Seeking Public Comments on 2011 Social Innovation Fund

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) released the draft Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the 2011 Social Innovation Fund competition, pending available funds. CNCS is soliciting public comments until January 21. The draft NOFO can be found here.

CNCS' announcement requests feedback on the following four new changes to the program:

1. To improve transparency, CNCS plans to release the names and executive summaries of all applications considered for funding, the names of all expert reviewers, and the reviewer comments for all selected grantees.
2. To expand the number of intermediaries able to participate the maximum dollar amount for which intermediaries can apply has been decreased from $10 million to $7 million. The minimum level will remain at $1 million.
3. To increase the access of community based organizations to this opportunity, intermediaries will no longer be permitted to include pre-selected subgrantees in their applications. Subgrantees must be selected through an open, competitive processes initiated after receipt of their award.
4. To make it easier for organizations to apply, CNCS has streamlined and clarified the overall content of the NOFO, particularly the eligibility criteria, guidelines for narrative content, and information about the review process.

Any comments should be sent to SIFinput@cns.gov.