Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
May 18, 2005, Vol. 05-76

Asset Building Funding Available During 2005

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services (OCS) is accepting applications for Assets for Independence (AFI) Program funding throughout 2005. AFI is a Federal program that explores ways to help low-income people become economically self-sufficient. AFI provides five-year grants of up to ,000,000 (average awards are $300,000) to local and state AFI Projects that provide financial education to clients and assist them with saving money in Individual Savings Accounts (IDAs) for the goal of acquiring one of three long-term assets (a first home, post-secondary education, or small business capital).

This is a standing announcement. OCS will accept applications at any time throughout the year. The next deadline for review of applications is JUNE 15, 2005. Applications postmarked by this date will be reviewed and funded by September 2005. (These grants will be supported with currently appropriated FY 2005 funding.) Those postmarked through November 1, 2005 will be reviewed and funded by December 2005. (These grants are dependent on the availability of FY 2006 appropriations.)

Applicants must secure matching funds in an amount equal to or greater than applicant's Federal AFI grant. Eligible applicants include:

* Non-profit organizations, including faith-based organizations

* State, local, or Tribal government agencies applying jointly with a
nonprofit

* Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) or Low Income

Credit Unions, in collaboration with a community-based anti-poverty organization

The AFI Program Announcement and other information about applying for funding is at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/applying.html You can also call the AFI Resource Center on (202) 401-4626 or e-mail AFIProgram@acf.hhs.gov to receive an application package and resources to help you apply. For more information about AFI, please go to the AFI
website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding
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The Center for Mental Health Services is a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services.