The OANC manages assistance Funding available to ANCs that demonstrate a need for additional resources to enhance the delivery of services to the community, or to improve the operational efficiency of their Commissions.

Program Description

There are two funding options that an ANC may access:

The Technical Support and Assistance Fund (TAF) - The TAF provides ANCs with funding that enhances the delivery of services to the community. Examples of services that qualify for TAF funding include assistance with equipment purchases or personnel to host remote (hybrid) meetings; purchasing hot spots or Internet services; or hiring a service provider to design and print annual reports. Funds may also be used for communications access services for ANC meetings or events. (Click here for guidance to ANCs on the TAF).

Funding for Expert Assistance – ANCs may request funding to hire experts to support and assist them in areas such as zoning, development, and negotiations as they relate to Planned United Developments (PUDs). (Click here for guidance to ANCs on Expert funding)

Eligibility

Funds are administered by the OANC on behalf of the ANC. The ANC must vote in a public meeting to apply for funding from either source The record (minutes) must reflect the reason for requesting funding and the anticipated outcome.

• An ANC must demonstrate financial need to be eligible for TAF funding.
• Funding for Expert Assistance is available to all ANCs on a first come, first served basis.

Application Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling-basis and subject to the availability of funds:

1. Access the online Assistance Funds application

2. Select the desired assistance program (NOTE: An ANC may apply for assistance from both funds but must complete a separate application for each fund).

3. Complete the application questions. (NOTE: What problem will this assistance solve in your ANC? Describe the specific type of assistance that your ANC needs to solve the problem? What efforts did the ANC take to resolve this problem before seeking assistance?)

4. Upon submission of the application, the OANC:

• Reviews the application to assess the suitability of the intended use;
• Reviews the ANC’s minutes;
• Reviews the estimate or proposal when an ANC has identified an expert; and,
• Submits application package to the Executive Director for review and approval.

5. Upon final approval of an application, the ANC will receive an IRS W9 form with an approval notice and/or agreement.

TAF Fund Guidelines

• ANCs may request up to $5,000.00 per application from the Fund.
• The OANC will pay up to 100% of the cost for services delivered under the Fund (contingent on the availability of funds).
• Funds are administered by the OANC on behalf of the ANC. ANCs may work with any vendor provided they are invoiced directly and submit that invoice to the OANC for payment1.
• The ANC is responsible for paying any fees or penalties that may result from the work (i.e., filing fees, late fees, penalties for late filing, and other unapproved expenses).
• Any equipment purchased under the Fund is the property of the District government. Any work product that results from the Fund is the property of the District government. An OANC Equipment Assignment Agreement must be submitted for any equipment purchase.
• An ANC may submit multiple applications subject to fund availability, project priority, and OANC approval.

Activities will be monitored and evaluated by OANC staff to ensure compliance with all applicable District of Columbia statutes, regulations, orders, and other requirements. This monitoring process may include site visits, an evaluation of allowable costs, an assessment of efforts to meet projected benchmarks, providing proof of expenditures, or other applicable benchmarks.

Experts Funding Guidelines

• ANCs may request up to $5,000.00 per application from the Fund.
• The OANC will pay up to 100% of the cost for services delivered under the Fund (contingent on the availability of funds).
• Funds are administered by the OANC on behalf of the ANC. ANCs may work with any Expert provided they are invoiced directly and submit that invoice to the OANC for payment.
• The ANC is responsible for paying any fees or penalties that may result from the work (i.e., filing fees, late fees, penalties for late filing, and other unapproved expenses).
• If additional funding is needed, the ANC must reapply. (contingent on the availability of funds).
• An ANC must complete an existing agreement before funding will be awarded under another agreement.
• Activities will be monitored and evaluated by OANC staff to assure compliance with all applicable District of Columbia statutes, regulations, orders, and other requirements.