State of Alaska, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED), Division of Community Advocacy, in partnership with the Denali Commission.

1) What is the purpose of the Program? To provide funds for projects that will improve the community economy in a significant and long lasting way. The program is committed to supporting innovative efforts to create jobs and generate income in rural Alaskan communities.

2) How much is available? What is the source of the funds? What is the time frame? DCCED anticipates that approximately $467,250 will be available from the Denali Commission for the program. Grant funds will be available through September 30, 2007. All projects considered for funding must be able to demonstrate that they can be completed by September 30, 2007. Grant funding is contingent upon receipt of federal funding.

3) Who can apply? A City; a non-profit tribal government; a local non-profit organization; a Borough or regional non-profit organization as a sponsor on behalf of one or more eligible communities. For the FY 07 Mini-Grant program, to be eligiblefor consideration of Denali Commission funds, a community must have a population of 5,000 or less per the DCCED 2005 certified population data. This information is available on the Department’s website athttp://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/commbd/CF_CIS.htmIn addition, Distressed Communities, as defined by the Denali Commission, will receive priority funding consideration.

4) Can an applicant or community submit more than one application? DCCED will consider only one application from a community. If DCCED receives more than one application from a community, all applications may be rejected. It is the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate community consensus and support and to ensure that the one priority application from the community to be served is submitted for funding consideration.

A Borough or Regional Non-Profit is not limited to submission of one application, but a community can benefit only once from applications submitted by a Borough or Regional Non-Profit. If a Borough or Regional Non-Profit submits an application for up to $30,000 that benefits more than one community, each of those communities can still submit their own application.

Two or more eligible applicants may submit a joint application if they have identified a mutual need which may be addressed more appropriately jointly rather than individually. For example, a Regional Non-Profit could submit one application requesting up to $90,000 in Mini-Grant funds for a project that will benefit three eligible applicants/communities. The applicants/communities benefiting from a joint application would not be eligible to submit individual applications during this cycle. In order for a joint application to receive consideration, a Joint Application Agreement would be required between all parties to establish a responsible party for the administration of the grant agreement, if funded. Applicants may contact DCCED for a copy of the suggested agreement format.

5) What are eligible projects? A project is eligible for funding under the Mini-Grant program if it will likely generate new income for the community, create permanent jobs or otherwise has the potential to improve the community economy in a significant and long lasting way. Eligible activities also include related business development or strategic planning (i.e., comprehensive community development plan, business plan, marketing analysis, community land use plan, design and engineering plan, etc.)

To receive funding for a non-planning project, the applicant should include a copy of a business plan that shows the project will likely be a success.

DCCED may consider requests for public/private partnerships which provide a community benefit. However, the grantee (public entity) must retain controlling interest for the useful life of the project and demonstrate that the project is providing a community public benefit versus benefiting private individuals or interests.

Examples of eligible projects include:

• Upgrade and enhance the community’s recreational riverfront park with installation of restroom facilities to accommodate more tourists and improve public health and safety.
• Purchase equipment for a shellfish nursery operated by a community non-profit.
• Purchase crane for the City's dock facility to encourage more efficient dock operations and new income for the City.

Examples of eligible business development or strategic plans include:

• Community priorities and strategic planning
• Business plan for an arts and crafts cooperative
• Feasibility study for city or tribal-owned hatchery
• Design plan for waterfront marine center

Examples of ineligible projects include:

• Erosion control
• Community clean up
• Local government operations
• Maintenance/repair of public facilities
• Buying a boat for an individual to start his own guiding service
• Simply paying individuals to work for a few months, i.e., hiring a grant writer or planner for the city/tribal office unless a direct link to improving the community’s economy in a significant and long lasting way is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Department.

6) Is there a limit on the administrative costs allowable from grant funds? An applicant may apply for not more than 5% of its total Mini-Grant project budget for administrative costs. DCCED reserves the right to negotiate a lesser amount. All requests for administrative costs must be explained and documented in the budget section of the application.

7) Are resolutions of support needed for the project from the City and Tribal Governments and the Village Corporation? Does the project have to be a priority in the community’s development plan?

