Week of 3/31-4/4
We are a currently funded SNAP-Ed program (FY25), can we get access to to-date FY25 direct education survey results to include in our proposal narrative?
No FY25 survey results are not available at this time. MFF begins to analyze school-based FY25 program data at the end of the school year, typically in June. Please reference your FY24 data during your FY26 RFP writing.
Where do we submit the organization information and contact information that is in the table on the Program Narrative Instructions? There is no table included on the Program Narrative word template.
The organization information and contact information get entered directly into the form on the Submit Proposal Package Tab. All cells you see in the Program Narrative Instructions (page 1) get populated within the form where you will upload your RFP files and not the program narrative file.
Week of 3/24-3/28
Is there an annual budget limit we should be aware of when creating our proposed budget for FY26?
No, however, budgets should be reflective of the proposed programming (e.g., scope and reach).
Information Session 3/24
Do I have other opportunities to be funded to do SNAP-Ed work at MFF if my proposal is not accepted?
Other opportunities to do SNAP-Ed work at MFF are available after the FY26 RFP has closed. All funding is contingent on availability and any needed approvals by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). All awards are provisional pending Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and FNS approvals.
Will reviewers be familiar with our current SNAP-Ed program?
No, reviewers are not familiar with your program.
How do we estimate indirect reach for community-based strategy work?
Reach for community-based strategy work should include all individuals who will be directly interacting with the implemented change. FNS has evolved their recommendations for indirect reach reporting for community-based strategies to only include those who directly interact with the change. It is unlikely that a change would have indirect reach since most people would be directly interacting with the implemented change.
Does MFF anticipate any increases in costs for MFF subscriptions or training/conferences, etc.?
Currently there are no changes in costs. However, this FAQ page will be updated if changes develop.
May I use AI for my proposal?
AI could provide suggestions, but it’s not recommended to use AI suggestions verbatim when writing reports or proposals.
Who should I list as community partners in Question 6 of the Program Narrative? Should it be someone who has observed or participated in our programming or someone at a higher level (e.g., school principal)?
Whomever will share a story about SNAP-Ed’s positive impact in the community.
In previous proposals, organizations could participate in a conversation after the written RFP package was submitted, is the process the same for FY26?
There will be no conversation component for RFP applicants this year. Instead the community partner stories (Program Narrative Question 6) will take the place of the conversation component.
Is there a resource where we can find the most up to date language that is recommended to use based on the executive order?
There are several resources online however, we recommend that you follow your organization’s instruction on how to address language. More definitive links are just now evolving and will be linked later.
Our organization is hiring a PSE lead, should we change the position title to reflect community-based strategies verbiage?
How you address language changes to follow the executive order is up to your organization. We understand that there may be a phased approach when dealing with language changes.
Is there a recommended response length for proposal narrative questions that don’t have a word limit?
There are no other word count limitations for the program narrative questions, aside from Question #2. Proposed programs vary in scopes drastically so we do not recommend response lengths. We recommend that your responses address all elements of the question(s) adequately to the proposed programming size.
In our proposal, should we place less emphasis on distinctive communities and/or particular groups to align with the executive order?
When writing about the populations you are proposing to reach make sure the language used aligns with the executive order. For example: legally residing refugees and immigrants.
General Questions
My organization is currently funded by SNAP-Ed at MFF in FY25. Which funding option (to be a subrecipient or a community impact project in FY26) should I consider?
Federal regulations outline criteria to delineate between subrecipient grantees and service providers as contractors. All currently funded organizations in FY25 (subrecipient and community impact project) and new organizations that meet the eligibility criteria to be a subrecipient and can demonstrate capacity to independently design, deliver, and monitor a federal grant, like SNAP-Ed, need to submit to be a subrecipient in FY26. Furthermore, a currently funded organization’s record of program performance and grant compliance will be considered; those with a successful record need to pursue being a subrecipient in FY26.
We are currently a [FY 2025] subrecipient and are eligible for the FY 2026 RFP. However, we are looking to make some program adjustments to [better meet changing] community needs. Is there an opportunity to talk to someone [at MFF] about the things we are considering ahead of submitting a proposal to ensure we aren’t changing anything that would [jeopardize] our chances for funding?
Questions about the FY 2026 RFP must come in through the FAQs or in the technical assistance session to be answered and posted so that everyone can benefit from the information. While there is not an opportunity to talk to MFF staff about proposed programming details before submitting a proposal package, keep in mind that what you anticipate and include in a proposal can evolve over time. If funded, there will be opportunity for conversations with an MFF Program Manager to finalize your programming for the upcoming year.
Is the subrecipient [contract] for one year?
Currently, funding is for one program year.
Can EPEC PLAY be included in my proposed programming for FY 2026?
SNAP-Ed funded organizations delivering nutrition education as part of a whole-school, whole community, whole child approach can include EPEC PLAY subscriptions for physical educators in their proposed budgets for FY 2026. EPEC PLAY can be seamlessly integrated into your nutrition education programming, offering a holistic approach to physical and nutrition education. When used as part of a comprehensive nutrition education program, EPEC PLAY enhances outcomes by promoting lifelong physical activity and healthy habits.
EPEC PLAY is available for purchase as a single-user subscription, so each user will need their own subscription. Subscription packages are organized by grade span: K-2, 3-5, or K-5 and broken out by: foundational units, seasonal adventure units, and specialized movement units. The foundational units start at $215 per educator, per year for one grade span (K-2 or 3-5), or $375 per educator per year for K-5. To learn more about the additional packages, please visit: EPEC PLAY Subscriptions.
Should my RFP use updated language and terminology?
We strongly recommend you comply with Executive Order 14173. Review the Executive Order and follow the guidance your organization has provided regarding language use. As part of the RFP review process, proposals are shared with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and, if requested, will be shared with USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
Last Updated
1:00 p.m. on April 3, 2025