Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2015 ACF ORR ZI 0958
Apply for HHS 2015 ACF ORR ZI 0958
- The Administration for Children and Families ORR in the income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Refugee Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.576 Refugee and Entrant AssistanceDiscretionary Grants.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 4, 2015 and posted on Mar 4, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 4, 2015 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 1159 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $2,800,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 13 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Independent school districts Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities City or township governments Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education County governments Special district governments Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) State governments Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized).
- Public or private non profit agencies are eligible for awards under this announcement. ORR is limiting this Funding Opportunity Announcement to those eligible entities with a partnership with a financial institution. Applicants must provide documentation of participation of a financial institution(s) in the project. This documentation must be in writing, on letterhead of the financial institution, and signed by a person authorized to make the commitment on behalf of the financial institution. The documentation must include a commitment by the financial institution to establish IDAs for the refugee participants, to establish a parallel account (or accounts) for the matching funds, and to provide the grantee with account activity data on the IDAs and the parallel account(s) in a timely manner. The ldquomatchrdquo mentioned in this announcement does not refer to the applicant finding additional funds to match funds being provided by the Federal government it is the portion of federal funds to be allocated for matching clients IDA savings. Faith based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity announcement. Faith based organizations are encouraged to review the ACF Policy on Grants to Faith Based Organizations at http //www.acf.hhs.gov/acf policy on grants to faith based organizations. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from competitive review and from funding under this announcement.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Refugee Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program is a competitive discretionary grant opportunity from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), part of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program is designed to help low-income refugees build assets by supporting local projects that set up and administer Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). Through these projects, eligible refugee participants open savings accounts and make regular deposits toward specific, approved savings goals, while the grantee uses federal grant funds to provide matching contributions to accelerate participants progress toward those goals.
The core purpose of the grant is asset-building tied to long-term self-sufficiency. Approved savings goals include purchasing a home, capitalizing a small business, buying a vehicle when it is needed for education or work, obtaining professional certification, and paying for certain education-related expenses. Education is limited to postsecondary education and select preparatory or access costs, such as college entrance exam fees, TOEFL expenses, and GED preparation and test fees. The program is meant to combine structured saving with clear, outcome-oriented uses of funds that can improve economic stability and integration.
A key financial feature is that ORR funds can be used to provide matching funds for participant savings up to set limits: up to $2,000 in match per individual refugee and up to $4,000 per refugee household. Importantly, the term "match" in this announcement does not mean the applicant must contribute non-federal dollars as a cost share. Instead, it refers to the portion of the federal award that the grantee allocates to match the savings deposited by participants into their IDAs. In other words, the match is built into how the federal grant funds are used to support participant accounts.
Eligible applicants are public or private nonprofit agencies, including faith-based and community organizations that meet the requirements. A central eligibility condition is that applicants must have an established partnership with at least one financial institution. The application must include written documentation from the financial institution on its letterhead, signed by an authorized representative, committing to open IDAs for refugee participants, create a parallel account (or accounts) to hold the matching funds, and provide the grantee with timely account activity data for both the participant accounts and the match accounts. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and from foreign entities are not eligible and would be disqualified.
Awards are made through a competitive review process described in the published funding opportunity announcement, with final selections dependent on both application scores and the availability of funds. Successful grantees are expected to align their policies and operating procedures with ORR guidance and coordinate with the existing refugee IDA network, which signals that ORR is looking for consistent program standards, reliable financial administration, and integration with broader refugee asset-building efforts rather than isolated local projects.
For this specific funding announcement (Funding Opportunity Number HHS-2015-ACF-ORR-ZI-0958; CFDA 93.576), ORR anticipated making about 13 awards, with an estimated total funding amount of $2.8 million. Individual awards were expected to range from $100,000 to $250,000. The application deadline for electronic submission was May 4, 2015, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, and the opportunity was later archived on June 3, 2015. The program falls under the broader category of Income Security and Social Services and uses the standard federal grant instrument type.
Refugee Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program Grant - FAQs
1. What is the Refugee Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program grant?
The Refugee Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program is a competitive discretionary grant opportunity administered by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). ORR is part of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The grant supports local projects that establish and administer Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) for eligible refugees to help them build assets and move toward long-term self-sufficiency.