• The short answer is YES if you hope to score high enough in the review process to receive funding. Those projects that have broad community support have the best chance of being successful. The Mini-Grant rating points and criteria are weighted so those applications which provide evidence of solid local endorsement and community support will receive the most points in the “community support” category and will be the most likely to receive funding.
• DCCED will rate low in the “community support” category those applications that do not document the project as a priority in the community’s plan and do not have resolutions of support from the appropriate entities such as the City and Tribal Governments and the Village Corporation. Exceptions will be made at the discretion of DCCED.

8) Are federal labor standards required on Mini-Grant funded projects? Any Mini-Grant activity which includes construction or renovation of buildings or facilities for public or commercial purposes, site development, major equipment installation or other similar activity which involves the use of contracted labor and servicesby a unit of local government, must comply with State and federal labor standards requirements, including the payment of Davis-Bacon wages. If a non-profit organization is contracting for labor, they must comply with federal ( not State) Davis-Bacon labor standards.

9) What is the grant payment method?AllMini-Grants are cost reimbursable. This means that the Grantee pays for expenditures with their own funds. The Grantee submits monthly requests for reimbursement and progress reports to DCCED, showing the expenditures made during the month and including copies of all supporting documentation. Upon review and approval of the report, the Grant Administrator processes the payment and the Grantee is issued a check.

10) Are there any other special requirements related to the Mini-Grant program? The following requirements pertain to certain projects:

• Equipment Purchase: Equipment in excess of $5,000 purchased with grant funds triggers federal ownership retention requirements. Generally, equipment over $5,000 must be retained by the Grantee for the life of the project or the funds/equipment must be returned to the Department.
• Acknowledgement of Mini-Grant program support : For all construction projects funded with Denali Commission funds, the Grantee shall display a sign that acknowledges the Denali Commission’s support for the project. The cost for the sign should be included in the budget of your grant application.
• Photo Documentation: The Grantee is responsible for submitting to the Department, as appropriate, photographic documentation of equipment purchased with grant funds and construction projects at various stages. Photo documentation must be supplied in the form of photo quality 3 x 5 prints and/or print quality digital images.
• Community Plan: DCCED has specific requirements with regard to community planning projects. These may include required participation in the preparation and adoption of the plan by both the municipal and tribal government in the community; recommendation for a minimum number of public meetings held to gather input; cooperation with other agencies; and plan content. Upon completion, a disk with an electronic copy and two hard copies must be submitted to DCCED for review. In addition, the following language must be included: “This plan was produced in part with Mini-Grant Assistance funds made available through the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development and the Denali Commission.” Information on developing a Community Plan is available at the Commission's website @ http://www.denali.gov/Community_Toolbox_List.cfm
• A Community Plan Checklist is available at the Commission's website @ http://www.denali.gov/Section_Overview.cfm?Section=Community_Planning
• Distressed Communities : In an effort to ensure that Federal funding is being distributed to communities with the most need, those communities meeting the Commission’s classification as “Distressed” will receive priority funding consideration. Information regarding community classifications as “Distressed” or “Non-Distressed” is available at the Commission’s website @ http://www.denali.gov/Resources.cfm
• The current list of "Distressed" Communities is attached at the end of this document.
• Resolution for Tribal Entities: All tribal entities applying for Mini Grant Assistance Funds should be aware that if awarded funds, prior to release of grant funds, they will be required to execute and submit a Resolution for Tribal Entities which includes a Waiver of Sovereign Immunity from legal prosecution by the State for claims that may arise from utilization of the award. The resolution is project specific and must include the exact language (without modification) which is contained in the sample resolution included with the FY 07 Mini Grant Application Packet. No funds will be released prior to execution and submission of the resolution as required by the Department.
• Insurance: All successful applicants should be aware that they will be required to maintain workers compensation; comprehensive general liability; and professional liability insurance in specified amounts throughout the duration of any grant agreement with the Department.
• Federal Laws: All successful applicants must follow the OMB Circulars and CFR’s listed below as applicable to your project. These may include compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) prior to expenditure of funds as well as Federal Labor Standards for contracted labor as described in #8 above.

  OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State and Local Governments and Indian Tribal Governments

  OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations

  OMB Circular A-102 Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments

  OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments and Indian Tribal Governments

11) What is the application process?

• Applications must be received in the Fairbanks DCCED Office at 211 Cushman Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701 no later than 4:00 PM Friday, July 21, 2006. Applications should be sent to the attention of Jo E. Grove, Grant Manager. Applications received after July 21, 2006 will not be considered for funding.
• Applicants must submit the original and 4 copies of the application to the address above.
• DCCED will NOT accept faxed applications .

