On November 13, 2014 Prosper Sustainably created and uploaded a video presentation that provides advice on how to prepare a General Assistance Program (GAP) proposal work plan. The links for the YouTube video and downloadable presentation materials are available below:
GAP Grant Proposal Work Plan Strategy Presentation Video (2:09:57)
GAP Grant Proposal Work Plan Strategy Presentation
Comparison of Common GAP Work Plan Components Table (pre- and post- May 2013 GAP Guidance)
Comparison of Common GAP Work Plan Components Table (pre- and post- May 2013 GAP Guidance) (PDF)
GAP Work Plan Components & Commitments Outline Template
GAP Work Plan Components & Commitments Outline Template (PDF)
On May 15, 2013 the EPA released new GAP guidance that requires many tribal environmental agencies to change the way they operate their GAP funded programs. The new EPA GAP Guidance emphasizes the requirement that (for the most part) GAP can only be used for “capacity building” activities. With limited exceptions, tribes will no longer be permitted to conduct the ongoing and/or “implementation” activities that have been the foundation of many GAP funded environmental programs. Last year the EPA was somewhat lenient in approving FY2015 work plan activities that did not fully meet these requirements to give tribes an opportunity to adjust. This year, I believe that the EPA plans to be more strict in requiring GAP work plan activities that are capacity building.
In this presentation I discuss the new GAP grant requirements for tribal environmental programs (as described in the Guidance) and strategies for crafting a work plan that focuses on capacity building activities. The goal is to help participants avoid proposing ineligible activities. I also want to help participants look ahead and consider how what is proposed now can lead to complementary activities for future years. Ideally, a GAP funded tribal environmental program will continue to evolve in the services offered to a tribal community while maintaining (or hopefully increasing) funding from the EPA and other sources.