Deadline: 28-Jul-23
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), External Affairs Directorate (EXA), Office of Citizenship, Partnership and Engagement (OCPE) is seeking applications for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program to expand the availability of high-quality citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents (LPRs) across the nation and to provide opportunities for immigrants to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate into the fabric of American society.
The Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS) funding opportunity provides support to organizations that offer citizenship preparation services to LPRs. Additional activities that support this goal include identifying, implementing, and sharing best practices in citizenship preparation; increasing the use of and access to technology in citizenship preparation programs; working with local libraries and museums which serve as vital resources for immigrant communities; and incorporating strategies to foster welcoming communities as part of the citizenship and civic integration process.
Objectives
In fiscal year (FY) 2023, approximately $16.5 million in federal funding is available for eligible organizations to provide direct citizenship preparation services to LPRs through this funding opportunity. USCIS anticipates awarding up to 55 grants of up to $300,000 each.
Proposed services must include the following two components:
- Citizenship Instruction Services:
- Educational services that provide enrolled LPRs with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for citizenship, including instruction in English as a Second Language (ESL), U.S. history and government, and the naturalization process.
- Naturalization Application Services:
- Within the scope of the authorized practice of immigration law, grant recipients must assist qualified program participants in preparing and submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, preparing for the naturalization interview, and providing ongoing case management as needed.
Funding Information
- Available Funding for the NOFO: $16,500,000
- Projected Number of Awards: 55
- Maximum Award Amount: $300,000
- Period of Performance: 24 months
- Projected Period of Performance Start Date: 10/01/2023
- Projected Period of Performance End Date: 09/30/2025
Eligibility Criteria
- The following entities are eligible to apply to this announcement:
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public or state-controlled institution of higher education
- Indian/Native American tribal governments (federally recognized)
- Indian/Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized)
- Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organizations
- Public/Indian Housing Authority
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than institutions of higher education
- Special district governments
- State governments
- Applicants and any proposed subrecipients must demonstrate recent experience with the provision of citizenship preparation services. Specifically, at least one year of experience within the past three years:
- Providing citizenship instruction in a classroom setting that follows a curriculum and utilizes a textbook; and
- Preparing and filing Forms N-400 and G-28 on behalf of qualified LPRs and within the authorized practice of immigration law.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.