The intent of the EFSP
 
EFSP is intended to supplement and expand existing food and shelter services available in the local community. It is a needs-based program and program dollars must not be earmarked for particular clients. Funding is meant to serve and benefit the entire community.
 
The program is governed by a national board composed of representatives of the American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; The Jewish Federations of North America; The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Salvation Army; and United Way Worldwide. The Board is chaired by a representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
 
Locally, the program is a model of public-private cooperation. The local EFSP board is composed of representatives of the same organizations as those on the national board – with a local government official replacing the FEMA representative. The local board includes a homeless or formerly homeless person as a member. The national board awards funds to jurisdictions based upon a formula and local boards decide which agencies and services are to receive funds.
 
Each Local Recipient Organization (LRO) will be responsible for certifying in writing to the Local Board that it has read, understands, and agrees to abide by the Eligibility Program Costs and reporting standards and any other requirements made by the Local Board.

 
For a local agency to be eligible for funding it must:
 
•    Be nonprofit or an agency of government
•    Not be debarred or suspended from receiving Federal funding
•    Have a checking account and sign up for EFT (cash payments are not allowed)
•    Have an accounting system or fiscal agent approved by the Local Board
•    Have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
•    Have a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number issued by Dun &      Bradstreet (D&B) and provide along with other required associated information
•    Have a valid email address for program communication and electronic signature processes
•    Conduct an independent annual audit if receiving $100,000 or more in EFSP funds; conduct an annual accountant's review if receiving $50,000 to $99,999 in EFSP funds; see Annex 12, pg. 103
•    Conduct annual audit, if expending $750,000 or more in Federal funds, in compliance with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR 200 of the Office of Management and Budget (Uniform Guidance)
•    Be providing services and using its other resources in the area in which they are seeking funding
•    Practice nondiscrimination (those agencies with a religious affiliation wishing to participate in the program must not refuse services to an applicant based on religion or require attendance at religious services as a condition of assistance, nor will such groups engage in any religious proselytizing in any program receiving EFSP funds
•    Have a voluntary board if private not-for-profit
•    To the extent practicable, involve homeless individuals and families, through employment, volunteer programs, etc., in providing emergency food and shelter services