12) What is the application review and award process? The application review and awards process consists of two stages: (1) Threshold Review, and (2) Project Rating, Selection and Award.

• Threshold Review: DCCED staff will review all applications and identify any which are in the judgement of the Department:
• incomplete, i.e., they lack enough information to be adequately evaluated or
• ineligible for funding consideration, i.e., they are an ineligible applicant, ineligible community, or have proposed an ineligible project (one that does not demonstrate the potential to improve the community economy in a significant and long lasting way) or
• there is some other significant problem with the application as identified by staff which renders it unsuitable for funding consideration

Those applicants who did not meet the Threshold Review requirements will be notified in writing that their project will not receive further funding consideration, along with the reason(s) for the decision.

• Project Rating, Selection and Award: An Application Selection Committee to be appointed by DCCED will review those applications which pass the Threshold Review and will:
• score and rate applications using the scoring criteria and points system described below
• forward award recommendations to the Director of Division of Community Advocacy who will make final award decisions

The Division of Community Advocacy will notify all applicants with projects under consideration of the Director’s award decisions in early September 2006. An applicant may appeal an award decision to the Director of the Division of Community Advocacy. The only basis for appeal is non-adherence by the Division to the Project Rating, Selection, and Award procedures identified above. Appeals must be submitted in writing to and received by Jo E. Grove either by facsimile at 907-451-2742 or via mail at 211 Cushman Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701 within 30 days of notification of the award results and must clearly state the basis for the appeal. The Director of the Division of Community Advocacy will consider the written appeal and make a final determination within 15 days of receipt of the appeal. The Director’s decision, provided to the applicant in writing, is final and conclusive.

13) What criteria will DCCED staff use to score applications? Following are the criteria and points DCCED staff will use to evaluate and rank applications. As noted different criteria will be used depending on the project type. Applicants should review the criteria and points carefully.

• Criteria and points for a project that is not a plan.

Project Description, Readiness and Budget (maximum 20 poin ts)

Is the applicant clear on what they want to accomplish and how? Is the proposed work plan including budget and timelines reasonable? Has the applicant identified specific goals, objectives and expected outcomes? Can they reasonably be expected to achieve those with the resources available? Is the project well thought out? Is the proposed approach logical and the best means to complete the project? If the project involves a public/private partnership, is the arrangement okay? Are any needed feasibility studies, business plans, design or engineering plans in place? If appropriate, are market assurances in place? Does the application adequately address permitting, site control, State Fire Marshal approvals, environmental issues, etc.? Is the applicant ready to proceed with the project upon notification of award and can the project be completed by September 30, 2006? Is the budget reasonable and substantiated with price quotes? Has the applicant secured other funds needed to complete this project? Is this project a good use of Mini-Grant funding?

Project Impact (maximum 20 points)

Has the applicant provided evidence that the project will: Improve the community’s economy in a significant and long lasting way? Provide the potential for long-term positive impact or benefit? Provide a substantial, direct and long lasting benefit to residents? Generate or create an opportunity for jobs or business development? Retain dollars locally? Promote self-sufficiency and diversification in the local economy? Make use of local resources and/or improve existing production/delivery capacity? Combine and coordinate Mini-Grant funds with other available public and private resources whenever possible? Produce goods or services that will bring dollars into the community? Add value to an existing industry, business or resource? Is the community classified by the Denali Commission as “Distressed”?

Note: In order to receive the most points in this category, you must demonstrate or provide evidence that the proposed project will do one or more of the above. Simply saying that the project will have an impact is not enough.

Project Sustainability (maximum 20 points)

Has the applicant demonstrated that the project will: Likely be sustainable? Will the applicant be able to follow-through on whatever tasks are needed after the grant funds are spent? For example, will the applicant have the operations and maintenance funds to maintain and staff the facility? Has the applicant secured any market assurances needed? Are other necessary agreements in place? Are other necessary funds secured? Note: In order to receive the most points in this category, you must demonstrate or provide evidence that the proposed project is sustainable. Simply saying so is not adequate.

