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Are you interested in applying for EEI funding but would like more information? SACOG has put together resources and an Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to help. Applicants are encouraged to connect with SACOG staff by June before submitting the final application. Reach out to the EEI project manager, Rosie Ramos.

Frequently Asked Questions about EEI

(Click the categories to expand and read more)

General Questions

What is EEI?
- A $3.8 million program that will fund partnerships between local government entities and community-based organizations (CBOs) for community-based planning and pre-construction project development activities in the six-county greater Sacramento region, with a specific focus on meaningful community engagement in disinvested communities.
Why should our region do something like EEI?
- The 2025 Blueprint, which is the region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, includes the three goals of Equity, Economy, and Environment. EEI is one mechanism for addressing equity in our long-range transportation plan as it invests in a more equitable planning process to develop projects that will eventually be included in the future Blueprint updates and / or support local plans and efforts.
Has there been any effort to tie these planning dollars to implementation funding?
- The program focused on community engagement as the first step of the planning process, which aligns to federal and state funding programs that are looking for robust community engagement processes.
Will this be a recurring grant program? If a CBO doesn't have the ability / resources to apply this round, will there be a future round they can participate in?
- Yes, this program will be recurring. The next date for future rounds is to be determined at the moment.

Applicant Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply for this funding program?
- Cities, counties, and other federal aid eligible government entities in the counties of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba (excluding the Tahoe Basin in El Dorado County).
- Community-based organizations (CBOs) operating in the aforementioned six-county region.
- A CBO is defined as a public or private nonprofit organization of demonstrated effectiveness that:
  - is representative of a community or significant segments of a community
  - provides educational or related services to individuals in the community.
- Tribal Governments in the counties of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba and cities within are eligible to apply, either independently or in partnership with a CBO.
  - Both federally recognized and non-federally recognized tribes can apply. (For non federal-aid eligible tribes, they will only be able to apply as independent and up to $100k)
Can CBO’s or Tribes apply without a local city our county partner? Is there a list of co-collaborators for groups interested in applying and working together?
- If you are interested in finding a partner, please reach out to SACOG staff.
What are the requirements for CBO contracts/outreach work?
- If applying in partnership, each CBO will follow their respective city’s or county’s sub-contracting requirements.
- If applying independently, the CBO will contract directly with SACOG – see the MOU template.

Are the partnership agreements limited to just one CBO?
- The lead sub-recipient will be limited to one CBO. That does not mean that additional partners cannot support the efforts. Additional partners can be named in the application and we ask the partnership structures are included in the application. But only one CBO will be on the contract and responsible for administering the program.
If a CBO is based in one county, can we work in a different county?
- The partnering CBO should be connected to the community they will be working in. If the offer services across counties, that is okay, so long as there is a valid connection with the community being engaged.

Funding Questions

Will the funding source for this program cover costs associated with outreach that are not traditionally covered with federal funding?
- The program is using a mix of funding, including federal and local dollars. There are some limitations with federal dollars, but we are asking applicants to connect with us early on so we can identify the mix of funding that will allow the most flexibility in what applicants want to do.
What types of funds will be used for EEI?
- EEI is using a variety of funding sources, including federal and local dollars.
What can we pay for using these funds?
- A variety of efforts can be funded through the program. Please reach out to staff to consult or ask any questions regarding eligible activities.
- You can also review the code of federal regulations: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E
Is the 25k upfront a hard number? If a CBO needed more and could show it, would that be out of the question?
- The available $25,000 is only a portion of the whole grant awards. Full awards will be between $150,000 - $500,000. Upon contract execution and work the CBO would be able to begin invoicing as soon as monthly or up to quarterly. It is encouraged that any issues around funding be brough to SACOG attention as soon as possible to explore possible solutions.
What type of work can we do with this funding?
- Case study examples of other projects are available in the "Resources" section below.

Available Assistance

Will this program provide training and resource for CBOs to understand the procurement / invoice process?
- During the application process, SACOG staff will be available for contracting questions. While the majority of the upcoming contracts will be between the city/county and the CBO directly, SACOG will provide office hours with our general counsel for any questions.
What other resources / technical assistance will be provided to CBOs?
- SACOG will be providing a training for all selected awardees regarding community-based planning and equitable design soon after award selection. Post contracting and disbursement of funds, SACOG will continue to provide technical assistance in the form or meetings and find ways to support as needs and questions come up during the implementation of the program. Since this is the first year of the program, staff will be working on being responsive to needs as they come up.
Not all CBOs have experience with or capacity to develop grant applications. Will there be assistance given to them for this grant program?
- CBOs that are applying in partnership will not need to do all of the application pieces. As a sub and partner to the city or county, CBO’s will consult with their partner for the scope development and agreement of roles and responsibilities. Upon selection, the CBO will then proceed to work with the city/county partner and follow their procurement requirements. SACOG will support with general counsel office hours should the CBO have any questions.

Additional Resources

Case Studies

Cambodia Town Thrives: Community Vision Plan (PDF)
Franklin Boulevard Complete Street Plan (PDF | Project Website)
MTC Community-Based Transportation Plans (Project Website)

Additional Resources

Beyond Engagement: Equity Principles (PDF)
APA Report: Planning with Diverse Communities (PDF)
APA QuickNotes: Inclusive Planning Processes (PDF)