Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP)

Funder: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), administered through United Way Worldwide

Program Type: Federal grant program for emergency assistance

Geographic Scope: Tulsa County, Creek County, and Wagoner County (administered by Tulsa Area United Way)

Purpose

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created by Congress in 1983 to help meet the needs of hungry and people who are unhoused throughout the United States and its territories by allocating federal funds for the provision of food and shelter.

Governance

• National Board: Composed 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
• Board Chair: Representative of FEMA
• Fiscal Agent: United Way Worldwide
• Local Administration: Tulsa Area United Way provides administrative staff for Tulsa County, Creek County, and Wagoner County jurisdictions
• Local Board: Determines how awarded funds are distributed among local emergency food and shelter programs

Permitted Uses of Funds

Emergency Food and Shelter funds can be used for:

• Food: Served meals or groceries
• Lodging: Mass shelter or hotel accommodations
• Rent/Mortgage: Up to three months of payments
• Utility Bills: Up to three months of payments
• Equipment: Necessary to feed or shelter people, up to $300 limit per item

Important Note: Funds must be used for residents of that jurisdiction only

Eligibility

• Public or private 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer agencies
• Governmental organizations
• Must apply through local board when jurisdiction is funded
• Must submit application and certify compliance with Local Recipient Organization (LRO) regulations

Funding Announcement

Awards are made available and announced by the National Board. When a jurisdiction is funded, the Local Board advertises availability of funds and oversees the local application process.

Contact Information

• Tulsa Area United Way
• Address: 1430 S Boulder Ave, Tulsa OK 74119
• Phone: 918.583.7171
• County-Specific Links: Available for Tulsa County, Creek County, and Wagoner County funding announcements

Additional Resources

• National EFSP program information: efsp.unitedway.org
• EFSP appeals policy available on website

Eligibility

• Public or private 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer agencies
• Governmental organizations
• Must be located in a funded jurisdiction (Tulsa County, Creek County, or Wagoner County)

Application Process

1. Wait for Funding Announcement: Awards are announced by the National Board; when a jurisdiction is funded, the Local Board advertises availability
2. Local Board Notification: TAUW Local Board will advertise available funds and oversee the local application process
3. Submit Application: Organizations submit applications to the Local Board through Tulsa Area United Way
4. Certification: All applicants must certify compliance with Local Recipient Organization (LRO) regulations
5. Local Board Review: The Local Board reviews all applications and determines which organizations will receive funds

Required Materials

• Completed application form
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit certification or government agency documentation
• Compliance certification with LRO regulations

Key Information

• Funds must be used for residents of the jurisdiction where they are awarded
• Applications are considered when funding is available
• Contact TAUW for county-specific application details

Contact for Applications

• Tulsa Area United Way
• Phone: 918.583.7171
• Address: 1430 S Boulder Ave, Tulsa OK 74119
• County-Specific Contacts: Links available for Tulsa County, Creek County, and Wagoner County