2. What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?
The grant is designed to promote asset-building tied to long-term self-sufficiency. It supports structured savings by eligible refugee participants and uses federal grant funds to provide matching contributions that accelerate progress toward approved savings goals.
3. How does an IDA work under this program?
Under projects funded by this grant, eligible refugee participants open savings accounts (IDAs) and make regular deposits toward specific, approved savings goals. The grantee uses federal grant funds to provide matching contributions, which are held in parallel account(s) and later used to support participants in achieving their approved goals.
4. What savings goals are allowed under the Refugee IDA Program?
Approved savings goals include:
- Purchasing a home
- Capitalizing a small business
- Buying a vehicle when it is needed for education or work
- Obtaining professional certification
- Paying for certain education-related expenses (with limits described in the funding information)
5. What education expenses are eligible under this program?
Education support is limited to postsecondary education and select preparatory or access costs. Examples listed include college entrance exam fees, TOEFL expenses, and GED preparation and test fees.
6. How much matching funding can be provided per participant or household?
ORR funds can be used for matching contributions up to the following limits:
- Up to $2,000 in match per individual refugee participant
- Up to $4,000 in match per refugee household
7. Does the word "match" mean the applicant must provide non-federal cost share?
No. In this announcement, "match" refers to the portion of the federal award that the grantee allocates to match savings deposited by participants into their IDAs. It does not mean the applicant must contribute non-federal dollars as a cost share.
8. Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants are public or private nonprofit agencies, including faith-based and community organizations, as long as they meet the stated requirements in the announcement.
9. Are individuals or sole proprietorships eligible to apply?
No. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) are not eligible and would be disqualified.
10. Are foreign entities eligible to apply?
No. Applications from foreign entities are not eligible and would be disqualified.
11. Is a partnership with a financial institution required?
Yes. A central eligibility condition is that applicants must have an established partnership with at least one financial institution.
12. What documentation is required from the financial institution partner?
The application must include written documentation from the financial institution that is:
- On the financial institution's letterhead
- Signed by an authorized representative
- A commitment to open IDAs for refugee participants
- A commitment to create a parallel account (or accounts) to hold the matching funds
- A commitment to provide the grantee with timely account activity data for both participant accounts and match accounts
13. How are awards made under this opportunity?
Awards are made through a competitive review process described in the funding opportunity announcement. Final selections depend on application scores and the availability of funds.
14. About how many awards were anticipated for this funding announcement?
For this specific funding announcement, ORR anticipated making about 13 awards.
15. What was the estimated total funding amount for this announcement?
The estimated total funding amount was $2.8 million.
16. What was the expected range for individual award amounts?
Individual awards were expected to range from $100,000 to $250,000.
17. What was the application deadline for this opportunity?
The deadline for electronic submission was May 4, 2015, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
18. Is this funding opportunity still open?
No. The opportunity was later archived on June 3, 2015.
19. What is the Funding Opportunity Number and CFDA number for this announcement?
The Funding Opportunity Number is HHS-2015-ACF-ORR-ZI-0958, and the CFDA number is 93.576.
20. What federal agency and program area does this grant fall under?
This opportunity is administered by ORR within ACF (HHS). It falls under the broader category of Income Security and Social Services and uses the standard federal grant instrument type.
21. What program expectations are mentioned for successful grantees?
Successful grantees are expected to align policies and operating procedures with ORR guidance and coordinate with the existing refugee IDA network. This signals an emphasis on consistent program standards, reliable financial administration, and integration with broader refugee asset-building efforts rather than isolated local projects.
