Fiscal Year 2022 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program

The first opportunity is for public or nonprofit organizations that prepare immigrants for citizenship by offering both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services.

Funding Opportunity:                        DHS-22-CIS-010-002

Application Deadline:                         August 5, 2022 (no extensions)

Estimated Number of Awards:       Up to 42

Anticipated Funding Amount:        Up to $13.8 million

Performance Period:                           Two years (comprising two budget periods, each lasting one year) 

Anticipated Award Date:                   September 2022

Maximum Grant Award:                    Maximum grant award is $300,000 ($150,000 for the first year and $150,000 for the second year)

Program Requirements

To be eligible for funding, you must provide the following types of services under the program:

1. Citizenship instruction to prepare immigrants for the naturalization test and interview. Your program must include:

• The provision of at least 40 hours of citizenship instruction over a 10- to 12-week class cycle with managed enrollment to at least 120 students at the National Reporting System for Adult Education (NRS) low beginning to high intermediate levels (NRS Levels 2-5);
• A curriculum that includes all components in the USCIS Sample Curriculum found at uscis.gov/citizenship (PDF, 232.17 KB), including:
  • Instruction in U.S. history and government for test preparation and the promotion of civic integration;
  • Activities that promote civic and linguistic integration;
  • ESL instruction in reading, writing, and speaking for the naturalization test, naturalization process, and to conduct required integration activities; and
  • Instruction on the naturalization interview and Form N-400;
  • Instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
• Instruction primarily delivered in English on the naturalization process and eligibility interview;
• The use of a nationally normed standardized test of English proficiency to place and assess progress of all students enrolled under this program. At least 80% of post-tested students must demonstrate educational gains as shown by improved standardized test scores;
• The use of a current adult citizenship textbook that aligns with the skill level of the students in the class (published textbooks only; we will not accept compilations of worksheets or handouts); all students must be issued a textbook for their own personal use; and
• The use of citizenship teachers who have degrees in education (K-12 Social Studies, History, TESOL or Adult Education) and/or who have at least one year of experience teaching adult immigrants.

2. Naturalization application services, within the scope of the authorized practice of immigration law, to support immigrants in the naturalization application and interview process. Programs must:

• Provide naturalization eligibility screenings;
• Prepare and submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, over the 2-year period of performance for at least 120 immigrants;
• Provide ongoing case management;
• Prepare students for the naturalization interview; and
• Use a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Accredited Representative (partial accreditation is acceptable) or an attorney who is an employee of the applicant organization or the sub-awardee organization. Attorneys and accredited representatives must sign Form N-400 as the preparer and submit Form G- 28 with each Form N-400 filed under this grant.

Organizations may also use grant funding to:

• Have an accredited representative or licensed attorney appear with clients at the naturalization interview; and
• File other naturalization-related forms or documents (such as Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions), if applicable.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible entities include: 

• City or township governments;
• County governments;
• Independent school districts;
• Native American tribal governments;
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institutions of higher education;
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education;
• Special district governments; and
• State governments.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet the below requirements:

• Applicants must be an organization with public or non-profit status; and
• The applicant or sub-applicant must have at least one year of experience in the past three years providing direct service citizenship instruction in a classroom setting that follows a curriculum and uses a citizenship textbook. 
• The applicant or sub-applicant must have at least one year of experience in the past three years providing naturalization application services within the authorized practice of immigration law to clients, and must:
  • Be recognized by the DOJ and employ at least one DOJ-accredited representative employee (partial accreditation is acceptable) with experience providing clients with naturalization representation; or
  • Have at least one attorney on staff as a paid employee with experience in providing clients with naturalization representation.

Not Eligible

Organizations are not eligible to receive funding under this opportunity if they are:

• A for-profit law firm or attorney in private practice;
• A current awardee or sub-awardee under the FY 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program (funding opportunities DHS-21-CIS-010-003 and DHS-21-CIS-010-002); or
• Sub-applicants to the Regional Hub Grant (DHS-22-CIS-010-001).

If DHS determines at any point during the review process that an application does not meet these eligibility requirements, we will remove the application from further consideration.

The second opportunity is for organizations that provide extended integration services to the following: immigrants who were admitted or entered the United States as refugees, asylees, Cuban or Haitian entrants; individuals admitted on a Special Immigrant Visa; victims of human trafficking and criminal activity; and abused spouses, children, and parents under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Funding Opportunity:                        DHS-22-CIS-010-003

Application Deadline:                         August 5, 2022 (no extensions)

Estimated Number of Awards:      Up to six

Anticipated Funding Amount:       Up to $1.2 million

Performance Period:                          Two years (comprising two budget periods, each lasting one year) 

Anticipated Award Date:                  September 2022

Maximum Grant Award:                   Maximum grant award is $300,000 ($150,000 for the first year and $150,000 for the second year)

Program Requirements

To be eligible for funding, organizations must provide the following types of services directly, or in conjunction with a sub-applicant:

1. Develop an individualized integration plan for each program participant who will receive services, including those who have identified naturalization as a goal and those who are not yet ready to apply for naturalization and may require interim services to attain the skills and knowledge required for successful citizenship. Organizations should assess each program participant for English language level and naturalization eligibility, offer to enroll each participant in the appropriate ESL or citizenship class, and provide them with information on the naturalization process and what steps they need to take to prepare for naturalization. This naturalization-focused assessment will serve as the foundation of the individual integration plan, with services and referrals tailored to the specific skills, needs and literacy level of the individual. Organizations must include a sample of the proposed integration plan template with their application and must propose to serve a minimum of 90 program beneficiaries.
2. Integration services (or referral to integration services) that address the specific needs identified in the program participant’s individual integration plan. Organizations must offer access to a range of services designed to foster long-term integration tailored to the specific needs of the target population. These services may include:

• Community orientation and settlement information;
• Referrals to and interactions with local government and public institutions;
• Referrals to employment training; and
• Referrals to appropriate sources of information for updating or renewing previously held foreign professional credentials when applicable.

Organizations may propose other services based on the identified needs of the community they propose to serve.

3. Civics-based literacy instruction, civics-based ESL instruction and citizenship instruction to give enrolled clients the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for citizenship. Organizations should serve students through civics-based literacy and/or civics-based ESL instruction if their English level is not at the appropriate level for citizenship instruction classes. Organizations may directly provide this instruction or use a partner to provide these classes. They must propose to enroll a minimum of 90 program participants in the civics-based literacy, civics-based ESL, or citizenship classes.
4. Naturalization application services within the scope of the authorized practice of immigration law at no cost to the enrolled program participant. Organizations must propose to provide a minimum of 60 naturalization eligibility screenings and submit a minimum of 60 N-400 applications on behalf of enrolled program participants. They cannot provide naturalization application services to individuals who have not received other services under this grant. Applicants or sub-applicants may provide these services.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible entities include: 

• City or township governments;
• County governments;
• Independent school districts;
• Native American tribal governments;
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institutions of higher education;
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education;
• Special district governments; and
• State governments.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this program, applicants must:

• Be an organization with public or nonprofit status.
• Demonstrate experience with, and extensive knowledge of the particular community they propose to serve and must describe how the proposed program design will address the identified integration needs of this population.
• Demonstrate a network of local service providers that they have established an ongoing relationship with for the provision of any proposed integration services that will not be provided directly by the applicant.
• At least one year of experience in the past three years providing direct service citizenship instruction in a classroom setting that follows a curriculum and uses a citizenship textbook.
• At least one year of experience in the past three years providing naturalization application services within the authorized practice of immigration law to clients, and must:
  • Be recognized by the DOJ and employ at least one DOJ-accredited representative employee (partial accreditation is acceptable) with experience providing clients with naturalization representation; or
  • Have at least one attorney on staff as a paid employee with experience in providing clients with naturalization representation.

