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Agenda 01/27/2026 Item #16D 1 (After-the-fact electronic submittal of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program 2026-2027 Continuation Application to AmeriCorps)SEE REVERSE SIDE Proposed Agenda Changes Board of County Commissioners Meeting January 27, 2026 Add on Item 10B: Discussion regarding the Veterans’ Community Center. (Commissioner Saunders’ Request) Continue Item 16G1 to the February 10, 2026, BCC Meeting: Recommendation to approve updates to the Airport Leasing Policy, Airport Minimum Standards, and Airport Rules and Regulations. (Staff’s Request) Continue Item 16d1 to the February 10, 2026, BCC Meeting: Recommendation to (a) approve the after-the- fact electronic submittal of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program 2026-2027 Continuation Application to AmeriCorps, under the Corporation for National and Community Service, in the amount of $100,000 (b) allow the County Manager or their designee to serve as the authorized representative for the grantor’s electronic submission system, eGrants, throughout the grant period and (c) authorize the necessary Budget Amendments (Housing Grant Fund 1835 and Housing Match Fund 1836). (Staff’s Request) Notes: • Agreements for Item 16C1 were uploaded on January 23 after the agenda was initially published. • Correction for item 16B7: the recording fee will be paid by Pelican Bay; funds are available in Fund 3041, Project (50211). TIME CERTAIN ITEMS: Item 11A to be heard at 10:00 AM: Recommendation to accept the CVB Governance Restructure Study Report, and direct staff on next-step actions. 1/27/2026 2:18 PM 1/27/2026 Item # 16.D.1 ID# 2025-5111 Executive Summary Recommendation to (a) approve the after-the-fact electronic submittal of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program 2026-2027 Continuation Application to AmeriCorps, under the Corporation for National and Community Service, in the amount of $100,000 (b) allow the County Manager or their designee to serve as the authorized representative for the grantor’s electronic submission system, eGrants, throughout the grant period and (c) authorize the necessary Budget Amendments (Housing Grant Fund 1835 and Housing Match Fund 1836). OBJECTIVE: To continue to provide uninterrupted operation of the Collier County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program in alignment with the Quality of Place focus area of the Collier County Strategic Plan, by supporting access to health, wellness, and human services. CONSIDERATIONS: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program ("RSVP") provides volunteer opportunities and program support to retirees and seniors of Collier County who dedicate their time and experience to the community at sixteen locations throughout Collier County. The purpose of this application is to provide 152 RSVP volunteers serving residents of Collier County with the opportunity to continue their work with various non-profit agencies through the RSVP Program. The RSVP program has been co-sponsored by Collier County since 1990. RSVP is a national volunteer program sponsored by AmeriCorps Seniors designed to provide individuals aged 55 years and older with the opportunity to share their abilities, interests, and experience with their communities. Each year, more than 500,000 volunteers use their experience, skills, and talents through RSVP Projects in the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. On November 14, 2023, Agenda Item #16.D.4 the Board approved the after-the-fact electronic submittal of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 AmeriCorps RSVP grant application in the amount of $125,254. On January 31, 2024, the Collier County Community and Human Services Division received Notice of Award from AmeriCorps RSVP. AmeriCorps made three (3) one-year grant awards and made an initial award for the first-year period of performance, based on a one- year budget. On September 10, 2024, Agenda Item #16.D. 5, the Board approved the application for the continuation of the RSVP grant for year two in the amount of $107,137. On March 21, 2025, the Collier County Community and Human Services Division received Notice of Award from AmeriCorps RSVP. The application for the year three continuation was released by AmeriCorps on December 2, 2025, with a due date of January 8, 2026. Due to the Board meeting only once in December, the application could not be presented for submission approval before the due date. CMA #5330 authorizes the County Manager to approve the submittal of grant applications, to be followed by “After-the-Fact” approval by the Board of County Commissioners (Board). The County Manager approved the submittal of the grant application on 12/24/2025. If approved, the period of performance for year three of this grant would be 4/1/2026 – 3/31/2027 with a total Budget of $100,000. AmeriCorps Seniors will provide 90% of the financial support to maintain staff and volunteer support for the program. The RSVP Grant has a minimum local match requirement of 10% of the total budget. Historically, Collier County has met match requirements via a combination of cash match and in-kind resources. Community and Human Services has provided the cash match and project management, while Collier County Parks and Recreation, along with Community HOA’s have donated the use of activity rooms for the RSVP volunteer-run Bone Builders Program classes to assist the RSVP Program in meeting its in-kind contributions. Community businesses further support the program through donations for volunteer recognition events. RSVP of Collier County has 152 volunteers who served 6,326 volunteer hours from August 2024 until December 2025, providing a donated value of $208,773.84 of service for residents of Collier County. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the estimated Program Budget for Year 3: Program Project Estimated Grant AmeriCorps Contribution Carry Forward Local Cash Match In- Kind Page 4227 of 5261 1/27/2026 Item # 16.D.1 ID# 2025-5111 Budget Funds AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP $100,000 $75,000 $15,000 $2,591 $7,409 The application requires the County to designate an authorized representative to electronically sign and submit the application, required reports and amendments through the AmeriCorps Seniors eGrants electronic system. Based on the administrative requirements and required use of eGrants, this action approves the County Manager or her designee to be the authorized representative. When final agreements are received, they will not require Board signature. However, actions requiring Board approval will continue to be brought forward. By supporting access to health, wellness, and human services. FISCAL IMPACT: Total program funds are estimated to be $100,000. Budget amendments are needed to acknowledge the anticipated grant award of $75,000 for the RSVP 2026-2027 Continuation within the Housing Grant Fund (1835), project number 33897. In the RSVP 2026-2027 Continuation application budget, $15,000 of carried forward funds from the RSVP 2025-2026 grant year has been budgeted under the “Excess Funds” category. The carried forward funds will be moved through a budget amendment after the start of the program year. The RSVP grant requires a 10% local match of $10,000, which will be met through a combination of a local cash match of $2,591 and in-kind donations from the donation of space at Parks and Recreation facilities for Bone Builders and community donations of $7,409. The cash match is available within Housing Grant Match Fund (1836) Reserves supported by a transfer from the General Fund (0001). Budget Amendments are needed to acknowledge the anticipated required match. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There are no Growth Management Impacts associated with this Executive Summary. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, is approved as to form and legality and requires a majority vote for approval. -JAK RECOMMENDATION(S): To (a) approve the after-the-fact electronic submittal of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program 2026-2027 Continuation Application to AmeriCorps, under the Corporation for National and Community Service, in the amount of $100,000 (b) allow the County Manager or their designee to serve as the authorized representative for the grantor’s electronic submission system, eGrants, throughout the grant period and (c) authorize the necessary Budget Amendments (Housing Grant Fund 1835 and Housing Match Fund 1836). PREPARED BY: Charlotte Nal, Program Director, Senior and Social Services, Community and Human Services ATTACHMENTS: 1. Budget Narrative for 26SR279358 2. CMA 5330 Grant Administration 3. EGRANTS Application 4. Budget in EGRANTS 5. CM MEMO 2025 12-24 RSVP APP ATF 26-002 Page 4228 of 5261 Budget Narrative: RSVP of Collier County for County of Collier Section I. Volunteer Support Expenses A. Project Personnel Expenses Position/Title -Qty -Annual Salary -% Time CNCS Share Grantee Share Total Amount Excess Amount Project Director salary for 6 months 04/01/26-09/30/26 when DOS Grant ends: - 1 person(s) at 35053 each x 80 % usage 22,995 0 28,042 5,047 Project Director salary for 6 months 10/01/26-3/31/27 Post DOS Grant: - 1 person(s) at 35053 each x 100 % usage 28,744 0 35,053 6,309 Grant Manager: - 1 person(s) at 90904 each x 5 % usage 3,727 0 4,545 818 Category Totals 55,466 0 67,640 12,174 B. Personnel Fringe Benefits Item -Description CNCS Share Grantee Share Total Amount Excess Amount FICA: FICA is 7.65%: The total attributed payroll to the grant is $55,466 4,243 0 5,174 931 Health Insurance:0 0 0 0 Retirement: Retirement is 14.13% of total salary which is the percentage used for all Collier County Regular Class Employees. The total attributed payroll to the grant is $55,466 7,837 0 9,557 1,720 Life Insurance:0 0 0 0 Category Totals 12,080 0 14,731 2,651 C. Project Staff Travel Local Travel Purpose -Calculation CNCS Share Grantee Share Total Amount Excess Amount Travel to site locations, networking, events and trainings: Estimated cost for gas $250, parts and labor $150, and other related vehicle maintenance costs $100 500 0 500 0 Category Totals 500 0 500 0 Long Distance Travel Purpose -Destination -Other Travel -Trans. Amount -Meals/ Lodging CNCS Share Grantee Share Total Amount Excess Amount Point of light conference:: - Meals/Lodging 1,255 Trans 711 Other 625 0 2,591 2,591 0 Category Totals 0 2,591 2,591 0 D. Equipment 12/19/25, 2:46 PM Budget Narrative for 26SR279358 https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/report.jsp?sid=qnY4Im4LquB791vNyTet1qxNLWM10WtPn6nXxV2YEr17q0SpuajA!2056050465!1766173339147&…1/3Page 4229 of 5261 Item/Purpose -Qty -Unit Cost CNCS Share Grantee Share Total Amount Excess Amount Category Totals 0 0 0 0 E. Supplies Item/ Purpose -Calculation CNCS Share Grantee Share Total Amount Excess Amount General Supplies: paper, pens, etc.300 0 300 0 Category Totals 300 0 300 0 F. Contractual and Consultant Services Purpose -Calculation CNCS Share Grantee Share Total Amount Excess Amount Category Totals 0 0 0 0 I. Other Volunteer Support Costs Item CNCS Share Grantee Share Total Amount Excess Amount Criminal Background Check:78 0 78 0 Bone Builders classroom space rental (In-Kind Donation) Est of 160 classes at $62.5 per/class:0 7,409 7,409 0 Software to collect, record and analyze program data:626 0 626 0 Category Totals 704 7,409 8,113 0 J. Indirect Costs Calculation -Rate Type -Rate -Rate Claimed -Cost Basis CNCS Share Grantee Share Total Amount Excess Amount Category Totals 0 0 0 0 Section Totals 69,050 10,000 93,875 14,825 PERCENTAGE 73.56%10.65% Section II. Volunteer Expenses A. Other Volunteer Costs Item -Description CNCS Share Grantee Share Total Amount Excess Amount Meals:0 0 0 0 Uniforms:0 0 0 0 Insurance: Annual Premium for Volunteer Accident, Liability and Excess Auto x 200 Volunteers.2,950 0 2,950 0 12/19/25, 2:46 PM Budget Narrative for 26SR279358 https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/report.jsp?sid=qnY4Im4LquB791vNyTet1qxNLWM10WtPn6nXxV2YEr17q0SpuajA!2056050465!1766173339147&…2/3Page 4230 of 5261 Recognition: Volunteer recognition luncheon and welcome back reception for 152 Volunteers.3,000 0 3,175 175 Volunteer Travel:0 0 0 0 Category Totals 5,950 0 6,125 175 Section Totals 5,950 0 6,125 175 PERCENTAGE 97.14%0.00% Budget Totals 75,000 10,000 100,000 15,000 PERCENTAGE 75.00%10.00% Required Match 10.00% Source of Funds Section Description Section I. Volunteer Support Expenses Matching requirements will be met through a local cash match of $2,591 and in-kind donations, which currently include classroom space provided by Collier County BCC and local community facilities, totaling $7,409. This brings the total to $10,000. Section II. Volunteer Expenses Matching requirements are met in section I. Volunteer support expenses. 12/19/25, 2:46 PM Budget Narrative for 26SR279358 https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/report.jsp?sid=qnY4Im4LquB791vNyTet1qxNLWM10WtPn6nXxV2YEr17q0SpuajA!2056050465!1766173339147&…3/3Page 4231 of 5261 CMA 5330 GRANT ADMINISTRATION Page 1 of 5 [Effective Date: February 18, 2004 (Revised: April 1, 2006; Revised: September 1, 2017; Revised August 26, 2021)] § 5330-1. Purpose. