The Emergency Food and Shelter Program was established on March 24, 1983, through the “Jobs Stimulus Bill,” Public Law 98-8 and authorized under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. The legislation created a National Board, chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that consisted of representatives of the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, The Jewish Federations of North America, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, The Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide.

Under the guidance of the of EFSP National Board and direct supervision of the Local Board, United Way of Northwest Arkansas serves as administrator for Northwest Arkansas counties. These funds are awarded in Benton, Carroll and Washington counties for Phase 40 (FY2022 funding). These counties will receive the following amounts to support emergency food and shelter programs:

Phase 40 Funding:

• Benton County – $70,576
• Carroll County – $7,102
• Washington County – $62,781

GRANT ELIGIBILITY & RESTRICTIONS:

Local agencies receiving funding must be able to adhere to the following requirements:

• be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government
• not be barred or suspended from receiving Federal funding
• have a checking account (cash payments are not allowed)
• have an accounting system or fiscal agent approved by local board
• have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
• have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) number
• conduct and provide a copy of an independent annual audit if receiving $50,000 or more in EFSP funds, or conduct an accountant’s review if receiving $25,000 to $49,999 in EFSP funds
• be providing services and using its other resources in the area in which they are seeking funds
• practice non-discrimination
• have a voluntary board if private, not-for-profit
• to the extent practicable, involve homeless individuals and families
• have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs
• have ability to fulfill all reporting requirements as requested

GRANT APPLICATION & SUBMISSION:

To apply, please complete the following application: EFSP Application. If organizations are interested in applying for funding from multiple counties, separate applications must be submitted for each county and each phase.

Applications can be submitted via email to Megan Heckes at mheckes@unitedwaynwa.org OR mailed to:

United Way of Northwest Arkansas

EFSP Phase 40

100 Parkwood Street

Lowell, AR 72745

Applications must be received by Friday, February 24, at 5 p.m. CST. For questions, please contact Megan Heckes at (479) 303-4421 or mheckes@unitedwaynwa.org.