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FY2019 Grant for Volunteer Taxpayer Assistance Services

This grant provides funding for coordinating, facilitating, and encouraging volunteer taxpayer assistance services for low-income, elderly, and disadvantaged individuals. 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that are part of the IRS VITA or TCE programs are eligible. Grant funds can be used for equipment, advertising, salaries, and other expenses.

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FY2019 Grant for Volunteer Taxpayer Assistance Services

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  1. Fiscal Year 2019: Grant to Provide Volunteer Taxpayer Assistance Services Jessica Delcid| Grant Coordinator June 26, 2018

  2. Jessica Delcid Grant Coordinator

  3. Disclaimer This presentation is for educational purposes only. It is meant to accompany an oral presentation and not to be used as a standalone document. This presentation is based on the facts and circumstances being discussed, and on the laws in effect when it is presented. It does not supersede or alter any provisions of Minnesota laws, administrative rules, court cases, or revenue notices. If you have any grant related questions, contact us at 651-556-3052, or 1-800-818-6871 (toll-free), or Volunteer.Grant.MDOR@state.mn.us.

  4. Today’s Agenda • Grant overview • Grant proposal process • Grant awards • Reimbursement of grant funds • Deadlines and due dates • Questions?

  5. Grant Overview • What is the grant for? • Coordinating, facilitating, encouraging, and providing volunteer taxpayer assistance services to Minnesotans who are low-income, elderly, and disadvantaged. • Who qualifies? • 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations • Must be part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) • What are the objectives of the grant? • The objectives will be provided in the RFP.

  6. Grant Overview State of Minnesota is focused on diversity and inclusion. This includes our grant processes. We have updated and added some new questions to this year’s RFP. • Populations Served: Language was clarified and added to better identify disadvantaged populations. • New question asking about the diversity and inclusiveness of your organization’s board of directors, staff, and volunteers. • Make sure to review the RFP closely.

  7. Grant Proposal Process • Fillable PDF Grant Workbook • Will be available on our website beginning July 16, 2018 • Fill out electronically • All proposals must be submitted via email using the fillable PDF Grant Workbook for fiscal year (FY) 2019 by August 15, 2018

  8. Grant Proposal Process • Required documentation must be included with the grant workbook • Your proposal will be disqualified if there is missing required documentation. • Grant deadlines will not be extended. Additional time will not be given to submit missing information.

  9. Tips for Completing Your Proposal • Use the grant workbook to ensure you provide all required information. • Complete all required forms. • Double-check all your calculations. • Be clear and concise. • Use good grammar. • Review the proposal before submitting and use more than one reviewer. • Prepare your proposal early. Do not wait until the last minute to submit.

  10. Grant Proposal Process • The department will verify the following information with the appropriate agencies: • Determination letter issued by the IRS recognizing your organization qualifies under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. • Current Minnesota Attorney General’s Registration Certification, if required for your organization. • Some exceptions may apply.

  11. Grant ProposalProcess • Payment obligations to government agencies • Grant funds will not be distributed to organizations with a past-due balance to government agencies being collected by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. • We review department records when we receive proposals and before we reimburse grant funds.

  12. Grant Awards • Grant expenses must fall within these four expense categories: • Equipment and Accessories • Advertising • Salaries • Other Expenses • Grant funds are awarded as a lump sum

  13. Grant Awards • Salary funding • Cannot be used to pay volunteers • Must be reasonable • You may not request grant funds for salaries if your organization is exempt from registering with the Minnesota Attorney General because you do not pay persons to perform functions or activities. This rule does not apply to organizations exempt from registering with the Minnesota Attorney General for other reasons.

  14. Grant Awards • Print advertisements must: • Be reviewed and approved by the department before printing. • Be reviewed and approved each grant period. • State “Service made available through a grant provided by the State of Minnesota.” • Be professional and accurate, and represent the integrity and services provided through the volunteer taxpayer assistance program.

  15. Grant Awards New guidelines for FY19 grant expenses: • Purchase, construction, repair, or rehabilitation of any building or any portion thereof is not allowed. • Purchase of gift cards for volunteer recognition is not allowed. • Grant funds may be used to purchase volunteer recognition items but are limited to $10 per person.  • Grant funds used to purchase food and beverages for volunteers may not exceed $500. Review the RFP for a full list of allowable and unallowable grant expenses.

  16. Reimbursement of Grant Funds When can I request reimbursement of grant funds? Anytime after the grant contract is executed and beforeAugust 30, 2019.

  17. Reimbursement of Grant Funds • Reimbursement request cover sheet • Complete the cover sheet each time you request reimbursement • Requests will not be accepted without a cover sheet • You must include supporting documentation

  18. Due Dates and Deadlines • FY19Request for Proposals (RFP) • Available on our website beginning July 16, 2018 • Submit proposals by email • Proposals are due August 15, 2018

  19. Due Dates and Deadlines • Progress Reports • Due February 15, 2019 • Final Reports • Due June 1, 2019

  20. Grant Questions?

  21. Revenue’s Priorities • Minimize impact to customers • Support voluntary compliance • Assist taxpayers and preparers • Protect integrity of the tax system

  22. Stay Connected

  23. What areas of nonconformity would you like the department to pay particular attention to?

  24. What questions are your clients asking that the department would benefit from knowing about?

  25. Is there anything else you want us to know?

  26. Additional Nonconformity Comments or Ideas? Send to our Tax Professional Outreach Coordinator: Mark Krause Phone: 651-556-6606 Email: taxpro.outreach@state.mn.us

  27. Survey • We ask all participants to complete a survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/62619grantwebinar • Your feedback is appreciated.

  28. Thank you! Jessica Delcid 651-556-3052 or 1-800-818-6871 (toll-free) Volunteer.Grant.MDOR@state.mn.us

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