Not Eligible

Organizations are not eligible to receive funding under this opportunity if they are:

• A for-profit law firm or attorney in private practice 
• A current awardee or sub-awardee under the Fiscal Year 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program (funding opportunities DHS-21-CIS-010-003 and DHS-21-CIS-010-002); or
• Sub-applicants to the Regional Hub Grant (DHS-22-CIS-010-001).

If DHS determines at any point during the review process that an application does not meet these eligibility requirements, we will remove the application from further consideration.

The third opportunity is for organizations that foster creative approaches to preparing immigrants for naturalization and encouraging the civic, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants into their communities. USCIS will consider applications for all types of citizenship preparation innovations. The most successful applicants will propose innovations that address an existing challenge within the citizenship preparation field and will include key performance indicators related to attaining U.S. citizenship.

Funding Opportunity:                        DHS-22-CIS-010-004

Application Deadline:                         August 5, 2022 (no extensions)

Estimated Number of Awards:      Up to 60

Anticipated Funding Amount:       Up to $2 million

Performance Period:                          Two years (comprising two budget periods, each lasting one year) 

Anticipated Award Date:                  September 2022

Maximum Grant Award:                   Maximum grant award is $250,000 ($125,000 for the first year and $125,000 for the second year)

Eligible Applicants

Eligible entities include: 

• City or township governments;
• County governments;
• Independent school districts;
• Native American tribal governments;
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institutions of higher education;
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education;
• Special district governments;
• State governments;
• Small businesses; and
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses.

If DHS determines at any point during the review process that an application does not meet these eligibility requirements, we will remove the application from further consideration.

The fourth opportunity is designed to fund regional or statewide citizenship networks that build capacity among their affiliates/members to provide direct citizenship preparation services to immigrants. Applicants are expected to serve as a hub for communication and information sharing on citizenship preparation among their affiliates/members and within the broader community.

Funding Opportunity:                         DHS-22-CIS-010-001

Application Deadline:                          August 5, 2022 (no extensions)

Estimated Number of Awards:       Up to 10

Anticipated Funding Amount:        Up to $3 million 

Performance Period:                           Two years (comprising two budget periods, each lasting one year) 

Anticipated Award Date:                   September 2022

Maximum Grant Award:                     Maximum grant award is $1 million ($500,000 for the first year and $500,000 for the second year)

Program Requirements

To be eligible for funding, applicants must provide the following types of services under the program:

• The principal applicant must:
  • Serve as a hub for communication and information sharing on citizenship preparation among their affiliates/members and within the broader community.
  • Select a minimum of three sub-applicants based on (a) an initial assessment of their need for, and potential to benefit from, the capacity building and technical assistance services provided by the principal applicant; and (b) the demonstrated need for expanded citizenship preparation services for immigrants in the sub-applicants’ communities. 
  • Include a detailed list of potential network members who are not sub-applicants but who are involved in citizenship support and promotion work in the geographically delimited region.
  • Create a Program Development Plan tailored to each sub-applicant’s identified needs, which details how the sub-applicant will gain the technical knowledge and ability to develop or expand and enhance a direct citizenship preparation program and the capability to effectively manage the program in the future.
  • Provide ongoing capacity building and technical assistance to sub-applicants during the implementation of the Program Development Plans. 
  • Provide overall programmatic and fiscal management of all grant-funded activities, including management of sub-applicants’ performance and outcomes based on their Program Development Plans. 
  • Conduct ongoing and final program evaluations, including tracking and reporting data.
• The sub-applicant must develop or expand and enhance a direct citizenship preparation program in conjunction with the principal applicant.
• Proposed sub-applicant services must include the following mandatory components:
  • Citizenship Instruction Services: Educational services that provide enrolled immigrants with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for citizenship, including instruction in English as a Second Language (ESL), U.S. history and government, and the naturalization process; and
  • Naturalization Application Services: Within the scope of the authorized practice of immigration law, organizations assist qualified program participants in preparing and submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, preparing for the naturalization interview, and providing on-going case management.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible entities include: 

• City or township governments;
• County governments;
• Independent school districts;
• Native American tribal governments;
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institutions of higher education;
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education;
• Special district governments; and
• State governments.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be an organization with public or nonprofit status.
• The principal applicant must have recent experience providing capacity building and technical assistance to organizations, as well as the ability to provide subject matter expertise and support on developing adult ESL and citizenship preparation services. This may include Adult Learning and Literacy Resource Centers funded at the federal, state, municipal, or county level as well as other federal, state, or professional development entities that have as their mission the joint planning and coordination of adult education services at the local, regional, and/or state levels.
• The principal applicant must be a national, regional (multi-state), statewide, multi-county or metropolitan area organization with an identified headquarters or central office from which network-wide activities are planned, controlled, and managed. 
• The principal applicant’s organization must demonstrate a relationship with sub-applicants and proposed network members and include detailed plans for how such activities are carried out. 
• Sub-applicants are required to demonstrate experience with, and extensive knowledge of the community they propose to serve and must describe how the proposed program design will address the specific needs of this community.

Not Eligible

• Current awardees and sub-awardees under the FY 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program (funding opportunities DHS-21-CIS-010-002 and DHS-21-CIS-010-003) are not eligible to receive funding under this funding opportunity.
• Regional Hub sub-applicants may not separately apply separately as the primary applicant under any of the FY 2022 Citizenship and Integration Grant Programs, as sub-applicants are potentially eligible for the Regional Hub grant based on their demonstrated need for capacity building and support developing or expanding citizenship preparation services.

General Grant Program Questions

Q1. What is different about this year's grant program? 