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that County Divisions coordinate grant acquisition efforts; to provide a mechanism for assisting Divisions in grant application, submission and award acceptance; to review all1 acquisitions for compliance, consistency and appropriateness prior to submittal to the grantor; to track and monitor grants for single audit and budget compliance; and to provide oversight through Countywide internal controls to support administrative grants management requirements. § 5330-2. Concept. Collier County continually strives to increase and enhance the quality and quantit y of public services, facilities and infrastructure by maximizing the use of federal, state and local grants. The role of the Grants Compliance Manager is to coordinate and assist departments in these grant efforts, to monitor and track existing and future grants; lead the annual audit; and mitigate compliance risk. Advisements made by the Grants Management Office under the Office of Management and Budget provide opportunities to mitigate or eliminate potential or identified risks of noncompliance that could impact the results of a successful audit or sponsor peer review. Staff are expected to implement advisements in order for the County to promote a compliance-minded environment and good standing with its sponsors to secure future funding. The County’s Grant Administration Handbook guides all County Divisions through the grant process focusing on post award compliance. Check the grants Sharepoint site regularly for updates. These procedures are not subject to nor to be amended by any current or future contradictory resolutions with the exception of specific resolutions delegating specific authority at the request or requirement of the grantor. § 5330-3. Procedure. A. Preparation of Grant Applications: The Grants Compliance Manager is available to help provide resources in grant preparation, including locating, researching, writing, assembling, and submittal. Each division acquiring grant funding must assign adequate staff resources that are trained and/or experienced relative to the complexity of the grant program requirements. Staff will work closely with the Grants Compliance Office to coordinate administration, provide required support and project information throughout the grant application, approval and management process. B. Grant Review Process: The Grants Compliance Manager, or designee, will review all grant applications prior to submission to the grantor. A copy of the application, with required review sheet and all grant guidelines, must be forwarded to the Grants Compliance Manager prior to the grant being added to the automated agenda system for approval by the Board of County Commissioners. (1) If a grantor limits the number of applications that can be submitted at one time or requires that multiple applications be prioritized, it is the responsibility of the Department Heads of the respective divisions, with assistance from the County Manager and Grants Compliance 1. The portions of this procedure related to preparation, review, submittal and approval and agreement processes do not apply to Constitutional Officers with the exception of grant programs whereby the Board is required to be the grantee for eligibility. Page 4232 of 5261 CMA 5330 GRANT ADMINISTRATION Page 2 of 5 Manager if necessary, to select the proposal to be submitted or to prioritize the proposals. If, however, the grantor specifically requires such decision to be made by the elected body, the Board of County Commissioners will make that decision. (2) If a division has specialized experience in a grant program in which multiple County divisions apply, the County Manager and Grants Compliance Manger may designate a lead division to manage administrative and program compliance. C. Approval and Submittal: (1) The Board of County Commissioners must approve all grant applications, including applications that do not require a signature, are submitted online or allow an individual other than the Chairman of the Board to sign. (2) The Grants Compliance Manager, or designee, will approve each Executive Summary in the automated agenda system. Guidelines for preparation of the executive summary and example executive summaries are available on the grants Sharepoint site. (3) All grant applications that require signature of the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners also require review by the County Attorney's office. (4) In the event that the grant deadline is prior to the deadline for items to be submitted for a scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting or the deadline is prior to the next Board of County Commissioners meeting, the project manager must contact the Grants Compliance Manager to discuss options for emergency submittals or after-the-fact approval. Division will apply using the established after-the-fact Board approval request form. If emergency submittal is not possible, these policies, to the greatest extent then allowed by law, rule or regulation, delegate to the County Manager, or designee, authority to sign the grant application; however, the project manager must submit an executive summary for the next Board of County Commissioners meeting for the required after-the-fact approval. Internal department deadlines used to manage agenda items will not supersede the meeting date the OMB Grants Management Office assigns to obtain Board approval. (5) Only the following reasons constitute justification for the after-the-fact process: (a) The grant is announced, and the application is due within one month or less and the deadline has been missed for the next available Board of County Commissioners meeting; or (b) Division commitments to emergency situations or events beyond n ormal operations prohibit staff from having time to develop application in coordination with Grant Coordinator; or (c) The Board of County Commissioners is not in session for a few weeks at a time (e.g. summer break). (6) Over usage or unjustifiable reliance on the after-the-fact process is not acceptable and the County Manager has the right at any point to disapprove the submittal of an application. (7) The only exception to the requirement that the Board of County Commissioners sign a grant application is when a grantor provides specific authority and requires that the Board of County Commissioners delegate the authority to another individual or if the application is to be Page 4233 of 5261 CMA 5330 GRANT ADMINISTRATION Page 3 of 5 submitted online. In these instances, however, the Board of County Commissioners must by executive summary and, if appropriate, resolution or other form of approval, delegate authority to that individual for that specific grant application and such approval must be granted for each and every application submitted. (7) Separate actions will be taken before the Board for application and award unless an exception is granted by the Grants Compliance Manager. D. Notice of Grant Awards: Notice of a grant award may come in a variety of forms, including an award letter, an agreement, an e-mail or even a phone call. Regardless of the form of notice, the Grants Compliance Manager must be notified of all awards upon receipt. E. Grant Award Documents. (1) Most grants require execution of an agreement, contract or other document for formal acceptance. (2) The Grants Compliance Manager, or designee, will approve each executive summary