Community and Other Support (maximum 20 points)

Has the applicant included evidence that the community actively supports the project? Is there evidence the project has been discussed in the community? Does the applicant describe how the community decided on the project? Does this project demonstrate community consensus? Is the project identified in a community strategy (land use or economic development plan, etc.)? Has the applicant included copies of relevant pages of the community plan identifying this project as a priority? Has the applicant secured resolutions or other evidence of support from appropriate local and regional entities (city/tribal government; ARDOR; Native Corporation; non-profit organizations)? If the funding request is granted, is there enough community support to ensure the project will be a success? Is the project a high enough priority that the community will make sure the project is completed? Is there documented commitment of other cash or in-kind resources supporting the project?Is there documented support for or agreement with the project from entities outside the community (e.g. regional organizations, State or federal agency, etc.) adequate to ensure that what is being proposed will be completed? Has the applicant included evidence showing other funds are secured contingent on this award? Does the applicant have commitments from other agencies/entities, which will be or should be involved with the project?

Grant Administration and Project Management Capabilities (maximum 20 points)

Has the applicant identified a qualified individual who will ensure that the terms of the grant agreement are met? Has the applicant identified a qualified individual who will manage the project? Has the applicant identified other successfully administered federal and State grants for which they have been responsible? Has the applicant had any IRS problems or liens within the past five years?

Does the application and history with this applicant demonstrate that the applicant is capable of successfully administering this project and completing the objectives of the grant? Is the applicant capable of coordinating and completing the project? Does the applicant have a track record of getting projects done?

Total Points Possible: 100

• Criteria and points for an eligible project that is a plan.

Project Description, Readiness and Budget (maximum 20 points)

Is the applicant clear on what they want to accomplish and how? Is the project well thought out? Are the right people and entities involved? Is the proposed plan including timelines and budget reasonable? Has the applicant identified specific goals, objectives and expected outcomes for the strategy? Can they reasonably be expected to achieve those with the resources available? Is the proposed approach logical and the best means to complete the project? Is the process used for input, review and approval of the development strategy okay? If the project involves a public/private partnership, is the arrangement okay? Is the applicant ready to proceed upon notification of award? Is the budget reasonable and substantiated with price quotes? Has the applicant secured other funds needed to complete this project? Is this project a good use of Mini-Grant funding?

Project Impact (maximum 20 points)

Has the applicant provided evidence that the proposed plan will: Improve the community’s economy in a significant and long lasting way? Provide the potential for long-term positive impact or benefit? Provide potential for a substantial, direct and long lasting benefit to residents? Result in a likely opportunity for jobs or business development? Promote self-sufficiency and diversification in a local economy? Combine and coordinate Mini-Grant funds with other available public and private resources whenever possible? Is the plan or study worth doing? Is the community classified by the Denali Commission as “Distressed”?

Project Follow-Through (maximum 20 points)

Will the applicant likely follow-through on whatever tasks are needed after the plan/study is done and the grant funds spent? For example, will the applicant have the staff and funds to maintain the strategy and implement the course of action recommended in the strategy? Are necessary agreements and or relationships in place to implement the strategy? Are other necessary funds secured or likely to be secured?

Community and Other Support (maximum 20 points)

Has the applicant included evidence that the community actively supports doing the plan/study (or the project being planned for/studied)? Has there been discussion in the community? Is there community consensus? If the plan/study is for a future project, is the future project identified in a community strategy (land use or economic development plan, etc.)? If the funding requested is granted, is there enough community support to ensure the plan/study will be completed? Is there documented commitment of other cash or in-kind resources supporting the plan/study?Has the applicant secured resolutions or other evidence of support from appropriate local and regional entities (city/tribal government; ARDOR; Native Corporation; non-profit organizations)? Is there documented support for or agreement with the project from entities outside the community (e.g. regional organizations, State or federal agency, etc.)? Does the applicant have commitments from other agencies that will be or should be involved with the project?

Grant Administration and Project Management Capabilities (maximum 20 points)

Has the applicant identified a qualified individual who will ensure the terms of the grant agreement are met? Has the applicant identified a qualified individual who will manage the project? Has the applicant identified other successfully administered federal and State grants for which they have been responsible? Has the applicant had any IRS problems or liens within the past five years? Does the application and history with this applicant demonstrate that the applicant is capable of successfully administering this project and completing the objectives of the grant? Is the applicant capable of coordinating and completing the strategy project? Does the applicant have a track record of getting projects done?