A1. There are a few important changes to this year's grant program, including: 

• Congress appropriated $20 million for the program this year. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Congress appropriated $10 million for the program. 
• USCIS has introduced two new funding opportunities under the grant program: 
  • Regional Hub Program (Hub): This new grant opportunity is designed to fund regional or statewide citizenship support networks that build capacity among their affiliates/members to provide direct citizenship education services to immigrants. Applicants are expected to serve as a hub for communication and information sharing on citizenship preparation among their affiliates/members and within the broader community. USCIS anticipates awarding approximately three to six grants of up to $1,000,000 each for a period of two years through this opportunity.  
  • Innovations in Citizenship Education Program (Innovations): Through this new grant opportunity, USCIS will fund public, nonprofit, or for-profit organizations which amplify innovation in citizenship education. USCIS will award up to 40 grants of $50,000 to $250,000 each to organizations that foster creative approaches to preparing immigrants for naturalization and encouraging the civic, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants into their communities.
• USCIS is increasing the maximum amount of funding available for one of the funding opportunities it has offered in the past, Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS) Program, in part to account for inflation. USCIS has not increased the award amount of the CINAS grant since FY 2013. The CINAS maximum is being increased from $250,000 to $300,000.
• The newly named Community and Regional Integration Network Grant (CARING) replaces the Refugee and Asylee Integration Services grant. This grant program continues to support organizations that provide individualized integration services to participants, and now includes expanded categories of immigrants who may participate: refugees, asylees, Cuban or Haitian entrants; individuals admitted on a Special Immigrant Visa; Victims of Human Trafficking and Criminal Activity; and abused spouses, children and parents under the VAWA Act. USCIS plans to award approximately four CARING grants of up to $300,000 each.
• USCIS adjusted performance goals for the CARING and CINAS Programs. Now goals such as the number of applications for naturalization filed and students enrolled in citizenship class are scaled to the funding amount requested by the applicant. The intent behind this change is to encourage qualified organizations with access to smaller, rural populations to apply for the program.
• For the first time, USCIS will permit organizations to concurrently apply for multiple funding opportunities. USCIS is making this change to encourage the maximum number of applicants to think creatively about new approaches to citizenship education, while continuing to support organizations that offer traditional, effective citizenship education programs.

 

Q2. Where can I find the funding opportunity notices?

A2. The funding opportunity notices are available on www.grants.gov. Select the “Search Grants” option at the top of the website, and then type “USCIS” into the keyword search on the upper left side of the screen. Alternatively, you may enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number, which is 97.010, on Grants.gov.

 

Q3. Is there a list of current USCIS grant recipients available?

A3. Yes. You can find a list of current and previous grant recipients on the Citizenship Resource Center webpage. 

 

Q4. Typically, how many applications does USCIS receive for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program?

A4. It varies by year. USCIS typically receives 75-250 applications per year.

 

Q5. Where can I send questions?

A5. You may email grant program questions to citizenshipgrantprogram@uscis.dhs.gov. For questions about Grants.gov, you may email support@grants.gov or call 1-800-518-4726. The Grants.gov Contact Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

Eligible Organizations

Q6. This is our first time hearing of these grants. Can new organizations apply for USCIS grants?

A6. New organizations may apply to any of the USCIS grant opportunities if the organization meets the eligibility requirements published in the funding opportunity notice. For information on accessing the funding opportunity notices, see Q2 above. 

 

Q7. Does my organization need to demonstrate 501(c)(3) status or is it acceptable to simply be a nonprofit organization?

A7. You do not need to have 501(c)(3) status. However, you must be a public or nonprofit organization to be eligible for the Community and Regional Integration Network Grant (CARING), the Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS) grant, or the Regional Hub Program (Hub) grant. For-profit organizations may be eligible for the Innovations in Citizenship Education grant.

 

Q8. My organization has a pending application for 501(c)(3) status. May I apply for this funding opportunity?

A8. Yes. However, if you are applying for the Community and Regional Integration Network Grant (CARING), the Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS) grant, or the Regional Hub Program (Hub) grant, you must have proof of public or nonprofit status before final award in September 2022. For-profit organizations may be eligible for the Innovations in Citizenship Education grant.

 

Q9. My organization is an awardee or sub-awardee under the FY 2020 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. May I apply for this funding opportunity?

A9. Yes.

 

Q10. My organization is an awardee or sub-awardee under the FY 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. May I apply for this funding opportunity?

A10. If you are a current awardee or sub-awardee under the FY 2021 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, you are not eligible to apply for the Community and Regional Integration Network Grant (CARING), the Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS) grant, or the Regional Hub Program (Hub) grant. However, you are able to apply for the Innovations in Citizenship Education grant.

 

Q11. We are a current CINAS grant organization, and this funding will last until September 2023. Could we apply this year by proposing to provide services in different locations or to different target populations?

A11. Current FY21 grant recipients are not eligible to apply for the FY22 CINAS, Hub or CARING grants, even if they propose to serve a different geographic location or immigrant population. They may, however, apply for the FY22 Innovations grant.

 

Q12. My organization currently receives grant funding from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Does this mean we are not eligible to apply for USCIS grants?

A12. We understand applicants apply to multiple sources of funding each year. If you have a grant from ORR, you are still eligible to apply for USCIS grant opportunities.

 

Q13. I am an individual providing citizenship services to immigrants. May I apply for this funding opportunity?

A13. No.

 

Q14. Are small businesses or for-profit entities eligible to apply? 

A14. For-profit organizations may apply for the Innovations in Citizenship Education grant. Your must also meet the other basic eligibility requirements listed in the funding opportunity announcement. For-profit organizations are not eligible for CINAS, Hub, or CARING grants. 

 

Q15. May a state, city, or county agency apply as the primary applicant?

A15. Yes. However, the state agency must meet all other eligibility requirements as outlined in the notice of funding opportunity. 

 

Q16. Can a school district that serves adult immigrants in our schools apply on their own to the CINAS grant?

A16. School districts may apply for the CINAS grant if they meet all the eligibility criteria outlined in the funding opportunity notices.

 

Q17. My organization is a community college. May I apply for this funding opportunity?

A17. Yes, if your community college or other educational institution has public or nonprofit status, you may apply for any of the funding opportunities. If your community college or other educational institution is a for-profit organization, you may only apply for the Innovations grant. You must also meet the other basic eligibility requirements.

 

Q18. We are a college with multiple locations, and we have same federal ID number. Will you accept more than one application from us using the same federal ID number?

A18. If an organization has multiple affiliates or locations, more than one affiliate office may apply if there is no overlap in funding for the same staff members.

 

Q19. My organization is the local affiliate of a national organization. Does my organization have to be locally incorporated to apply?

A19. No, you do not need to be locally incorporated. Applicants and sub-awardees must be organizations with nonprofit or public status, except for the Innovations in Citizenship Education grant which allows for-profit organizations to apply.

 

Q20. Can a national organization with multiple local affiliates apply as the primary applicant? If so, would the organization be allowed to provide direct services to more than one state through local affiliates?

A20. For the Hub grant, the principal applicant must be a national, regional, statewide, or multi-county organization, or an organization that works throughout a large metropolitan area. The principal applicant must propose a minimum of three sub-applicants who will develop or expand and enhance direct citizenship preparation programs, including citizenship instruction services and naturalization application services.

For the CINAS and CARING grants, the primary applicant may be a national organization with multiple local affiliates, but the primary applicant must provide direct services. 

 

Q21. Our organization has multiple offices in different states. Can we submit one application, or should each location submit its own application?

A21. Under the CINAS and CARING grant, affiliate offices of a national organization may apply as partners on one application, but one of the affiliates must be the primary applicant. Alternatively, the affiliate offices may submit separate applications if there is no overlap in funding for the same staff members. Under the Hub grant, only the organizational headquarters may apply as the primary applicant. 

 

Q22. If affiliate offices in different states submit one application, does each location have to provide both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services?

A22. Under the CINAS and CARING grants, if the applicant and sub-awardee are proposing to provide services in different states, then each location should provide both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services so that all clients can access both types of services. Under the Hub grant, the primary applicant does not provide direct services, but the sub-awardees will each provide citizenship instruction and naturalization application services regardless of their proximity to the primary applicant.

