Nonprofit Community Recovery (NCR) Grant Application FAQ 

The Washington State Department of Commerce is pleased to partner with WDVA to administer $1.25 million in Nonprofit Community Recovery (NCR) grants for Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). 

VSOs help build community and support serving those who served. Their recovery is critical to a thriving post-pandemic economy and healthy communities within Washington. These pandemic recovery grants will be administered by WDVA to VSOs in Washington state. Organizations that are led by and/or serve under-resourced communities, culturally diverse populations, and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Grants will be distributed to nonprofit VSOs statewide. Statewide organizations with multiple posts are chapters are strongly encouraged to file one application through the statewide organization on behalf of all posts and chapters

 

The deadline to apply is May 24, 2021, at 11:59pm. 

Please review the FAQ below before applying and contact VetNCRgrants@dva.wa.gov if you have any questions. 

 

1. What are the eligibility requirements to apply for an NCR grant?

In order to be eligible, your organization must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have non-profit status from the IRS (i.e., 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(17), 501(c)(19), etc.), or fiscal sponsorship by an organization with non-profit status from the IRS, with appropriate documentation since FY2019
  • Operate as veteran service organizations, defined as organizations whose primary mission is to serve veterans through their programming or services. 
  • Located in Washington state, and provide services to veterans within Washington state.
2. My organization is located in Oregon/Idaho but many of our participants are Washington residents, can we apply?

No, your organization must be located in Washington state.

3. Are we eligible if we are part of a Native American tribal program?

Yes, as long as you are a non-profit organization registered with the IRS. 

4. Are previous WDVA grantees eligible to apply? 

Yes, but if you are awarded funds it is important that you do not “double dip” i.e. use this grant funding to cover costs or revenue losses already covered by another COVID-19 related grant program(s).  If you have specific questions about how to properly spend and account for grant awards within your organization, please consult a financial advisor or licensed accountant.    

5. May I apply for two NCR grants through both WDVA and ArtsFund?

NCR grants will only be awarded one time to an eligible veteran service organization. 501(c)(3) veteran service organizations that have already applied for an NCR grant through ArtsFund should not submit a second application through WDVA, other than those who already contract with WDVA, are highly encouraged to apply for a grant through the ArtsFund  where there are $10 million available. 

If a 501(c)(3) already contracts with WDVA, OR they do not qualify for the ArtsFund grant, they may apply through the WDVA grant program.

6. If my organization has both a state umbrella organization and local posts and chapters, may we submit one application?

Statewide organizations with multiple posts are chapters are strongly encouraged to file one application through the statewide organization on behalf of all posts and chapters.

7. What do you mean by “financial hardship incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic“?

Examples include lost income due to fewer donors, or inability to hold revenue-raising public programs, or increased costs related to things like enhanced sanitation activities and purchasing personal protective equipment.  

8. What do you mean by “WDVA is committed to equity within our state”? Does this include persons with disabilities?

WDVA encourages organizations who are led by and/or serve under-resourced communities, culturally diverse populations, and underrepresented groups to apply. This includes people that identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), as people with disabilities, and as LGBTQ+. 

9. Is there a minimum or maximum grant request size? 

No. 

10. What if I am not already a registered vendor with the State of Washington, and don’t have a vendor ID?

You may register for a State of Washington Vendor ID at:

https://ofm.wa.gov/it-systems/accounting-systems/statewide-vendorpayee-services/vendor-payee-registration

Please note that vendor registration may take 2-3 weeks. However, you may submit your grant application without a Vendor ID as long as you have a Vendor ID by June 30, 2021.

11. How do you decide who gets how much?

A panel of representatives will review the applications, and make award determinations. All completed applications from eligible organizations will be reviewed through an evaluation process based on fiscal impact from COVID-19 on expenses and revenues.

12. Is the application deadline flexible?

No, we are not able to accept late applications. 

13. When will funding decisions be made? 

Funds will be disbursed on or before June 30, 2021.    

14. What if I realize I made an error on my application after I submit it? Will I be able to correct it?

If you need to make corrections before the application deadline, please reach out to VetNCRgrants@dva.wa.gov.

15. If I need additional technical assistance on my application, who do I contact? 

Please email VetNCRgrants@dva.wa.gov or phone (360)725-2235 for additional technical assistance or questions about this program.