Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) Grants

_NOTE: Phase 41 EFSP Applications are CLOSED_**.
**

Background

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created by Congress in 1983 to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental. United Ways are responsible for the oversight and administration of the program. Grant funds are used to supplement meals, sheltering (including transitional sheltering), rent/mortgage, and utility assistance for existing food and shelter services. This allocation is made available through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Lancaster County EFSP Local Board is a co-lead team of the United Way of Lancaster County and the Lancaster County Office for the Homelessness Coalition. The local board is comprised of representatives from local social service organizations, government entities, and community members is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any other additional funds made available under this phase of the program.

Eligibility

_ You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's [website]().pdf).

Application Details

Phase 41 Overview Packet
BACKGROUND:

• The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created by Congress in 1983 to supplement and expand

the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental. Grant funds are used to
supplement meals, shelters, rent/mortgage, and utility assistance for existing food and shelter services. This
allocation is made available through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).
The regional allocation process is overseen by a National Board chaired by the Department of Homeland
Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from 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.
The Lancaster County EFSP Local Board is a co-lead team of the United Way of Lancaster County and the
Lancaster County Office for the Homelessness Coalition. The local board is comprised of representatives from
local social service organizations, government entities, and community members is responsible for
recommending agencies to receive these funds and any other additional funds made available under this
phase of the program.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

• To be eligible for funds, applicants must at a minimum meet the following criteria outlined below:
• • 501(c)3, non-profit agency with a voluntary board or units of government in good standing to receive
• Federal funds that provide food and/or shelter to homeless and low-income people within Lancaster
• County.
• • Demonstrate the capacity to and are already providing services under each category to which they are
• applying.
• • Not charging fees to clients for the provision of EFSP-funded services.
• • Practice non-discrimination and not require religious participation in EFSP-funded services.
• • Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number and capacity to receive Electronic Funds from the
• National Board.
• • Demonstrate other available funding resources to be utilized in conjunction with any EFSP award.
• Agencies are expected to thoroughly review and agree to the Local Recipient Organization (LRO) Statement of
• Understanding under Phase 41, which can be found in the application.
• EFSP FUNDS:
• In FY 2023, FEMA awarded to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board $130 million

made available under the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. No. 117-328).
The FY 2023 $130 million in annual funding is Phase 41 of the program and not the supplemental
humanitarian relief funding.
As of the date of release of this Application, Lancaster County’s regional allocation and eligible spending
period has not been released by the EFSP National Board. Applications are being accepted on the basis that
we anticipate being awarded funds. As a point of reference, Lancaster County was allocated $220,680, for
Phase 40. Updates from the National Board will be shared on the United Way of Lancaster County EFSP
website, accessed via the following link UWLC EFSP.

Phase 41 Overview Packet
ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS:
The programs listed below are qualified to receive EFSP funds. Please utilize the provided links for detailed
information. Any modifications made to these documents by the National Board for Phase 41 will be updated
and communicated to all applicants in advance of the final award announcements.
EFSP Reference Page Link Program Notations
Served Meals Basic, nutritional, hot, or cold prepared meals that are served by the LRO or
delivered to clients. Food costs for meals served in a shelter should be included
here. The per meal rate of $3.00 may be used for agencies serving congregate
meals.
Ineligible: Any items not related to the serving of food, pet foods and products,
excessive snacks and sweets, and purchases for staff or holiday events/functions.
Note: Operational costs such as rent/mortgage, utilities, and staff salaries are
included in the per meal allowance.
Other Food This category includes food vouchers for food orders, food boxes, or food
purchased by food banks and food pantries.
Ineligible: Paper and cleaning products, vitamins, tobacco, alcohol, excessive
snacks and sweets, and purchases for staff or holiday events/functions.
Mass Shelter For providing shelter within their own facility. Food served in a shelter is not
included here. LROs may use a per diem rate of $12.50 per bed night for housing
individuals and families.
Note: Operational costs such as rent/mortgage, utilities, and staff salaries are
included in the per diem allowance.
Rent/Mortgage To provide clients with rent/mortgage assistance, up to 90 days, per client/family
to assist in maintaining their existing housing.
Ineligible: Deposits, late and/or legal fees, taxes, insurance, escrow accounts, and
first month of a new mortgage.
Utilities – Metered For providing clients with utility assistance, up to 90 days, per client/family/per
Utilities – Non-Metered utility to prevent disconnection of service.
Ineligible: Deposits, cable, or satellite TV bills; phone bills, internet service, late
fees, and payment on closed accounts.
FUNDING LIMITS: To facilitate a diverse array of programs providing services to Lancaster area residents
county-wide, we anticipate that final award amounts will range from no less than $7,500.00 to no more than
$30,000.00. These limits are contingent upon the final regional allocation by the EFSP National Board.
A total of 2% of the overall grant is earmarked for administrative costs and is not included in the allocation to
applicants.
REALLOCATION DEADLINE: Due to the high demand, it is essential for the Local Board to ensure that
funded agencies possess the capacity to utilize their entire award or make a request for reallocating to
another category which is a service the agency already provide. Any agency that cannot show 100% utilization
of their award within the 60 days leading up to the end of the eligible spending period risks having their funds
reallocated to another organization.