 

Program Participant Requirements

Q23. In prior years, USCIS grant recipients were only allowed to serve Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) with USCIS grant funds. This year’s funding opportunity announcements do not state this requirement. May organizations serve individuals who are not LPRs under the FY22 grant program?

A23. The intent of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program is to support organizations that prepare immigrants for naturalization. To qualify for naturalization, most immigrants must have been an LPR for 3-5 years, which is why USCIS previously focused grant-funded activities on LPRs. However, for the first time, USCIS will expand grant-funded activities to include any lawfully present individual who is on a clear path to obtaining LPR status.

Please note that the CARING grant is intended for vulnerable immigrants that may need additional integration support. This specific grant is intended for: 

• Refugees and asylees;
• Cuban or Haitian entrants;
• Victims of human trafficking or criminal activity (T and U visas);
• Abused spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens (individuals who qualify under the Violence Against Women Act); and
• Individuals on a Special Immigrant Visa. Please see the CARING funding opportunity announcement for additional details.

 

Q24. Who is a "lawfully present individual on a clear path to obtaining LPR status"?

A24. Examples of this include refugees and asylees who have not yet adjusted status; individuals with an approved VAWA petition who have not yet adjusted status; and other individuals who have submitted a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Grant funds may not be used for services for individuals without legal status or those who are lawfully present in the United States temporarily (such as on a non-immigrant visa). Other pending forms of relief may qualify and would need to be discussed with the USCIS Grant Program Office on a case-by-case basis. Send questions to CitizenshipGrantProgram@uscis.dhs.gov.  

 

Q25. Are we able to serve individuals who don't have an alien registration number (a-number)?

A25. No. Only immigrants who are lawfully present and on a clear path to obtaining LPR status may receive grant-funded services. 

 

Q26. How will USCIS verify that only qualified individuals receive grant funded services?

A26. You should specify in your application how your organization intends to verify that interested individuals meet program requirements. USCIS requires grant organizations to submit the alien number of each program participant in each quarterly report and reserves the right to verify the immigration status of all program participants.

 

Q27. Would an individual with a pending asylum application or other pending application for relief count as having lawful status for the purpose of the USCIS grant program?

A27. No, a pending application for asylum would not count as lawful status for the purpose of participating in grant-funded activities. Other pending forms of relief may qualify and would need to be discussed with the USCIS Grant Program Office on a case-by-case basis.

 

Q28. Can individuals with a valid student visa participate in grant-funded services?

A28. No. Only individuals on a clear path to obtaining LPR status may participate in grant-funded programs. Individuals on temporary or non-immigrant visas, including student visas, may not participate in grant-funded activities. 

 

Q29. Does USCIS plan to collect client names and personal data?

A29. USCIS will not collect client names in quarterly reports. However, USCIS will collect a-numbers for all immigrants receiving services with this grant funding. USCIS may use these numbers to track naturalization outcomes during and after the period of performance.

 

Q30. Can organizations limit services based on national origin, ethnicity, religion, or language? 

A30. No. You must serve eligible participants regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds, national origin, or the language they speak.

 

Q31. Does USCIS require applicants to screen for income eligibility?

A31. No. There are no income eligibility requirements under this funding opportunity.

 

Application Process

Q32. Do we have to go through the Grants.gov website, or is there another way to apply?

A32. All applicants must submit applications through the Grants.gov website.

 

Q33. Are partner organizations (sub-awardees) required to register with Grants.gov? 

A33. No. Only the primary applicant must register with Grants.gov.

 

Q34. Is a letter of intent required?

A34. No. There is no requirement that you submit a letter of intent.

 

Q35. Is there a size limit for the application files?

A35. The limit on file size in Grants.gov is 200 MB.

 

Q36. What happens if my organization submits more than one application?

A36.  In FY 2022, USCIS will permit organizations to concurrently apply for multiple funding opportunities. Each application submitted will be reviewed and scored according to the review criteria outlined in each Notice of Funding Opportunity. 

 

Q37. The notice of funding opportunity asks how our services will differ with grant funding. Should we discuss how we plan to grow our current services, or how our current services differ from what we propose to offer with grant funding?

A37. You must discuss how the grant program will expand and improve the existing services that you offer, even if the existing services are similar to the proposed services. 

 

Q38. Can you suggest a website that can help us specifically research immigrant populations? In the past, we have lost points because we’ve only been able to break down data by foreign-born populations.

A38. For data on immigrant populations, you may check the DHS Office of Immigration Statistics at www.dhs.gov/office-immigration-statistics. Please note that the sections on community need in the notice of funding opportunity ask you to discuss the immigrant population that your organization currently serves and that population’s need for citizenship preparation services.

 

Q39. The grant program requires resumes and/or position descriptions. Is this for the applicant and all sub-applicants?

A39. Yes, all applicants and sub-applicants should submit resumes of all staff who will provide services under the USCIS grant program. If a specific position is vacant, the applicant and sub-applicants must instead provide a position description for the vacant position.

 

Q40. Can I submit letters of support?

A40. No. You should not submit any documentation other than what is requested in the notices of funding opportunity. We will not consider letters of support. 

 

Q41. How do I attach the project abstract to the application package?

A41. Attach the project abstract to the “Attachments” form under the “Optional” section of the grant application package. Please note that the project abstract is required, and we will not respond to your application if it is missing.

 

Q42. If our organization already has a DUNS number, do we need to apply for a unique entity identifier (UEI)? Or does our DUNS number just become the UEI?

A42. Organizations that already have a DUNS number may use the link provided in the Notice of Funding Opportunity to look up their UEI number.

 

Q43. Is a national organization allowed to use one UEI number to submit applications for local offices?

A43. Yes. A national organization may submit multiple applications under one UEI number, but it must be clear on each application which location or affiliate office is applying.

 

Q44. Are partners (sub-awardees) required to have a UEI number?

A44. Yes. If a partner will receive a portion of the grant funds, then the partner is considered a sub- awardee and must have its own UEI number.

 

Q45. We are in the process of getting a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Will we have access in System for Award Management (SAM) while we are waiting to receive our TIN?

A45. No. You will need your TIN to register in SAM, so you will not be able to access SAM while you are waiting.

 

Q46. How do I migrate to SAM from the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) system?

A46. To migrate from CCR to SAM, please follow the steps outlined in the SAM Quick Guide for Migrating Roles (PDF). You can find more information on SAM at www.sam.gov.

 

Q47. How do I find out if we need to update our status in SAM?

A47. To see if your SAM registration is current, check your status on the SAM website. It is important to check this immediately as it may take up to two weeks to update if your registration is not current.

 

Q48. Can we see the funding announcement before we are registered in SAM?

A48. Yes. You do not need to access SAM in order to view the funding announcement for the program. 

 

Q49. Are partners (sub-awardees) required to be registered with Sam.gov as well as the primary applicant?

A49. Yes, both the primary and sub-applicants must be registered with Sam.gov.

 

Q50. If we submit our application early and forgot a document, will we be informed before the application deadline so we have time to fix it?

A50. We will not review any applications before the deadline. If you forgot a document, you may submit a revised copy of your application package as long as you submit it before the deadline. After the application period is over, we will not accept further document submissions. 