Total Points Possible: 100

Communities that meet 2005 Distressed Criteria

AKIACHAK	DRY CREEK	KOTLIK
AKIAK	EAGLE	KOYUKUK
ALAKANUK	EAGLE VILLAGE	KWETHLUK
ALATNA	EDNA BAY	KWINHAGAK
ALCAN BORDER	EEK	LAKE LOUISE
ALEKNAGIK	EKWOK	LAKE MINCHUMINA
ALLAKAKET	ELFIN COVE	LARSEN BAY
ALEXANDER CREEK	ELIM	LEVELOCK
ANCHOR POINT	EXCURSION INLET	LOWER KALSKAG
ANDERSON	FORT WAINWRIGHT	LUTAK
ANGOON	FORT YUKON	MANLEY HOT SPRINGS
ANVIK	GAKONA	MANOKOTAK
ARCTIC VILLAGE	GAMBELL	MARSHALL
ATMAUTLUAK	GEORGETOWN	MARY'S IGLOO
BEAVER	GLENNALLEN	MCCARTHY
BELUGA	GOODNEWS BAY	MCKINLEY PARK
BIG DELTA	GRAYLING	MENDELTNA
BILL MOORE'S	GULKANA	MEYERS CHUCK
BIRCH CREEK	GUSTAVUS	MINTO
CANTWELL	HAINES	MOSQUITO LAKE
CENTRAL	HAMILTON	MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
CHALKYITSIK	HAPPY VALLEY	MUD BAY
CHASE	HARDING-BIRCH LAKES	NABESNA
CHEFORNAK	HOLY CROSS	NAPAIMUTE
CHICKEN	HOOPER BAY	NAPAKIAK
CHIGNIK LAGOON	HOPE	NAPASKIAK
CHIGNIK LAKE	HUGHES	NAUKATI BAY
CHILKAT	HUSLIA	NELCHINA
CHILKOOT	HYDABURG	NEW ALLAKAKET
CHISTOCHINA	HYDER	NEW STUYAHOK
CHITINA	IVANOF BAY	NEWTOK
CIRCLE	JAKOLOF BAY	NIGHTMUTE
CIRCLE HOT SPRINGS	JUNEAU-RURAL	NIKOLAEVSK
CLAM GULCH	KALSKAG	NIKOLAI
COOPER LANDING	KALTAG	NINILCHIK
COPPER CENTER	KARLUK	NOATAK
COPPERVILLE	KASAAN	NONDALTON
COVENANT LIFE	KASIGLUK	NORTHWAY
CROOKED CREEK	KENNY LAKE	NORTHWAY JUNCTION
CUBE COVE	KETCHIKAN-RURAL	NORTHWAY VILLAGE
DELTA JUNCTION	KIPNUK	NULATO
DELTANA	KIVALINA	NUNAM IQUA
DENALI NATIONAL PARK	KLUKWAN	NUNAPITCHUK
DOT LAKE	KOBUK	OHOGAMIUT
DOT LAKE VILLAGE	KONGIGANAK	OLD HARBOR

Communities that meet 2005 Distressed Criteria

OSCARVILLE	RUSSIAN MISSION	TAZLINA
OUZINKIE	SALCHA	TELLER
PAIMIUT	SAVOONGA	TENAKEE SPRINGS
PAXSON	SCAMMON BAY	TETLIN
PELICAN	SELAWIK	THORNE BAY
PERRYVILLE	SELDOVIA	TOGIAK
PETERSVILLE	SELDOVIA VILLAGE	TOKSOOK BAY
PILOT STATION	SHAGELUK	TOLSONA
PLATINUM	SHAKTOOLIK	TONSINA
POINT BAKER	SHELDON POINT	TRAPPER CREEK
POINT MACKENZIE	SHUNGNAK	TULUKSAK
PORT ALSWORTH	SILVER SPRINGS	TUNTUTULIAK
PORT GRAHAM	SKWENTNA	TUNUNAK
PORT LIONS	SLANA	UPPER KALSKAG
PORT PROTECTION	SLEETMUTE	VENETIE
QUINHAGAK	STEBBINS	WHALE PASS
RAMPART	SUNRISE	WILLOW
RED DEVIL	TALKEETNA	WILLOW CREEK
RUBY	TANACROSS	Y See Talkeetna
	TATITLEK