Q: I just found out about the grant program and have missed the deadline for the Letter of Intent (LOI). May I still send a Letter of Intent – even if it’s late? Is the LOI required? May I still submit an application?
A: While the deadline for submission of LOI’s is March 18, 2008, applicants are encouraged to submit LOI’s even after this date. Applicants will not be deemed ineligible if they do not submit the LOI before the deadline; they are, however, encouraged to submit an LOI – even after the deadline – in order to develop a communication link with the Colorado Rural Health Center in the event that additional information is made available. The LOI is not required; it is, however, strongly encouraged. Applicants who choose not to submit an LOI may still submit an application.

Q: We are located in an urban area, but we provide services to rural Colorado. Can we apply?
A: While the Council recognizes the invaluable services and resources provided to rural Colorado by urban-based providers, this small grant program is only available to applicants located in non-urbanized areas. An eligible rural-based organization could certainly apply for grant funds on behalf of their urban partner if that is how they chose to serve the needs of the underserved people in their community.

Q: My organization is located inside of an Urbanized Area. But we’re rural! Are we ineligible to apply for this funding?
A: There are many different definitions of “rural” utilized by state and federal programs to determine eligibility. For the purposes of this grant program, the Council chose to rely upon the U.S. Census Bureau’s definition of Urbanized Areas. Only applicants located outside one of Colorado’s Urbanized Areas are eligible to apply. The Council will allow for an appeal process in setting eligibility criteria. If you believe your organization should be considered “rural,” please submit a letter describing how your organization and project meet the intent of this grant program, and describe your location and your rationale for why your organization should be considered “rural.” The Council will consider your request and make a determination regarding your eligibility to apply within 10 days.

Q: What about organizations that serve large regions that include services to patients inside Urbanized Areas – are they eligible to apply for funding?
A: As long as the applicant is located outside an Urbanized Area and is requesting grant funds for a project that includes the provision of outpatient primary care services– medical, oral, or mental health services - to underserved people in rural Colorado, it is eligible for application.

Q: If I score 100 points on the Rural Grant Review Guide, posted online, will I automatically receive funding?
A: No. The Council will make final award decisions based various factors, include: the scores of each application, community impact, geographic distribution, diversity of projects, and applicant type.

Q: May I submit letters of support with my application?
A: The guidelines state that additional attachments may not be included. Earlier in this process, a few applicants were told they could attach letters of support, therefore if an application does include letters of support, this will not disqualify the application; but, these letters will not be forwarded on to the reviewers. Evidence of the involvement and support of other organizations in your community or region will strengthen your application; however, in order to keep the applications to a management size, Letters of Support should not be attached or included. In the narrative portion of your application, we do recommend that you mention this involvement, and specify the organizations with whom you'rre involved.

Questions?

For additional information, please contact:
Callie Preheim, Colorado Rural Health Center
(800) 851-6782, (303) 407-0410, cp@coruralhealth.org.