 

Selection Process

Q51. What point values will USCIS use to evaluate applications?

A51. You can find the evaluation criteria and corresponding point values in each notice of funding opportunity, under the “Programmatic Criteria” section.

 

Q52. If my organization received a USCIS grant in the past, do I receive preference over organizations applying for the first time?

A52. Each year, USCIS reviews and rates each application individually. We may consider the past performance of previous Citizenship and Integration Grant Program award recipients when making funding recommendations.

 

Q53. When making awards, does USCIS consider the needs of the region and the existing services in that region?

A53. It is your responsibility to demonstrate and provide evidence of your community’s need for citizenship preparation services. We may consider whether an application, when balanced with other potential awards and with current grant recipients, represents a diverse geographic area.

 

Q54. Does USCIS prefer to fund organizations in a particular region in the United States?

A54. No. You must demonstrate and provide evidence of your community’s need for citizenship preparation services. We may consider whether an application, when balanced with other potential awards and with current grant recipients, represents a diverse geographic area.

 

Q55. May I request a top-scoring proposal from last year’s grant program?

A55. You may submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to view a top-scoring proposal from previous years. However, the grant program requirements have changed and a proposal from last year will not exactly match the requirements of the current funding opportunities. Keep in mind that it may take more than a month to obtain a response to a FOIA request.

 

Q56. Will we be notified if our application is not selected for one of the funding opportunities? If we are not selected, can we find out why so we can improve our application for future USCIS funding opportunities?

A56. Yes. DHS will notify all applicants electronically of funding decisions. Unfunded applicants may send a written request to citizenshipgrantprogram@uscis.dhs.gov to receive a written summary of comments related to the evaluation criteria, along with the points awarded to the application for each of the evaluation criteria. DHS will send the written summary to the applicant within 60 days of receipt of the request. Additional information beyond that described here will not be provided.

 

Q57. How can I obtain feedback about my organization’s application so that I am better prepared to apply in the future?

A57. After USCIS announces the FY 2022 grant recipients, applicants who did not receive a grant may request a written summary evaluation and score breakdown by emailing citizenshipgrantprogram@uscis.dhs.gov. We will send you the results within 60 days of the date we receive the written request.

 

Citizenship Instruction Services

Q58. Must the primary applicant offer citizenship instruction?

A58. Under the CARING and CINAS grants, either the primary applicant or the sub-awardee must provide citizenship instruction services. Under the Hub grant, the primary applicant is not required to provide citizenship instruction, but the sub-awardees are required to do so. Under the Innovations grant, applicants are required to develop innovative approaches to citizenship education. While these innovative approaches may include providing citizenship instruction, doing so is not required.

 

Q59. Could citizenship education just include education on civics/history and the naturalization process? Does it have to include English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction?

A59. Grant-funded citizenship instruction must prepare students for both the English and civics portions of the naturalization test and provide information on the naturalization process. Therefore, classes must include ESL instruction. Some instruction in languages other than English may be provided under the program to immigrants who qualify for exemptions to the English language naturalization requirements. Grant recipients who provide such instruction must still provide the minimum number of permanent residents with grant-funded citizenship instruction in English over the two-year period of performance. Please see the table titled “Minimum Performance Goals for Two-Year Period of Performance” in the notices of funding at Grants.gov for more information.

 

Q60. Can any of the FY22 grants be used to provide instruction to lower-level learners, such as learners at National Reporting System (NRS) levels 1 & 2?

A60. The CARING grant permits citizenship instruction services at the NRS levels 1-2.

 

Q61. If an immigrant needs extensive English instructions before they are ready to apply for naturalization, can we enroll them in an ESL (not ESL/Citizenship) class and count that enrollment? Eventually we would have them enroll in a citizenship class when they were ready to file the N-400.

A61. Under the CINAS and Hub grants, organizations must use grant funds to offer citizenship instruction services, which includes instruction in civics-focused ESL, U.S. history and government, and the naturalization process. Organizations may not offer traditional ESL programs as part of the CINAS and Hub grants. Under the CARING grant, organizations may propose offering civics-focused ESL classes for preliterate or low-literacy students at NRS levels 1-2. Please review the funding announcements for additional eligibility requirements.

 

Q62. Does the CARING grant target limited English proficiency (LEP), preliterate refugee communities? That is, communities with little formal education and literacy in their native language?

A62. The CARING program targets vulnerable immigrants, including but not limited to preliterate refugees with little to no English language proficiency.

 

Q63. Can my organization provide Adult Basic Education GED classes under this grant opportunity?

A63. No. This grant funds citizenship instruction to prepare immigrants for naturalization. Under the CINAS and CARING grants, you must demonstrate that your organization will offer citizenship instruction that will prepare immigrants for the civics (U.S. history and government) and English (reading, writing, and speaking) components of the naturalization test. Applicants under the CARING grant may also offer to provide civics-based ESL and civics-based literacy instruction.  If you are applying under the Innovations grant, you may propose any type of educational service but must justify how it supports citizenship education.

 

Q64. If my organization also serves other immigrants, should my organization place USCIS grant participants in a class by themselves?

A64. Organizations must adequately demonstrate that only qualified immigrants will receive services funded by this grant.

 

Q65. There is a requirement that students must be assessed using a nationally normed standardized assessment test. What does this mean?

A65. In the context of citizenship education, this refers to specific tests used to determine a student’s English language proficiency. You can find a list of standardized tests that the Department of Education has determined to be suitable at www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-08-07/pdf/2020-17301.pdf (PDF).

 

Q66. Are all students and clients required to take the nationally normed standardized test regardless of their English proficiency level?

A66. All students enrolled in citizenship instruction classes under this grant program must take the standardized test: a pre-test for assessment and class placement, and a post-test to measure educational gains. Clients who receive naturalization application services but do not need citizenship instruction classes are not required to take the standardized test.

 

Q67. Could you please define "demonstrated learning gains"?

A67. Grant recipients are required to use nationally normed standardized ESL assessments, such as CASAS, BEST Plus 2.0, etc. Tests must be administered at the beginning and end of a class cycle. If a student's scores increase between the pre-test and post-test, that is considered a demonstrated learning gain.

 

Q68. One of the optional performance measures for the Innovation Grant is the percentage of citizenship students that demonstrate measurable learning gains. If the proposed class focuses on digital literacy, do we still need to use a nationally normed ESL test?

A68. No, if the proposed class teaches digital literacy rather than citizenship instruction, the grant organization does not need to use a nationally normed ESL test. However, the applicant would still need to select at least two of the six optional performance metrics and explain how their proposed innovation helps prepare immigrants for citizenship.

 

Q69. Are all citizenship teachers required to have one year of teaching experience?

A69.  All citizenship teachers providing services under this grant program must have a degree in education (for example, K-12 Social Studies, History, TESOL, or Adult Education) or have at least one year of experience teaching adult immigrants. Although not a requirement, programs whose teachers have an education, a certification, or experience in TESOL are generally more likely to be scored higher than programs that do not.

 

Q70. May I propose to use volunteers as citizenship teachers?