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Administration for Children and Families ORR
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Income Security and Social Services
Next opportunity: Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program
Previous opportunity: Toolkit for Identifying Best Practices on Human Rights Documentation
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for HHS 2015 ACF ORR ZI 0958
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (HHS 2015 ACF ORR ZI 0958) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Grants for Coordination of Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Child Welfare Services to Tribal Families at Risk of Child Abuse or Neglect Apply for HHS 2015 ACF OFA FN 0991 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACF OFA FN 0991 Agency: Administration for Children and Families OFA Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) Competitive Grants under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Apply for HHS 2015 ACF ACYF AK 0984 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACF ACYF AK 0984 Agency: Administration for Children Families ACYF/FYSB Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Apply for HHS 2015 ACL AIDD DD 0099 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACL AIDD DD 0099 Agency: Administration for Community Living Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $545,919 |
| Family Violence Prevention and Services Discretionary Grant Program/National Domestic Violence Hotline Apply for HHS 2015 ACF ACYF EV 0975 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACF ACYF EV 0975 Agency: Administration for Children Families ACYF/FYSB Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $4,100,000 |
| U.S. Administration on Aging National Resource Centers on Older Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians Apply for HHS 2015 ACL AOA OI 0098 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACL AOA OI 0098 Agency: Administration for Community Living Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $340,000 |
| Senior Legal Helplines and Model Approaches Technical Assistance Apply for HHS 2015 ACL AOA LM 0101 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACL AOA LM 0101 Agency: Administration for Community Living Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $143,000 |
| National Legal Resource Center Apply for HHS 2015 ACL AOA LA 0100 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACL AOA LA 0100 Agency: Administration for Community Living Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $176,838 |
| Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Apply for HHS 2015 ACL AIDD DH 0095 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACL AIDD DH 0095 Agency: Administration for Community Living Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $247,218 |
| Implementation Grants to Develop A Model Intervention for Youth/Young Adults With Child Welfare Involvement At Risk of Homelessness Apply for HHS 2015 ACF ACYF CA 0961 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACF ACYF CA 0961 Agency: Administration for Children and Families ACYF/CB Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $670,000 |
| Health Profession Opportunity Grants to Serve TANF Recipients and Other Low Income Individuals Apply for HHS 2015 ACF OFA FX 0951 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACF OFA FX 0951 Agency: Administration for Children and Families OFA Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Health Profession Opportunity Grants for Tribes, Tribal Organizations or Tribal College or University Apply for HHS 2015 ACF OFA FY 0952 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACF OFA FY 0952 Agency: Administration for Children and Families OFA Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| PPHF 2015 Evidence Based Falls Prevention Programs Financed Solely by 2015 Prevention and Public Health Funds (PPHF 2015) Apply for HHS 2015 ACL AOA FP 0092 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACL AOA FP 0092 Agency: Administration for Community Living Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Region XI American Indian Alaska Native (AI/AN) Collaboration Office Apply for HHS 2015 ACF OHS HC R11 0997 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACF OHS HC R11 0997 Agency: Administration for Children and Families Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Region XII Migrant and Seasonal Worker (MSHS) Collaboration Office Apply for HHS 2015 ACF OHS HC R12 0994 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACF OHS HC R12 0994 Agency: Administration for Children and Families Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Lifespan Respite Care Program Technical Assistance Apply for HHS 2015 ACL CCASD LT 0102 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACL CCASD LT 0102 Agency: Administration for Community Living Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $245,000 |
| SERBIA CIVIL SOCIETY PARTNERS Apply for APS 169 15 000001 Funding Number: APS 169 15 000001 Agency: Serbia USAID Belgrade Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Assets for Independence Demonstration Program Apply for HHS 2015 ACF OCS EI 1005 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACF OCS EI 1005 Agency: Administration for Children and Families OCS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Family Strengthening Scholars Apply for HHS 2015 ACF OPRE PD 0977 Funding Number: HHS 2015 ACF OPRE PD 0977 Agency: Administration for Children and Families OPRE Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| OVC FY 15 American Indian/Alaska Native Training and Technical Assistance Program Competitive Solicitation Apply for OVC 2015 4225 Funding Number: OVC 2015 4225 Agency: Office for Victims of Crime Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| OVC FY 15 National Indian Nations Conference Justice for Victims of Crime Apply for OVC 2015 4226 Funding Number: OVC 2015 4226 Agency: Office for Victims of Crime Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $450,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "HHS 2015 ACF ORR ZI 0958", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.