Revised REACH Announcement Issued

The application period for FY 2007 Residential Energy Assistance Challenge Option (REACH) grants is now open, with proposals due June 1.

Significant changes have been made to the structure and requirements for REACH this year, according to the administering office, the federal Office of Community Services (OCS). As a result, grant amounts will be smaller, the program period will be shorter (one year), and the application process is simpler.

Also new this year, OCS has decided to focus FY 2007 REACH grants on promoting innovative LIHEAP initiatives that address energy-related health and safety issues and “home energy vulnerability” (i.e., the risk to personal health and safety that is associated with home energy affordability.) Examples of these initiatives include partnerships with health departments, utilities or organizations that serve frail elderly, disabled and/or households with young children.

Strong preference will be given to applicants that are not current REACH grantees (i.e., grantees in receipt of FY 2004, 2005 and 2006 REACH funds). OCS expects to award no more than $1.5 million for grants to two states and four tribes or territories.

The maximum basic REACH grant will be $300,000 for states and $50,000 for tribes and territories; for those proposals that have an integrated energy efficiency education component an additional $35,000 is available for states and $10,000 for tribes and territories.

Grantees must submit a project evaluation within six months of their project's completion, but they no longer need an independent third party evaluator.

REACH is a competitive grant program funded through LIHEAP since 1996 under which grantees can develop and test new and innovative approaches to helping low-income families achieve self-sufficiency.

The REACH announcement and the required application forms are available on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

Page Last Updated: July 9, 2008