A70. Yes. However, all paid and unpaid teachers providing services under this grant program must have at least one year of experience teaching to adult immigrants or a degree in education (for example, K-12 Social Studies, History, TESOL, or Adult Education). Also, a paid lead teacher or a paid education program coordinator must supervise volunteer teachers. If volunteers do not have requisite experience, USCIS encourages you to use these volunteers to provide tutoring or to assist teachers in the classroom.

 

Q71. Is the citizenship education coordinator required to have teaching experience?

A71. No. There is no requirement regarding the experience of the citizenship education coordinator. However, USCIS has observed that successful citizenship instruction programs employ education coordinators with teaching and management experience.

 

Q72. Are we required to provide an equal number of hours of citizenship instruction for every week of the cycle?

A72. No. You are not required to provide an equal number of hours of citizenship instruction for every week of the class cycle. However, most successful applicants have a fixed schedule that does not vary from week to week. If you propose to provide a varying number of hours per week, please note this in the class cycle table in the project abstract and explain the schedule in the project narrative.

 

Q73. Is my organization required to offer more than one level of citizenship instruction?

A73. No. However, USCIS has observed that successful citizenship instruction programs offer more than one class level to meet the different instructional needs of students. Applicants offering a multi-level class should explain how the different levels will be managed in the classroom.

 

Q74. May my organization offer only one level of instruction under this grant program and refer students to other providers for all other levels?

A74. Yes.

 

Q75. Can we count tutoring hours towards the number of instructional hours that we are required to provide for each class?

A75. No. Only classroom instructional hours can be counted toward the requirement.

 

Q76. Should I attach a copy of citizenship education materials that my organization has developed, or should I just describe the materials?

A76. No, do not submit copies of materials you intend to use.  You can find more information about the required attachments in Appendix A under the Project Narrative section. 

 

Naturalization Application Services

Q77. Our organization provides naturalization legal services. However, we do not provide citizenship instruction services or any kind of education services. Can we apply for grant funding?

A77. Under the CINAS, CARING, and Hub grants, applicants must propose to offer citizenship instruction services and naturalization application services or may offer one of these services and partner with another organization that offers the other service.

 

Q78. How many naturalization cases must my organization have submitted in the past to qualify as having experience with naturalization application services required for the CINAS and CARING grants? May I discuss my organization’s experience with other immigration services?

A78. USCIS does not set a minimum number of naturalization cases that you must have submitted in the past to qualify as having experience with naturalization application services. However, you should demonstrate the capacity to meet the minimum performance goals for submitting Forms N-400, Application for Naturalization over the two-year performance period based on the funding level you are requesting. Please see the notice of funding for more information. You may discuss your organization’s experience with other immigration services, but we will evaluate and score your application based on your organization’s experience specifically with naturalization application services.

 

Q79. Is my organization (and any sub-awardees) required to be recognized or accredited by the Department of Justice? If so, how do I prove that my organization meets this requirement?

A79. All USCIS grant recipients and sub-awardees who propose providing naturalization application services must employ either:

• A DOJ accredited representative; or
• A licensed attorney.

You are not required to provide proof of DOJ recognition or accreditation in order to apply because the list of recognized and accredited organizations is publicly available on the U.S. Department of Justice’s website. USCIS may ask for additional documentation before making an award.

Applicants that do not propose providing naturalization application services are not required to employ a DOJ accredited representative or licensed attorney.

 

Q80. Our organization just received DOJ recognition in January, but we have had an off-site attorney working with us in the past. Are we still eligible?

A80. If your organization is recognized by the DOJ and you have a DOJ-accredited representative at the time you apply, you are eligible. You must show that your experience providing naturalization application services was within the authorized practice of immigration law (using an attorney or accredited representative).

 

Q81. Can we use pro bono attorneys until our staff member obtains DOJ accreditation? 

A81. No. You must employ an attorney or DOJ-accredited representative at the time you apply.

 

Q82. Does the attorney have to be a full-time staff attorney? We have an attorney who comes in once a week.

A82. No. The attorney must be an employee of the applicant or sub-awardee but does not need to work full-time. However, you must establish that the attorney works enough hours to prepare and submit the proposed number of Form N-400s, as well as provide on-going case management as needed. Except under limited circumstances during group processing events, the attorney must sign Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, as the preparer and sign Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, for each Form N-400 filed under this grant.

 

Q83. Can an agency without qualified service providers onboard apply?

A83. An organization without qualified service providers onboard may apply for the USCIS grants but would be qualified only if proposing to hire qualified staff if awarded the grant. A position description of all vacant positions should be included in the proposal. Additionally, the organization should include information on its past experience providing education or legal services with qualified providers, as requested in the NOFO.

 

Q84. How long does it take to become a DOJ-accredited representative after submitting the application?

A84. The process to obtain DOJ accreditation can take six months to a year to complete. The DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Program is run by the Department of Justice. For additional information on this program, please visit their website at: www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-accreditation-program. 

 

Q85. We plan to apply for DOJ accreditation for a staff member right now. We can submit copies of their application with our grant application. Will this make us eligible?

A85. The process to obtain DOJ accreditation can take six months to a year to complete. You may apply for accreditation for your staff now, but it is unlikely you will receive accreditation in time to be eligible for this funding opportunity. In order to be eligible, you must employ an attorney or an accredited representative at the time you apply.

 

Q86. Is partial DOJ accreditation acceptable under this grant?

A86. Yes. Accredited representatives may have partial accreditation to provide services under this grant program.

 

Q87. Can my organization use grant funds to pay the costs associated with DOJ recognition and accreditation?

A87. Yes. However, at the time of application, your organization and any sub-awardees must be DOJ recognized and have a DOJ-accredited representative employee or an attorney employee with recent experience providing clients with naturalization representation. You may use grant funds to pay for additional staff members to pursue DOJ accreditation. Successful grant organizations often have more than one DOJ accredited representative on staff to buffer against unexpected staff turnover. 

 

Q88. Is an attorney or DOJ-accredited representative who files Form G-28 with Form N-400 required to attend the naturalization interview with the client?

A88. While naturalization applicants have the right to be represented by an attorney or a DOJ accredited representative at the naturalization interview (see 8 CFR 103.2(a)(3)), an attorney or accredited representative who submits a Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, is not required to attend the naturalization interview. At the interview, the interviewing officer may ask the client to sign a waiver indicating their desire to proceed without the attorney or DOJ accredited representative. Attorneys and accredited representatives should work with their clients to determine whether their services will include representation at the interview.

 

Q89. Can my organization use grant funding to support group events that provide eligibility screening and help people fill out naturalization applications?

A89. You may use grant funding to support group events that help people fill out naturalization applications. 

 

Q90. Are volunteer attorneys required to file Form G-28 at group events that help people fill out naturalization applications?

A90. At grant-supported group processing events, a Form G-28 may not be required if the pro bono attorney filling out the Form N-400 determines that the services provided would not be considered “practice” or “preparation,” as those terms are defined in 8 C.F.R.CFR 1.2. Such pro bono attorneys, however, are required to complete the preparer section of the N-400. 

 

Integration Services

Q91. Under the CARING grant, what kind of activities qualify as integration services?