in the automated agenda system. Guidelines for preparation of the executive summary and example Executive summaries are available on the grants Sharepoint site. (3) The Board of County Commissioners must approve acceptance of the grant, unless the Board delegated this specific authority to the Department Head during any stage of the application approval process (if required by the grantor). Acceptance of each grant may require signature on an acceptance letter, grant agreement/contract, certifications or other acceptance documents. (4) As is the case with the application process, in the event that the grant agreement deadline is prior to the deadline for items to be submitted for a scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting or the deadline is prior to the next Board of County Commissioners meeting, the project manager must contact the Grants Compliance Manager to discuss options for emergency submittals or after-the-fact approval. If emergency submittal is not possible, these policies, to the greatest extent then allowed by law, rule or regulation, delegate to the County Manager, or designee, authority to sign the grant award document; however, the project manager must submit an executive summary at the next available Board of County Commissioners meeting for the required after-the-fact approval. This process is only permitted if the grantor agrees that it is acceptable in order to meet their deadline; however, most grant ors will allow additional time for the regular Board of County Commissioners approval. Always forward a copy of the executive summary verifying after-the-fact approval to the grantor. (5) Only the following reasons constitute justification for the after-the-fact process: (a) The grantor requires execution of the agreement or contract within one month or less and the deadline has been missed for the next available Board of County Commissioners meeting; or (b) The Board of County Commissioners is not in sessi on for a few weeks at a time (e.g. summer break). (6) Over usage or unjustifiable reliance on the after-the-fact process is not acceptable and the County Manager has the right at any point to require that approval be postponed until the next available Board of County Commissioners meeting for approval of an agreement. Page 4234 of 5261 CMA 5330 GRANT ADMINISTRATION Page 4 of 5 F. Amendments: (1) Minor Amendments: Amendments to grant agreements, such as time extensions, movement of grant funds from line item to line item within the approved grant agreement budget, an d other changes that do not increase the County's obligations, require additional staffing, resources or negatively impact another planned or programmed project may be signed by the respective Department Head unless prohibited by the grantor, grant agreement or any applicable federal, state, or local laws, rule or regulation. The underlying grant contract conditions must also allow such signature authority. All such amendments must be reported to the Grants Compliance Manager and consulted with prior to execution with a copy of the amendment forwarded for the Central Grants File. (2) Major/Significant Amendments: Amendments that increase or decrease grant funds, change the scope of the program or otherwise obligate the County to expend additional funds or resources are not considered minor. All major amendments must be reviewed and approved by the Grants Compliance Manager in the automated agenda system and approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The funding source for any increase in County funds or personnel, such as the local match requirement, must be identified and included in the backup documentation to the Board. (3) Budget Amendments: In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget current procedures, the Board of County Commissioners must approve, via executive summary, all budget amendments to recognize and appropriate new revenue from grants. The amount and source of match must be disclosed in the Execute Summary, identified and available no later than at the time award or per the application requirements whichever is more restrictive . G. Documents Required in the Central Grants File: (1) Prior to adding any document to the automated agenda system for Board of County Commissioners approval, staff will submit documents to the Grants Compliance Office for review. Documents that should be included for reference are: (a) Notice of funding availability. (b) Draft application. (c) Grant program guidance. (2) Following submittal of the grant application to the grantor, the project manager must forward copies of the complete and signed application to the Grants Management Office for filing in the Central Grants File. H. Upon successful award of any grant, the project manager must forward copies of the following documents to the Grants Management Office for review prior to adding them into the automated agenda system for Board of County Commissioners approval and for filing in the Central Grants File: (1) Award/rejection letter. (2) Draft agreement prior to adding it to the automated agenda system. (3) Executed agreement. Page 4235 of 5261 CMA 5330 GRANT ADMINISTRATION Page 5 of 5 I. Post Award Throughout the term of the grant, the project manager will coordinate with the Grants Management Office to ensure adherence with Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200) and the County Grants Administration Handbook. The project manager must forward copies of the following documents to the Grants Management Office for review and filing in the Central Grants File: (1) Correspondence related to time extensions. (2) All amendments to the grant agreement including informal advisories via email. (3) All financial, project status, interim and final close out reports prior to submittal (4) All reimbursement requests prior to submittal. (5) Procurement solicitations prior to advertising and vendor contracts prior to execution. (5) All special conditions requests for grantor approval. (6) Any pertinent grantor notifications that may impact compliance. J. Monitoring: All notices, draft reports and final results will be forwarded to the Grants Compliance Manager upon receipt. Monitoring may be in a variety of formats including an informal desktop review to a formal onsite visit. Responses will be developed in coordination with the Grants Compliance Manager and at minimum reviewed prior to submittal. K. Coordination with Collier County Clerk of Courts Finance Department: The Grants Management Office will file copies of all award letters, agreements and any other required documents in the Central File which the Finance Department has access to in order to carry out the annual audit. L. Repetitive non-adherence to this policy may require the division to submit a corrective action plan should non-compliant actions cause potential or actual audit risk that could result in adverse findings or comments from any audit or review. § 5330-4. Currency. The Grants Management Office is responsible for maintaining the currency of this Instruction. Page 4236 of 5261 Page 1 STATE APPLICATION IDENTIFIER: 24SRHFL011 FEDERAL IDENTIFIER: 26SR279358 2b. APPLICATION ID: 3. DATE RECEIVED BY STATE: 01/05/26 4. DATE RECEIVED BY FEDERAL AGENCY: County of CollierLEGAL NAME: 3299 Tamiami Trl E Ste 700 Dana SebastianNAME: (239) 252-2509 TELEPHONE NUMBER: FAX NUMBER: dana.sebastian@colliercountyfl.govINTERNET E-MAIL ADDRESS: 596000558 6. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN):7. TYPE OF APPLICANT: 8. TYPE OF APPLICATION (Check appropriate box). If Amendment, enter appropriate letter(s) in box(es): 94.00210a. CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program10b. TITLE:RSVP of Collier County 11.a. DESCRIPTIVE TITLE OF APPLICANT'S PROJECT: Collier County; Naples, Marco Island, Immokalee, Goodland, Everglades City 12. AREAS AFFECTED BY PROJECT (List Cities, Counties, States, etc): 04/01/26START DATE:03/31/27END DATE:FL 19 $ 75,000.00a. FEDERAL $ 25,000.00b. APPLICANT $ 0.00c. STATE $ 2,591.00d. LOCAL $ 22,409.00e. OTHER $ 100,000.00g. TOTAL Donald M. Luciano a. TYPED NAME OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE:b. TITLE: (239) 252-5218 c. TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01/05/26 e. DATE SIGNED: Local Government, Municipal 2a. DATE SUBMITTED TO CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE (CNCS): 1. TYPE OF SUBMISSION: Non-Construction 5. APPLICATION INFORMATION NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PROJECT DIRECTOR OR OTHER PERSON TO BE CONTACTED ON MATTERS INVOLVING THIS APPLICATION (give area codes): ADDRESS (give street address, city, state, zip code and county): A. AUGMENTATION B. BUDGET REVISION C. NO COST EXTENSION D. OTHER (specify below): 9. NAME OF FEDERAL AGENCY: Corporation for National and Community Service 13. PROPOSED PROJECT:14. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF: 15. ESTIMATED FUNDING:16. IS APPLICATION SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY STATE EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372 PROCESS? YES. THIS PREAPPLICATION/APPLICATION WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE STATE EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372 PROCESS FOR REVIEW ON: DATE: 17. IS THE APPLICANT DELINQUENT ON ANY FEDERAL DEBT? YES if "Yes," attach an explanation.NOX 18. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF, ALL DATA IN THIS APPLICATION/PREAPPLICATION ARE TRUE AND CORRECT, THE DOCUMENT HAS BEEN DULY AUTHORIZED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE APPLICANT AND THE APPLICANT WILL COMPLY WITH THE ATTACHED ASSURANCES IF THE ASSISTANCE IS AWARDED. APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE Naples FL 34112 - 5749 NEW CONTINUATION AMENDMENTX 7b. 7a. 01/05/26 Local Government - County f. PROGRAM INCOME $ 0.00 PART I - FACE SHEET Modified Standard Form 424 (Rev.02/07 to confirm to the Corporation's eGrants System)Application NEW/PREVIOUS GRANTEE 11.b. CNCS PROGRAM INITIATIVE (IF ANY): X NO. PROGRAM IS NOT COVERED BY E.O. 12372 d. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE: Year #: X 3 a.Applicant b.Program FL 19 County: Collier UEI NUMBER:JWKJKYRPLLU6 Page 4237 of 5261 Page 2 For Official Use Only Narratives Executive Summary Strengthening Communities The Collier County AmeriCorps's RSVP program proposes to have 133 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who will provide disaster recruitment, senior companionship, food distribution, Veteran transport to medical appointments and other necessary services in various location throughout Collier County. The primary focus area of this project is Healthy Futures. At the end of the three-year grant, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will be responsible for at least 50 Seniors, participating in the Healthy Futures focus area, reporting an increase in their social activities and 200 families reporting improved food security. The AmeriCorps investment of $75,000 will be supplemented by $10,000 of local non-federal investment of both cash and in-kind resources. Collier County's RSVP program for its renewal identified critical community needs that were identified through Community Needs Assessments and Public Input Surveys. Collier County has a significant Senior population (aged 60+) that has been devastated by the pandemic. Aside from the health crisis, Seniors living on fixed incomes have been ravaged by the ongoing economic crisis. Once touted as a retirement paradise for Seniors, Collier County Seniors have instead experienced increasing social isolation, poverty, food insecurity and homelessness because of the pandemic. During the 2023 point in time homeless count done by the Hunger and Homeless Coalition, 269 individuals aged 62 and older were homeless. Many were displaced because of Hurricane Ian, while others report their inability to afford to pay rent, along with the impact inflation has had on groceries and necessities were ultimately what led to them being homeless. Seniors are having to make decisions like spending $200 on healthy food or utilizing that $200 to help make their rent payment or try to keep their utilities on. Social security and retirement are not keeping up with the growing rate of inflation. Most Seniors make less than $27,000 annually, with even more making below $20,000. The rising costs of rent, insurance, property taxes and inflation impacting goods and services has all but priced most Seniors out of Collier County, but for those that remain, making ends meet is a daily struggle. As a result, Collier County has selected Healthy Futures as the National Performance Measure it will target for its AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Renewal application. RSVP Volunteers have a long history in Collier County and are well received and respected at Volunteer Stations. Often, they are a solid representation of the target populations which allows for greater connectivity with beneficiaries. The RSVP program selected Healthy Futures to address economic and social disparities among many Page 4238 of 5261 Page 3 For Official Use Only Narratives target groups living in Collier County. The following are the proposed activities to be addressed targeting the National Performance Measure "Healthy Futures." Obesity/Food Collier County's Community Needs and Assets Assessment done by the Collier Community Foundation showed a large income gap between high- and low-income residents, skewing the median income of the population. It found that "the top 1% in the area makes 73.2 times more than the bottom 99%." The economic disparity that exists in Collier County has created significant hardships for those living at or below 80% of the area median income. Post-pandemic era living has seen dramatic increases in groceries, rent and essential household items. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of store-bought food increased by 23.5% from February 2020 to May 2023. The USDA predicts that grocery store prices will increase 6.6% in 2023. From 2020 to 2021, Collier County saw rents increase by 38%, the highest in the Country, all while wages remained level. The strain on households was dramatic. Food insecurity reached an all-time high. The number of people who sought food services in the county in 2022 grew from the prior year by 19,215 households. Since the beginning of 2023, 8,000 households have been served as of June 2023. Food scarcity is a reality in Collier County for far too many households. RSVP volunteers will be placed at local food distribution pantries and meal sites two hours per week for 52 weeks to distribute and serve food to households need. It is realistic to think that at least 250 families will benefit from the service provided by these volunteers. Aging In Place The pandemic fostered an environment of withdrawal and isolation for nations bringing the world to a virtual standstill. Circa 2024, the fallout of the pandemic is still evident. One population that was hit especially hard by the pandemic was Seniors (60 years of age and older). Isolation and withdrawal were fostered as the new normal for aging populations; Inactivity became common place. Encouraging Seniors to emerge from a pandemically forced hibernation has been challenging. To prevent Seniors from regressing to withdrawal and inactivity, RSVP volunteers will recruit seniors to participate in Bone Builder programs in numerous locations throughout Collier County providing them the opportunity to socialize and form new friendships while participating in a health activity. Social companionship is vital to overcoming the withdrawal and isolation so many seniors have Page 4239 of 5261 Page 4 For Official Use Only Narratives experienced. RSVP Volunteers will recruit seniors to attend and participate in Bone Builder classes a minimum of 2 hours per week, per volunteer site, for 52 weeks to promote health and wellness, as well as social engagement. Aging in Place Collier County hosts 4 meal sites for seniors living at or below 60% of the area median income. These seniors are provided a warm meal and an opportunity to interact with their peers. However, many seniors congregate in small groups or isolate away from others due to the lack of stimulus available to get them to engage with one another. Once the meal is complete, most seniors leave. RSVP volunteers will be recruited to provide activities at each of the meal sites at a minimum of one time weekly for two hours for 52 weeks concentrating on activities that encourage social interaction and companionship with fellow seniors. RSVP Volunteers will be tasked with engaging at least 75 seniors in activities at the meal sites with at least 70 reporting that they have enjoyed the increased engagement and companionship of others. Beyond working with those experiencing food insecurity and social isolation, Collier County has a number of other target areas that RSVP volunteers can provide a great impact. Veterans Collier County is home to 27,400 Veterans, almost 10% of the total population of the county. Most are from the Vietnam conflict. Specific barriers to Veterans accessing medical services and other services include lack of transportation and lack of awareness of available services. The Project Director will conduct outreach to Veteran-serving programs to recruit Veteran volunteers who know how to navigate available services to mentor and help other Veterans identify and access services. Volunteers will also help Veterans with access to needed services by providing transportation to the VA and other appointments. This allows volunteers to be a support to Veterans before and after their appointments to discuss and process results of tests or diagnosis and any needed follow-up services. Volunteers will be placed at volunteer stations that provide services to Veterans. Most volunteers will either be Veterans or family members of Veterans who have a personal connection to this population and who are knowledgeable or who can effectively learn the service delivery system with training provided by the volunteer station. The target population will be Veterans of all ages who have not Page 4240 of 5261 Page 5 For Official Use Only Narratives accessed services or who do not know how to navigate the service delivery system. Veterans are more likely to develop a trusting relationship with other Veterans. Utilizing AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who are Veterans themselves, or who are family members of Veterans will provide the Veteran needing services with someone who has similar experiences and can relate to the issues the Veteran is facing. The efforts of volunteers will positively contribute to the volunteer station by providing Veterans an additional outlet and increased support and provide station staff with observations and feedback they otherwise would not have access to. The desired output for this volunteer role is for 6 Veteran volunteers to serve a total of 15 Veterans during the grant period. The desired outcome is for at least 10 of those Veterans to have improved access to medical care and other needed services. Tutoring - ESL Students According to census data, 33.7% of households in Collier County speak a language other than English in the home, as compared to 21.5% in the United States. Inability to speak English creates many barriers for families. Children who cannot speak English struggle in school and are at-risk of dropping out. The parents of these children cannot help their children with their homework and are less likely to engage with the school. Adults who cannot speak English struggle with finding and maintaining employment and in general navigating other everyday experiences that require interaction with English-only speakers. Volunteers will be recruited and trained to facilitate an ESL curriculum. Targeted recruitment of multilingual individuals will be conducted, but volunteers who speak only English can also facilitate the curriculum with the appropriate training and support. Our primary partner, Literacy Volunteers of Collier County (LVCC) offers several evidence-based programs; Family Literacy/Children and Parents Reading Together, Adult Literacy, Workplace Literacy, and Citizenship. LVCC trains all tutors how to teach English to non-native speakers and in teaching methods for online or in classroom settings. They provide volunteers all materials and resources, and they match volunteers with a LVCC mentor for a minimum of 4 weeks. Target population includes children/families referred by the schools or who are self-referrals, and adults who self-refer. Children and families can attend weekly classes for up to three 8-week sessions and adults can attend up to two 1-hour classes per