Phase 41 Overview Packet
TIMELINE:

• We foresee the following timeline for the awarding of funds and the associated reporting requirements.
• Dates marked with an asterisk (*) have not been published or are contingent upon the National Board’s final

decision. Once received, these dates will be promptly updated and communicated to the funded agencies.
January 3, 2024, 11AM-12PM
Eligible Spending Period January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024*
Applications Due to Local Board @ 5:00 p.m. January 8, 2024
On-site Agency Visits by Local EFSP Board Members January 15 – 19, 2024
Local Board Plan to National Board March 11, 2024*
Mid-grant Cycle Check-in with Local EFSP Administrator June 24 - 30, 2024*
Report/Second Payment Requests to National Board November 30, 2024*
Final Reports & Documents to Local Board January 15, 2025*
Final Reports & Documents to National Board February 14, 2025*
APPLICATION:

• To apply, agencies must fill out a Phase 41 application, available on the United Way of Lancaster County EFSP

website. Access the application via the following link UWLC EFSP. Incomplete applications, or ones which do
not include the required documents, will not be considered.
Required documentation:

• • Completed EFSP Phase 41 application (data input space is provided for up to two programs),
• • Program Budget (if applying for more than one program use both Excel spreadsheets),
• • Proof of non-profit or government agency status,
• • Patriot Act Compliance Form,
• • Most recent annual accountant’s review, and
• • List of voluntary Board of Directors (if applicable)
• Applications that do not provide evidence of additional financial resources for the program, to be used
• alongside EFSP funds, will also be disregarded.
• Applications and required documents must be received no later than January 8, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. via email

to efsp@lchra.com. An acknowledgment of receipt will be provided.
QUESTIONS AND OPEN OFFICE HOURS:

• Acknowledging the details involved in applying for grant funds, we are offering virtual open office hours.
• Advance registration is not required to simply join, use the appropriate link above for the day/time you wish

to attend. Other questions, please contact Marjorie Shaffer, EFSP Administrator at mshaffer@lchra.com.

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP)
Phase 41 Overview Packet
BACKGROUND:
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) was created by Congress in 1983 to supplement and expand
the work of local social service agencies, both nonprofit and governmental. Grant funds are used to
supplement meals, shelters, rent/mortgage, and utility assistance for existing food and shelter services. This
allocation is made available through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).
The regional allocation process is overseen by a National Board chaired by the Department of Homeland
Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from 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.
The Lancaster County EFSP Local Board is a co-lead team of the United Way of Lancaster County and the
Lancaster County Office for the Homelessness Coalition. The local board is comprised of representatives from
local social service organizations, government entities, and community members is responsible for
recommending agencies to receive these funds and any other additional funds made available under this
phase of the program.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
To be eligible for funds, applicants must at a minimum meet the following criteria outlined below:

• 501(c)3, non-profit agency with a voluntary board or units of government in good standing to receive

Federal funds that provide food and/or shelter to homeless and low-income people within Lancaster
County.

• Demonstrate the capacity to and are already providing services under each category to which they are

applying.

• Not charging fees to clients for the provision of EFSP-funded services.
• Practice non-discrimination and not require religious participation in EFSP-funded services.
• Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number and capacity to receive Electronic Funds from the

National Board.

• Demonstrate other available funding resources to be utilized in conjunction with any EFSP award.

Agencies are expected to thoroughly review and agree to the Local Recipient Organization (LRO) Statement of
Understanding under Phase 41, which can be found in the application.
EFSP FUNDS:
In FY 2023, FEMA awarded to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) National Board $130 million
made available under the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. No. 117-328).
The FY 2023 $130 million in annual funding is Phase 41 of the program and not the supplemental
humanitarian relief funding.
As of the date of release of this Application, Lancaster County’s regional allocation and eligible spending
period has not been released by the EFSP National Board. Applications are being accepted on the basis that
we anticipate being awarded funds. As a point of reference, Lancaster County was allocated $220,680, for
Phase 40. Updates from the National Board will be shared on the United Way of Lancaster County EFSP
website, accessed via the following link UWLC EFSP.
Page 1 of 3