A91. You should offer integration services that are tailored to the specific needs of the immigrant populations you serve. These services should foster long-term integration of immigrants into your community. Typical activities include community orientation and settlement information; referrals to and interactions with local government and public institutions; referrals to employment training; and referrals to appropriate sources for updating or renewing foreign professional credentials. 

 

Q92. What type of information should be included in each integration plan in the CARING grant?

A92. USCIS does not provide a template for the integration plans. However, each plan should include the following information: 

• The participants’ English reading, writing and speaking skills levels as assessed during intake;
• A brief assessment of the individual’s eligibility to naturalize; and
• What specific integration areas they may be struggling with (for example, communicating with their children’s teachers, accessing free digital literacy classes at the local library, navigating the public transportation system, etc.). 

The plan should also include specific recommendations for integration activities, as well as a plan for helping the participant to stay on track with the recommended activities. 

 

Q93. In the CARING grant, why does each integration plan need to be different from the others?

A93. Each program participant is unique, with varying literacy and English skills levels and a different level of familiarity with their community and its resources. If integration plans are generic and not individualized, they will not be effective tools for supporting the integration of the individual participants.

 

Partnerships and Sub-Applicants

Q94. Are partnerships allowed?

A94. Yes, all four funding opportunities permit partnerships. 

• For the Hub grant, USCIS requires partnerships. You must include partnerships with other public or non-profit organizations in your proposal. Partnerships with state or local governments, particularly Offices of New Americans or Immigrant Affairs, are encouraged. You must directly provide the capacity building and technical assistance. A partner organization will be considered a “sub-applicant” if the organization will receive a portion of the grant funding to receive capacity-building services and provide direct citizenship instruction. Partner organizations may also include organizations that will not receive grant funds but will be active members of the regional or statewide network.
• For the remaining funding opportunities, USCIS encourages partnerships, particularly when you clearly demonstrate that each partner has the necessary expertise and experience to provide the services you will offer under this grant program. Past experience shows that successful citizenship instruction often includes partnerships between organizations that specialize in adult education, including English as a Second Language (ESL) and citizenship instruction, and organizations that regularly provide naturalization application services within the scope of the authorized practice of immigration law.
• Please see the notices of funding opportunity on Grants.gov for more information on the roles and responsibilities of primary applicant and sub-applicant(s).

 

Q95. Can a primary grantee work with multiple sub-grantees?

A95. Yes. Under the Hub grant, the primary applicant must propose working with at least 3 sub-awardees. Under the other three funding opportunities, partnerships are encouraged but are not mandatory. The primary applicant may propose partnering with multiple sub-grantees.

 

Q96. We would like to partner with multiple school districts to reach different areas. Is there a limit on how many organizations we can partner with?

A96. No. There is no limit on the number of sub-awardees that you may have. You should ensure that all organizations meet the eligibility requirements, and you must submit a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines the terms of the partnership between you and each sub-awardee partner.

 

Q97. Is there a required format for the memorandum of understanding (MOU)?

A97. The MOU should include the responsibilities expected of each party, performance expectations, plans for maintaining communication, and the payment or reimbursement process for the sub-awardee(s). Both parties must sign and date the MOU.

 

Q98. Should organizations submit an MOU for individual volunteers?

A98. No. The MOU is required for any formal agreement between the primary applicant and another organization. MOUs are not required for individual volunteers.

 

Q99. Are sister counties from across state lines able to partner for the HUB Grant?

A99. Under the Hub grant, the principal applicant should be a national, regional, statewide, or multi-county organization, or an organization that works throughout a large metropolitan area. This may include sister counties from across state lines. The sub-applicants should be affiliate or member organizations under the umbrella of the primary application. The sub-applicants must propose to provide direct citizenship preparation services.   

 

Q100. Can a CINAS applicant have a lead partner agency, for example a state government, partnering with other service providers who provide citizenship and naturalization instruction and naturalization application services?

A100. Under the CINAS grant, the primary applicant must directly provide citizenship instruction services, naturalization application services, or both. The primary applicant may partner with one or more other organizations who also provide these services but may not serve as a funding pass-through without providing services directly.

 

Q101. We do not have experience with formal citizenship instruction or naturalization application services, but our partner has both. Do we still qualify?

A101. If you are the primary applicant under the CINAS or CARING grants, you must have experience providing at least one of the two types of direct services for this program: citizenship instruction or naturalization application services. If you are the primary applicant under the Hub grant, you must demonstrate that your organization possesses the expertise needed to advise your member or affiliate organizations in building or expanding citizenship instruction and naturalization application services. If you are the primary applicant under the Innovations in Citizenship Education grant, you must demonstrate the organizational capacity to provide innovative approaches to citizenship education.  

 

Q102. My organization has experience providing naturalization application services. If I find a partner to provide citizenship instruction, can my organization apply as the primary applicant under the Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services funding opportunity?

A102. Yes.

Q103. Can we propose to partner with private attorneys?

A103. No. Applicants and sub-awardees must be organizations with nonprofit or public status, except for the Innovations in Citizenship Education grant, which allows for-profit organizations to apply.  For-profit law firms and attorneys in private practice are not eligible to receive grant funding. 

 

Q104. Can we propose to partner with a pro bono attorney?

A104. All organizations proposing to provide naturalization application services must employ an attorney or Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Legal Access Programs accredited representative to serve as the primary legal services provider. You may use pro bono or volunteer attorneys to supplement services, but the pro bono attorney cannot be included in the proposal as a partner, sub-awardee, or the requisite attorney or DOJ accredited representative.

 

Budget Requirements

Q105. Are the awards a one-time opportunity, or will there be a chance for grant recipients to renew the funding?

A105. The performance period is two years. There is no option to renew funding after two years.

 

Q106. Will Hub and Innovations grants be offered in the future or are they a one-time deal?

A106. Because the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program operates with funding appropriated yearly by Congress, we do not know if any specific programs will be offered in future years.

 

Q107. Am I required to submit both a budget narrative and a budget table?

A107. Yes. For more information, review the information on budgets in the notices of funding opportunity.

 

Q108. Must a CINAS award be spent over a period of two years, or could a recipient spend the full amount in one year?

A108. The funds cannot be spent in one year. They must be spent over the total period of the award, two years.

 

Q109. Are there resources or trainings for budget development?

A109. USCIS does not offer resources or training for budget development.

 

Q110. Can the grant be used for employment salaries?

A110. Yes, grant funds may be used to pay the salaries of employees who work on grant-funded programs.

 

Q111. My organization is the primary applicant and proposes to work with several partners who will provide additional direct services and receive a portion of the grant funds. Should I submit one combined budget narrative or separate budget narratives?

A111. You must submit a budget narrative and table for your organization and a separate budget narrative and table for each sub-awardee. Provide the same level of detail for all budget narratives and budget tables.

 

Q112. In the Budget section, USCIS asks applicants to show a balance of costs between the citizenship instruction program and naturalization application services program. What does this mean?

A112. We will evaluate budgets on the extent to which they include reasonable and realistic costs that support and reflect the activities described in the project narrative and the proposed numbers served. Budgets should demonstrate a commitment to providing both high-quality citizenship instruction and high-quality naturalization application services.