week, sometimes in groups of up to five students. Volunteers will be assigned to one case at a time and remain as the tutor during the duration of the student's participation in the program. RSVP volunteers provide additional trained capacity to assist the volunteer station in meeting the demand for their services. Volunteer efforts significantly contribute to student retention and progress Page 4241 of 5261 Page 6 For Official Use Only Narratives with their assignments. The desired output is for RSVP volunteers to be recruited to provide tutoring for at least 10 students during the grant period, with the desired outcome being increased academic performance measured by literacy tests administered by LVCC. Other Volunteer Opportunities An important component in volunteerism is that many people who are lonely and isolated have improved health and wellbeing outcomes when they volunteer. They meet others and develop friendships and they experience a sense of accomplishment and self-worth by helping others. However, many prospective volunteers have a passion for services that fall outside of CNCS focus areas. There are many community organizations that provide critical and needed services that do not fall under one of these focus areas but can provide an expanded and diverse set of volunteer opportunities for our seniors. For prospective volunteers who do not want to serve in a volunteer station that provides a service that falls under an AmeriCorps Seniors focus area, they will be referred to a volunteer station that provides a different service that still meets a critical need in the community. These volunteer assignments will be productive, meaningful, and provide significant opportunity for volunteers to engage with other volunteers and the community. By meeting a volunteer's need in this way, we can develop a relationship and over time encourage the volunteer to consider other opportunities and to help recruit friends and family. Target population will be determined by those accessing services of a particular volunteer station, and level of service will be dependent upon the volunteer stations service delivery method. Desired output is for 20 volunteers to serve at least 100 individuals over the course of the grant period. Evaluation Collier County RSVP's program has proposed to utilize surveys for the majority of its method for collecting data. Aside from logs, sign-in sheets, and attendance sheets to document the number of beneficiaries who received services or assistance, it is critical to collect data regarding the impact that those services had on the beneficiaries. The data gathered during an effective survey provides a unique opportunity to obtain detailed insight into a program. Because you can gather large amounts of feedback directly from individuals who are affected by the program, surveys act as the finger on the pulse of your project and can measure its strength. Surveys are flexible, easy to implement, and offer Page 4242 of 5261 Page 7 For Official Use Only Narratives Recruitment and Development a nearly limitless range of data with reliable results. Ideally a survey that is strong on quantitative questions but allows for qualitative responses can provide deeper insight into the overall perception of the volunteer support provided/received and help provide insight into how the overall program is viewed and perceived, while providing concrete data. Survey's will be developed in multiple languages and will utilize a Likert scale as this will allow the responses to be quantified and displayed in graphs and charts. At the conclusion of the quantitative questions, open-ended comment boxes with ample room will be provided to allow respondents to answer specific ideas or topics related to the overall volunteer program. Outreach efforts to engage a group of volunteers will include targeted and intentional participation with community organizations. During this grant period we will prioritize increasing and enhancing our outreach efforts in Immokalee, an unincorporated town located about 50 miles northeast of Naples. Immokalee is a low-income community where those of Hispanic or Latino heritage comprises approximately 75% of the total population and those of Black or African American heritage comprises approximately 20%. The Project Director will participate in various committees and other community activities in Immokalee to become more familiar with the dynamics of the community and identify informal community networks and assets that residents rely upon to meet their needs. These informal community leaders and "helpers" will be recruited to serve as volunteers with the benefit of accessing additional resources from participation with RSVP of Collier County. Building trust with these individuals will also help us build trust with the larger community. Working with our Advisory Council, RSVP of Collier County will assess project operations through planning and administration that includes the following questions; what decision is being made, who is at the table, how are decisions being made, what assumptions are being made, what are likely impacts, and what revisions can be implemented. This process is designed to draw attention to how a decision may impact stakeholders throughout the County. Collier County is home to approximately 386,000 residents and increases almost by 100,000 during peak season when part-time residents temporarily move to the area. Of the permanent residents, 33% are over the age of 65, almost 29% are of Hispanic or Latino heritage, just over 7% are of Black or African American heritage, and 10.1% are living in poverty. Additionally, according to United Way of Florida's most recent ALICE report (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed), more than 40% of families with children in our community do not earn a livable wage (this also includes the Keys region). The poverty rate in Immokalee is approximately 37% and there is a significant portion Page 4243 of 5261 Page 8 For Official Use Only Narratives of the population that still does not earn a living wage although they do not meet the defined poverty thresholds. Additional Volunteer recruitment efforts include attendance at volunteer expos and other networking opportunities at events that attract potential volunteers. Participation in community groups provides an additional avenue for recruitment. Volunteer opportunities are also advertised via Facebook and posted on Volunteer Match, idealist.org, volunteer.gov, and engage.pointsoflight.org. Newspaper articles by staff and volunteers will be submitted for publication, and recruitment advertisements will be placed in magazines and various websites. These are traditional strategies that are proven effective and based on previous experience are more successful when targeted to specific populations. As previously referenced, we will prioritize our outreach and recruitment efforts in