The Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ) is requesting a second round of Residential Energy Assistance Challenge (REACH) applications for FY 2010 that are due March 30, 2010.
No more than $1.5 million in REACH grants will be awarded to two States and four Tribes/Insular Areas for a two-year grant period. Additional funds may be awarded for applications that include an approved Energy Efficiency Education Services plan that contains health and safety components related to home energy.
Strong preference will be given to States, Tribes/Tribal Organizations and Insular Areas that have not received REACH grants in the past.
REACH is a competitive grant program funded through LIHEAP since 1996. Successful applications must focus on the health and safety of vulnerable households, i.e. those with elderly members, small children and disabled individuals. Energy efficiency measures for homes and energy-related home repair are also acceptable REACH activities.
LIHEAP grantees from states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico must coordinate REACH efforts with community-based organizations (CBOs) to implement and manage REACH services. Tribes/Tribal Organizations and Insular Areas (other than Puerto Rico ) may administer their programs without sub-contracting or sub-granting to a CBO.
Due to language in the FY 2009 continuing resolution, no FY 2009 funds were set aside for FY 2009 REACH grants. As a result, in October 2009, the Department of Energy Assistance issued the first round of FY 2010 REACH grants to two states and four tribes and the Mariana Islands based on the REACH applications submitted in FY 2009. HHS expects the regular annual time period for submitting REACH applications to resume for FY 2011.
More information and the REACH model plan are available in LIHEAP- AT-2010-03. The LIHEAP Clearinghouse website has summaries and evaluation of past REACH projects.
Source: HHS