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP)
Phase 41 Overview Packet
ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS:
The programs listed below are qualified to receive EFSP funds. Please utilize the provided links for detailed
information. Any modifications made to these documents by the National Board for Phase 41 will be updated
and communicated to all applicants in advance of the final award announcements.
EFSP Reference Page Link Program Notations
Served Meals Basic, nutritional, hot, or cold prepared meals that are served by the LRO or
delivered to clients. Food costs for meals served in a shelter should be included
here. The per meal rate of $3.00 may be used for agencies serving congregate
meals.
Ineligible: Any items not related to the serving of food, pet foods and products,
excessive snacks and sweets, and purchases for staff or holiday events/functions.
Note: Operational costs such as rent/mortgage, utilities, and staff salaries are
included in the per meal allowance.
Other Food This category includes food vouchers for food orders, food boxes, or food
purchased by food banks and food pantries.
Ineligible: Paper and cleaning products, vitamins, tobacco, alcohol, excessive
snacks and sweets, and purchases for staff or holiday events/functions.
Mass Shelter For providing shelter within their own facility. Food served in a shelter is not
included here. LROs may use a per diem rate of $12.50 per bed night for housing
individuals and families.
Note: Operational costs such as rent/mortgage, utilities, and staff salaries are
included in the per diem allowance.
Rent/Mortgage To provide clients with rent/mortgage assistance, up to 90 days, per client/family
to assist in maintaining their existing housing.
Ineligible: Deposits, late and/or legal fees, taxes, insurance, escrow accounts, and
first month of a new mortgage.
Utilities – Metered For providing clients with utility assistance, up to 90 days, per client/family/per
Utilities – Non-Metered utility to prevent disconnection of service.
Ineligible: Deposits, cable, or satellite TV bills; phone bills, internet service, late
fees, and payment on closed accounts.
FUNDING LIMITS: To facilitate a diverse array of programs providing services to Lancaster area residents
county-wide, we anticipate that final award amounts will range from no less than $7,500.00 to no more than
$30,000.00. These limits are contingent upon the final regional allocation by the EFSP National Board.
A total of 2% of the overall grant is earmarked for administrative costs and is not included in the allocation to
applicants.
REALLOCATION DEADLINE: Due to the high demand, it is essential for the Local Board to ensure that
funded agencies possess the capacity to utilize their entire award or make a request for reallocating to
another category which is a service the agency already provide. Any agency that cannot show 100% utilization
of their award within the 60 days leading up to the end of the eligible spending period risks having their funds
reallocated to another organization.
Page 2 of 3

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP)
Phase 41 Overview Packet
TIMELINE:
We foresee the following timeline for the awarding of funds and the associated reporting requirements.
Dates marked with an asterisk (*) have not been published or are contingent upon the National Board’s final
decision. Once received, these dates will be promptly updated and communicated to the funded agencies.
Item Important Dates
Applications Available December 11, 2023
Virtual Open Office Hours for interested applicants only (click date December 14, 2023, 8-9AM
to attend) December 20, 2023, 3:30-4:30PM
January 3, 2024, 11AM-12PM
Eligible Spending Period January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024*
Applications Due to Local Board @ 5:00 p.m. January 8, 2024
On-site Agency Visits by Local EFSP Board Members January 15 – 19, 2024
Award Announcement March 1, 2024*
Local Board Plan to National Board March 11, 2024*
Mid-grant Cycle Check-in with Local EFSP Administrator June 24 - 30, 2024*
Report/Second Payment Requests to National Board November 30, 2024*
Final Reports & Documents to Local Board January 15, 2025*
Final Reports & Documents to National Board February 14, 2025*
APPLICATION:
To apply, agencies must fill out a Phase 41 application, available on the United Way of Lancaster County EFSP
website. Access the application via the following link UWLC EFSP. Incomplete applications, or ones which do
not include the required documents, will not be considered.
Required documentation:

• Completed EFSP Phase 41 application (data input space is provided for up to two programs),
• Program Budget (if applying for more than one program use both Excel spreadsheets),
• Proof of non-profit or government agency status,
• Patriot Act Compliance Form,
• Most recent annual accountant’s review, and
• List of voluntary Board of Directors (if applicable)

Applications that do not provide evidence of additional financial resources for the program, to be used
alongside EFSP funds, will also be disregarded.
Applications and required documents must be received no later than January 8, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. via email
to efsp@lchra.com. An acknowledgment of receipt will be provided.
QUESTIONS AND OPEN OFFICE HOURS:
Acknowledging the details involved in applying for grant funds, we are offering virtual open office hours.
Advance registration is not required to simply join, use the appropriate link above for the day/time you wish
to attend. Other questions, please contact Marjorie Shaffer, EFSP Administrator at mshaffer@lchra.com.
Page 3 of 3