United Way of Rock River Valley to administer Emergency Food & Shelter Funds to Winnebago County

About Emergency Food and Shelter Program

Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funding awards are determined by the EFSP National Board, which is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The board consists of representatives from:

  • United Way of America
  • The Salvation Army
  • American Red Cross
  • United Jewish Communities
  • Catholic Charities USA
  • National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA

Once awards have been designated, our EFSP Local Board is charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas in our communities. Local board decisions are based on applications submitted by qualified service organizations (see eligibility tab below) serving Winnebago County.

The local board, consisting of representatives from local nonprofit human service agencies, governmental entities, and the community at large will determine how the funds are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in Winnebago County. The local board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.

Phase 41 Emergency Food and Shelter Funds

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local organizations chosen to receive funds must:
1) Be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government (If private voluntary organization, must have a volunteer board)
2) Have an accounting system
3) Practice nondiscrimination
4) Areas eligible for funds are: Served Meals, Other Food, Mass Shelter (on-site), Other Shelter, supplies/equipment, and Rent/Mortgage Assistance and Utility Assistance Please view the application for further description.
5.) Must not have any outstanding reports due to the National Board.
6.) Have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number.

EFSP funds must be used to supplement food and shelter services and may not be used as seed money for new programs. The key responsibility of participating organizations is to provide assistance within the intent of the program. Agencies may receive funds to provide food, shelter and supportive services, including, but not limited to:
• Food services, such as congregate meals or groceries;
• Lodging in a mass shelter, or in a hotel/motel or other off-site shelter facility
• Rent or mortgage assistance to prevent eviction or foreclosure;
• Utility assistance for service for gas, electric and water service;
• Supplies, including but not limited to cleaning supplies, and small equipment essential to feed or shelter people, not exceeding $300 per item; and
• Administrative funding, if approved by the Local Board. Two percent of a jurisdiction’s award may be used for administrative expenses. Agencies must confirm with the Local Board before making administrative expenditures with the funds.

Program Changes for Phase 41 Will be updated when made available from EFSP

KEY Program Dates for Phase 41 will be updated when available from EFSP

The EFSP National Board will soon make funds available for Local Boards to award.

For Fiscal Year 2023, $130 million in annual funding has been set aside for Phase 41.

Winnebago County has been awarded $181,114 in Phase 41.

Please reach out to Linda Childers with questions at lindac@unitedwayrrv.org or 815-968-5401.

Winnebago County Phase 41 Application

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024.