The Question and Answer Addendum is a required component of the grant application process. Questions should be directed to GrantProgram.MDVA@state.mn.us.
Questions from applicants will be summarized below as they come in, along with the answer(s).
Grant Applications Accepted
New grant application questions deadline (GrantProgram.MDVA@state.mn.us)
Request login instructions deadline (to upload grant application to secure state server)
Grant Applications Deadline (to upload Grant Application to secure State Server)
State's Fiscal Year
Grant Duration
Grant Awardees selected by the MDVA Commissioner for funding will usually be notified within 1-2 months after the Grant Application submission deadline.
Executed Grant Agreements are usually completed within 2-3 months after Awardee notification.
Non-selected Grant Applicants are usually notified within 4-5 months after the Grant Application submission deadline after the all the funded SOT Grant Applicants have executed Grant Agreements.
Organizations may refer to Section I.B – “Eligible Applicants” in the SOT Grant Application.
Detailed instructions explaining how to apply are contained in the SOT Grant Application. In general, the process is as follows:
Step I – Download and save Grant Application on a computer
Step II – Read Grant Application Instructions carefully
Step III – Complete Application Forms 1 – 6 and Logic Model Diagram (fillable PDF)
Step IV – Upload completed Grant Application and required attachments to a secure MDVA SFTP server
Unfortunately, MDVA may only respond to email inquiries for topics that are not addressed in the SOT Grant Application during the open Q & A period. This is done to ensure that the playing field remains level for all Grant Applicants and that no one organization has an advantage over another because of having the benefit of a personal conversation with the Grant Administrator.
No. Most organizations have the software already loaded on their computer to complete a fillable PDF form. Also, local libraries are good resources for organizations.
Answers must be limited to the space provided. The Grant Application blanks are limited in size deliberately to keep the MDVA grant evaluation process manageable.
Dollar amounts are entered in dollar increments (no cents). Enter numerals only (e.g. 5325 for $5,325.00). The fillable PDF form enters the symbols and decimals automatically.
Dates are entered as ##/##/##.
Percentages are entered as decimals (e.g. 25% is entered as .25)
MDVA will consider Grant Applicant proposals with estimated Administration/Indirect expenses up to 20% of the total requested grant amount. Examples of Administration/Indirect expenses are: CEO Salary, Office Supplies, IT Support, Telephone & Internet etc.)
Grant Applicants may apply for $1,000 - $100,000 grants. There is no advantage or disadvantage to apply for smaller or larger grants.
In general, MDVA seeks to understand how much relevant work experience the Grant Applicant’s staff/volunteer have when they fulfill their role in administering the Grant Applicant’s proposed project/activity.
Yes. Ensure that the Grant Application:
But also know, Grant Applicants may have met the above guidelines and will still not be recommended for funding due to:
In general, MDVA seeks information related to paid staff who will be working on the grant, if awarded. Reporting contractor salaries is optional.
Consider this question carefully and do not overestimate. Grant payments are usually conditional upon “serving” Veterans.
Example ($20,000 Grant to serve 100 Veterans)
$20,000 Grant = 10 hours “Respite Care” Case Management for 100 Veterans
For every Veteran provided 10 hours “Respite Care” Case Management, Grantee is eligible to be reimbursed $200.
Note: 100 Vets x $200 per unique Veteran = $20,000 grant
MDVA seeks to have a clear understanding of how the Grant Applicant proposes to spend the grant dollars, if awarded. The total proposed budget expenditures on this form should equal the Total Funds Requested recorded by the Grant Applicant on Form 1.
Note: If selected for funding, MDVA reserves the right to negotiate alternate grant budget terms with the Awardee if it is deemed advantageous by the State to do so.
Log-out and log-in again using the same Log-in credentials provided by MDVA. Open the documents that you see. If everything appears as you expected, then you have uploaded your documents correctly. You will not receive a confirmation email.
MDVA’s grant payments are on a “reimbursement-basis.” Grantees submit periodic Reimbursement Payment Requests after the Grantee has incurred expenses. The Grant reimbursement process is described in the MDVA Grant Manual, located on the MDVA Website – Grant Page.
Grant Applicants selected for funding may make grant expenditures after a MDVA Grant Agreement Contract is negotiated and executed.
Grant proposals serving Minnesota Veterans as defined in Minn. Stat. §197.447 for activities outside of Minnesota is an allowable expense but must be specifically referenced in the Grant Agreement.
While it is vital that grant applicants protect the private data of the veterans they serve, the DD214 requirement cannot be waived. As a State agency, MDVA is fully HIPAA compliant.
However, our experience is that grant applicants with similar privacy concerns have successfully collected veteran DD214s when they explain that in order to receive MDVA’s SOT funding, collecting DD214s is required.
Grant Awardees with Project/Activities related to “suicide prevention” are required to present MDVA’s S.A.V.E. Presentation to all Grantee staff/volunteers who have programmatic responsibility for administering the SOT grant before grant expenses are incurred.
Greater Minnesota is defined as communities that are outside the 7-county Twin Cities region comprised of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties.
