an intermediary. Grantees needed a DUNS number to receive payment, and those receiving the maximum $25,000 award had to obtain and maintain active Central Contractor Registration (CCR) status within 90 days (reflecting the registration requirements in place at that time). Grantees were required to submit quarterly and annual financial and performance reports, provide regular data tied to program performance measures, and complete a start-up plan with tasks, outcomes, budgets, and timelines. Performance tracking focused on concrete participation and capacity metrics such as the number of sports offered, how many veterans were reached, outreach activities conducted, communities newly serving veterans with disabilities, and participant breakdowns by age group and disability type, as well as partnership activity, equipment purchased for programming, and staff training/professional development related to program quality. Additional federal transparency and oversight rules applied, including Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) reporting for $25,000 awards (which could require reporting executive compensation details in certain cases) and audit requirements under OMB Circular A-133 for organizations expending $500,000 or more in federal awards in a year. Changes to approved activities or budgets had to be requested in writing and approved by the USOC before implementation. The 2012 application deadline was firm: noon Mountain Time on May 11, 2012, with a limited contingency process only for verified online system outages.
Olympic Opportunity Fund (OOF) Grant FAQs
1) What is the Olympic Opportunity Fund (OOF) Grant?
The Olympic Opportunity Fund (OOF) Grant is a competitive grant program administered by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Paralympic Division using funding provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events.
2) What is the main purpose of the OOF Grant?
The central purpose is to expand and strengthen community-based adaptive and Paralympic sport opportunities for disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces, with an emphasis on sustained participation that can progress from introductory recreation to higher-performance competition.
3) What types of outcomes is the program trying to achieve?
Funded projects are expected to promote lifelong health through regular physical activity and sport, increase the number of disabled veterans and service members participating in sports, and strengthen recreational offerings by building partnerships that support training, coaching, and participant development.
4) Is this grant intended to fund one-time events?
Generally, no. One-time events are typically not funded unless they clearly function as a kickoff or organizing hub for ongoing sport programming that continues over weeks or months. Applicants are expected to show how programming will remain viable after the grant period ends.
5) What is the role of partnerships in this grant?
Partnership is a major theme. The USOC is looking for projects that connect local programs with VA clinical personnel and with other national, regional, and community organizations so that veterans can access consistent programming close to home.
6) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include Paralympic Sport Clubs, colleges and universities, parks and recreation agencies, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), and community-based nonprofit organizations.
7) Who must the funded programs serve?
Applicants must serve disabled veterans and/or disabled members of the Armed Forces.
8) Are federal agencies eligible to receive funding?
No. Federal agencies cannot receive funding under the program (per 38 U.S.C.A. 521(a)). However, federal agencies are encouraged to collaborate with eligible community organizations or VSOs to help create and deliver programs.
9) How much funding can an applicant request?
Award sizes range from $10,000 to $25,000 per applicant.
10) How long is the grant period?
Grants can run for up to one year. For the 2012 cycle, the anticipated project period was October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013.
11) How competitive is the program?
The program is competitive and uses a scored review process. For the 2012 cycle, the USOC estimated about 140 total awards.
12) Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. Cost sharing or matching was not required.
13) What kinds of activities does the grant support?
The grant supports ongoing adaptive and Paralympic sport programming delivered regularly and frequently over an extended period, with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a sustainability plan for after the grant ends.
14) What expenses can grant funds be used for?
Funds could be used for program delivery needs such as personnel (coaches and staff time directly tied to the program), travel necessary to run sports programming, operating costs like facility rentals, equipment with a useful life over two years, and supplies or other consumables.
15) Are there limits on administrative costs?
Yes. Administrative costs were capped at 10 percent of the total award.
16) Can the funds be used for construction?
No. Grant funds could not be used for construction.
17) Can the USOC adjust the proposed budget?
Yes. The USOC reserved the right to negotiate or reduce budgets and to determine whether proposed costs were reasonable and appropriate.
18) How are applications submitted?
Applications were submitted online.
19) What are the main required parts of the application?
The application required a core narrative (limited to five pages), an online budget table, a budget narrative that matched the table mathematically, and documentation of tax-exempt status when applicable (such as an IRS 501(c)(3) letter).
20) What must be covered in the organization overview section of the narrative?
The organization overview was expected to describe the mission, strategic goals, recent history and results, experience serving disabled veterans and service members, and who the organization serves.
21) What program design details were applicants expected to include?
Applicants were expected to include which adaptive or Paralympic sports would be offered, needs being addressed, measurable goals and outcomes, target participant demographics, estimated number of veterans/service members served, a timeline with milestones and locations, staff qualifications and infrastructure, collaborators, outreach and awareness plans, and how the program would continue after the grant ended.
22) What collaborators were specifically mentioned as examples?
Examples included VA Medical Centers, VSOs, Warrior Transition Units, National Governing Bodies, and other community partners.
23) Are letters of collaboration required?
Yes, letters of collaboration were required when the proposal depended on partners to carry out the project.
24) How does the review process work?
The review process had two stages: (1) an initial responsiveness screen to confirm eligibility, completeness, and on-time submission, and (2) a competitive scored review by a panel of at least three reviewers.
25) What criteria were emphasized in scoring?
Scoring emphasized whether the project would reach disabled veterans and service members, the strength of partnerships, whether objectives were achievable and measurable, the applicant's capacity to deliver quality programming, the likelihood of sustainability after the grant, and whether the budget was reasonable relative to deliverables.
26) Is there incentive scoring?
Yes. Applications earned extra points for including at least two Paralympic sports, and additional points for documented collaboration with a VA Medical Center or a Veteran Service Organization.
27) How are ties handled?
If applications tied, priority went first to Paralympic Sport Clubs and then to organizations actively pursuing Paralympic Sport Club status.
28) Can a proposal be rejected even if it scores well?
Yes. The USOC noted it could reject projects that were technically or financially infeasible regardless of score.
29) Are there any registration requirements to receive funds?
Yes. Grantees needed a DUNS number to receive payment. Grantees receiving the maximum $25,000 award had to obtain and maintain active Central Contractor Registration (CCR) status within 90 days (based on the registration requirements in place at that time).
30) What reporting is required after an award is made?
Grantees were required to submit quarterly and annual financial and performance reports, provide regular data tied to program performance measures, and complete a start-up plan with tasks, outcomes, budgets, and timelines.
31) What kinds of performance data were grantees expected to track?
Tracking focused on participation and capacity metrics such as the number of sports offered; how many veterans were reached; outreach activities conducted; communities newly serving veterans with disabilities; participant breakdowns by age group and disability type; partnership activity; equipment purchased for programming; and staff training/professional development related to program quality.
32) Are there additional federal transparency or oversight requirements?
Yes. For $25,000 awards, Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) reporting applied (which could require reporting executive compensation details in certain cases). Audit requirements under OMB Circular A-133 applied for organizations expending $500,000 or more in federal awards in a year.
33) What if a grantee needs to change activities or the budget after approval?
Changes to approved activities or budgets had to be requested in writing and approved by the USOC before implementation.
34) What was the application deadline for the 2012 cycle?
The 2012 application deadline was firm: noon Mountain Time on May 11, 2012.
35) Was there any allowance for late submissions due to technical issues?
There was only a limited contingency process, and it applied only to verified online system outages.
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