HHS/ACF Announces Funding Opportunity under Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) Program; Emphasis on Self-Employment and Microenterprise; Non-Profits and Faith-Based Organizations Eligible to Apply

The purpose of the Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals (JOLI) program is to provide technical and financial assistance to private employers in the community to assist them in creating employment and business opportunities for individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and for other low-income individuals. Projects focus on one of three program strategies: self-employment/ micro-enterprise, new business ventures, and business expansion.

The Administration for Children and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services has announced its intent to award 10 to 12 grants with an average projected award amount of $450,000.

Priority will be given to applicants proposing to serve those areas containing the highest percentage of individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) under a State program, which is funded under Part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act and individuals whose income level does not exceed 100 percent of the official poverty line.

Program Strategy 1:
Business Expansion Applicants applying under Strategy 1 must show that the proposed project will provide technical and/or financial assistance to businesses already in existence to allow the businesses to expand by helping them to obtain better marketing services, contracts, access to additional money to help the business grow, etc., resulting in the creation of new jobs.

Program Strategy 2:
Self-Employment/Micro-Enterprise Projects Applicants applying under Strategy 2 must show that the proposed project will create self-employment/micro-enterprise opportunities for eligible participants.

Program Strategy 3:
New Business Ventures Applicants applying under this strategy must show the development of a new business that will train and employ 40-100 TANF and/or low- income persons to work within that business.

The July 20 FEDERAL REGISTER provides full background, definitions and instructions for application preparation and instruction. The due date for applications is August 19.