EAC Discretionary Grants Overview

A number of special discretionary grants programs were conducted by EAC over the past decades, including:   

• Pre-Election Logic and Accuracy Testing and Post-Election Audit Initiative
• Military Heroes Initiative Grant
• Accessible Voting Technology Initiative
• College Program
• Mock Election Program
• Election Data Collection Grant Program

While These programs are no longer available for new grant awards, and none are currently funded, some remain open pending final reporting and closeout. 

Further, future Congressional authorization could reestablish or create new discretionary grant programs.  

Accordingly, the purpose of this section is to outline application and award procedures for any future programs. 

The Application Process

1. Contact the EAC Grants Office (view last slide for contact information) to receive updates and notifications about funding opportunities.

2. Visit EAC.gov and Grants.gov for published Notice of Funding Availability (Notice).
    
3. Send an email to EAC stating your intent to apply by the specified date in the Notice. (This is not required, but it helps EAC better plan the review of applications)
    
4. Visit the Federal Standard Forms page of the EAC website to download required forms. 5. Submit application by deadline.

Tips for Successful Applications

Successful applications have: 

• Well defined partnerships
• ​A strong needs statement
• Emphasis on program implementation and high quality material development
• A cost effective approach to the problem
• A focus on sustainability
• ​​A focus on EAC priorities

Resources for Applicants 

• Grants.gov 
• Review previous NOFAs on EAC website for ideas
• EAC Guide to College Poll Workers
• Review profiles of prior successful applicants on EAC website
• Review FAQs

Selection Criteria in Awarding Grants under this Notice, EAC will Consider:

• Program Design (50%)
• Organizational Capacity (35%)
• Budget/Cost Effectiveness (15%)

Follow and Adhere to:

• Award Terms and Conditions
• OMB Circulars
• Submit reports on time 
• ​Grants Management

Program Reporting Progress Reports 

• Narrative analysis of the budget report, explaining differences between budgeted and actual activities and costs by funding source;
• Progress towards performance measurements;
• Discussion of any problems observed or experienced and recommended solutions.

Financial Reports 

SF-425, Federal Financial Reports (FFRs) Final Reports. The award recipient is required to submit a final report that is cumulative over the entire award period. Generally, the final report is due within 90 calendar days after the close of the grant. The frequency of reporting depends on the grant program and will be specified in your award terms and conditions