 

Q113. In FY21, the CINAS grant allowed organizations to charge a nominal fee for application services (not over $50) and instruction (not over $30). This doesn't seem to be included in the NOFO this year. Are these nominal fees still allowed under the FY22 CINAS grant?

A113. Yes, nominal fees are permitted under the FY22 CINAS grant. Applicants are asked to list these fees in the project abstract. On page 40 of the CINAS NOFO, it states, "If any fees are proposed that will result in program income, show in the budget how this income will be used to support the program." Nominal fees for citizenship instruction or naturalization application services may also be charged under the Hub and Innovations grants. However, nominal fees may not be charged under the CARING grant. 

 

Q114. If we charge a nominal fee for services, can we use the program income generated from those fees to pay part of the USCIS application fee for some of our clients?

A114. No. Applicants may not use grant funds or program income generated through grant-funded services to pay for USCIS application fees.

 

Q115. Could you please confirm whether the grant funds can be used for programs that directly offset USCIS application fees?

A115. Grant funds cannot be used to pay for naturalization application fees.

 

Q116. Is my organization allowed to subcontract services?

A116. Your organization and any proposed sub-awardees must provide direct services and must demonstrate the ability to successfully manage and provide all aspects of the grant-funded project, including financial management.

 

Q117. May I list sub-awardee costs as contractual costs?

A117. No. You must present costs for the sub-awardee organization in a separate budget narrative and table. You should provide the same level of detail in the budgets for both the primary applicant and the sub-awardee.

 

Q118. Do volunteer hours count as an in-kind contribution? 

A118. Yes.

 

Q119. Which budget category includes facility rental costs?

A119. You should include facility rental costs under “Other Direct Costs.”

 

Q120. How do I demonstrate my organization’s approved fringe benefit rate?

A120. If a cognizant federal agency has negotiated or approved your fringe benefit rate, provide a copy of the agreement. If no rate agreement exists, provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA, retirement insurance, and taxes. Identify the base for allocating these fringe benefit expenses.

 

Q121. Can I apply for less than the maximum award amount? 

A121. Yes.

 

Q122. May I include costs for interpreters and translators? If so, what budget category would those fall under?

A122. Yes. You may include costs for interpreters and translators under the contractual budget category. However, these costs should be reasonable and justified in the project narrative. When possible, your organization should employ staff with knowledge of the language used by the majority of the immigrants served in the community.

 

Q123. What portion of the grant funds should go to the sub-awardee?

A123. You should ensure that proposed costs reflect the activities described in the project narrative, and that the budget reasonably balances the costs between the citizenship instruction program and the naturalization application services program.

 

Q124. Can we include costs for mileage for staff?

A124. Transportation costs for employees and volunteers are allowed under this grant. 

 

Q125. While previous NOFOs have required that budget dollars be allocated for staff travel to attend in-person grantee meetings, I do not find that requirement in this NOFO. Will grantee meetings be virtual during this grant period, or should we still budget grant dollars for grantee meeting attendance?

A125. This funding cycle, there will be no in-person grantee meetings. Trainings will be held virtually.

 

Performance and Reporting Requirements

Q126. How many individuals must we serve under the grant?

A126. You must propose to serve the minimum number of immigrants based on the amount of funding you request. Please see the table titled “Minimum Performance Goals for Two-Year Period of Performance” in the notices of funding at Grants.gov for more information.

 

Q127. There is a requirement to enroll a specific number of individuals in citizenship classes and submit a specific number of naturalization applications, depending on funding levels. Can we serve the same individuals with both services?

A127. Yes. The minimum number of immigrants you must serve is based on the amount of funding you request. Successful applicants generally have significant overlap between the individuals who receive citizenship instruction and the individuals who receive naturalization application services. You should integrate your services so that immigrants are aware of the full range of citizenship services available to them. However, it is not required to have a perfect overlap. In other words, some students may not require legal services, and some clients may not require classes. 

 

Q128. With the CINAS funding opportunity, do applicants need to meet the minimum requirements for both the Citizenship Instruction Services and Naturalization Application Services? Or can an applicant submit an application specific to one subset of the activities?

A128. Under the CINAS grant program, applicants must propose to offer citizenship instruction services and naturalization application services or may offer one of these services and partner with another organization that offers the other service.

 

Q129. We receive funding from another government agency, and we provide naturalization application services under that contract. Can we count the naturalization applications submitted under that contract towards the ones served under the USCIS grant?

A129. No. Grant recipients may not count services provided with another grant towards the goals for this grant.

 

Q130. When proposing a goal for the number of Forms N-400 my organization will submit, should I separately list the number of cases that include Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions?

A130. No.

 

Q131. Is there a requirement that individuals served have to naturalize during the grant performance period?

A131. No. There is no requirement that the students or clients served through this grant funding naturalize within the grant performance period.

 

Q132. In the CINAS NOFO, the period of performance is 24 months (page 4). But in the "Program Goals" section of the narrative on page 39, it asks for numbers over three years (12 quarters) but gives the graph over two years. Should we list program goals by quarter over two years or three years?

A132. The correct performance period for all FY22 grants is two years or 24 months. The reference to a three-year performance period on page 39 of the CINAS NOFO (as published on 6/27/2022) is a typo. This information has been updated on Grants.gov.

 

Q133. Our organization might support 40-50 individuals seeking assistance with citizenship preparation over two years. Is this too small for a CINAS grant? Is there a minimum number?

A133. Under the CINAS grant, organizations may request $150,000-$179,000 in grant funding and propose to serve a minimum of 120 individuals over two years. Grant recipients who request higher levels of funding must serve a larger number of individuals. Please refer to the sliding scale of funding levels in the NOFO for additional details.

 

Q134. For the Innovation NOFO can we include a performance measure not listed by USCIS?

A134. Under the Innovation grant, organizations must include at least two of the performance measures listed by USCIS. Additionally, organizations are encouraged to propose additional performance measures of their own choosing that are not listed in the NOFO.

 

Other Questions

Q135. Are we allowed to provide virtual services?

A135. Applicants are required to primarily provide in-person services (citizenship instruction and naturalization application services). However, applicants may supplement in-person services with virtual services if it allows them to extend the reach of their services, or to ensure the health of participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, applicants must be prepared to pivot to virtual or hybrid services if public health restrictions limit in-person gatherings.

 

Q136. Is there a role for (capacity-building) nonprofits to support direct service providers with online resources, tech tools and/or training to help them reach more applicants? Similarly, is there a role for online resources/tools that directly educate / empower / engage applicants and potential applicants?

A136. The Hub grant was developed for larger organizations to assist member or affiliate organizations with naturalization-focused capacity building. The Innovations grant may also be used to develop online resources or tools to empower or engage potential applications.

 

Q137. What types of innovations is USCIS hoping to fund under the Innovations in Citizenship Education (Innovations) grant?

A137. USCIS will consider applications for all types of citizenship education innovations. The most successful applicants will propose innovations that address an existing challenge within the citizenship education field and will include key performance indicators related to attaining U.S. citizenship. For an extensive list of innovation examples, please see the list of examples under the Program Overview section of the funding opportunity announcement. 

 

Q138. Is E-Verify required for grant approval this year?

A138. Enrollment in E-Verify is not a requirement for the 2022 Citizenship and Integration Grant program.