Immokalee to identify informal community networks and existing assets residents rely upon to meet their needs. The strategic framework we will utilize to ensure a higher likelihood of success in developing trusting relationships with our target populations includes strengthening our competency in these four areas; an awareness of our worldview and how we react to different people, our attitude based on beliefs and values about different cultural differences, our knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews, and our skills, including but not limited to our ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures. Specific activities include but are not limited to partnering with organizations where individuals already have established relationships, maintaining a consistent presence in the community beyond meetings, and engaging community leaders from the target population in meaningful roles and in the decision-making process, including leadership roles. This is a strategy informed by research from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and has proven effective based on previous experience. In addition to targeting our efforts in Immokalee to recruit volunteers from the Latino/Hispanic, Black/African American and Indigenous populations, utilizing the same strategy and practices we will also target recruitment to individuals from the Veteran community. Our plan to develop a service culture to retain and recognize volunteers will include an Annual Welcome Back event in the fall and a Volunteer Recognition event in the spring before our seasonal volunteers leave the area for the summer. We will also host quarterly workshops and educational forums to develop and strengthen volunteer capacity, and provide social activities for volunteers to socialize and learn from each other. Workshop and forum facilitators will be identified who have experience and expertise in identified subject areas. Volunteers and volunteer station supervisors with Page 4244 of 5261 Page 9 For Official Use Only Narratives Program Management experience and expertise in these subject areas will also be recruited to facilitate these activities. Our plans for our volunteer stations include annual visits to the stations and an annual meeting for all volunteer station supervisors to discuss and share challenges related to the program, as well as their strategies and any best practices. The RSVP Project Director will manage the day-to day operation of the program and will be responsible for all CNCS required reports and other required documentation. The development of strategies and programming will be informed by the RSVP Advisory Council that includes volunteers from varying backgrounds. The Advisory Council will also assist with program review and evaluation to include multiple perspectives and provide transparency. The RSVP Project Director will report all progress, challenges, and proposed strategies to the Senior and Social Services Grants Manager with the Community and Human Services Division of Collier County Government. Volunteer stations: All Volunteer Stations must enter into an MOU with RSVP and provide required forms prior to volunteer placements. All volunteer stations are provided technical assistance related to managing grievances and incident reporting. Volunteers: All potential volunteers will complete an application and be interviewed by the Project Director and provided an orientation of the program. If the volunteer is appropriate for placement, an interview and orientation with the volunteer station is scheduled. Prior to starting at a volunteer station, the volunteer will be provided with a written volunteer assignment description and must agree to any required background checks. Volunteers are also subject to required trainings prior to starting their assignment and throughout and will maintain a volunteer timesheet. To monitor program satisfaction and effectiveness a survey will be given to volunteers, program participants, and volunteer station supervisors twice a year. All data will be submitted to the Project Director and entered into our Volgistics database. The Project Director and the volunteer station supervisor will maintain regular communication via visits, emails, and phone calls. The annual meeting of all volunteer station supervisors and the annual visits to the volunteer stations will be utilized to monitor that the station is providing a safe environment for all volunteers. In addition to the annual site visits already described, additional site visits will be conducted to ensure that volunteers are performing their assigned service activity and that volunteer stations are adhering to AmeriCorps Seniors and Collier County Government regulations and guidelines. Of significant importance during all site visits is confirmation and demonstration by the volunteer station supervisor that all safety protocols are followed. Page 4245 of 5261 Page 10 For Official Use Only Narratives Organizational Capability UPDATE: The RSVP Project Director will report all progress, challenges, and proposed strategies to the Manager, Grants, Senior and Social Services. RSVP of Collier County has been operating under AmeriCorps Seniors (formerly CNCS) and Collier County Government since 1998. The Collier County Community and Human Services Division (CHS) oversee grant activities and has a demonstrated track record of sound programmatic and fiscal oversight specifically in grant management. Currently, CHS administers approximately $100 million in federal and state grant funds, along with veteran services. The entire government entity is supported by professionals in Human Resources, Risk Management, and Procurement. Each area is led by professionals with extensive experience and appropriate professional degrees and certification credentials. The County Attorney's Office reviews all documents for legality. Collier County demonstrates highly effective financial management through written policies and procedures that guide our financial staff. The Office of Management and Budget provides additional oversight for financial grant management providing another layer of internal control. All staff involved with RSVP programming receive internal training on administrative processing and financial tracking, and the Grants Compliance Unit examines physical records and cross references the information in our Volgistics database to ensure accuracy of our data. The RSVP Project Director and the project accountant regularly participate in RSVP sanctioned training opportunities and federally sponsored trainings focused on compliance requirements. Collier County has established purchasing and procurement policies to oversee fund management and expenditures and implemented an internal control process to ensure compliance with all policies and grants. Collier County has numerous layers of fiscal oversite to manage risk related to fraud, waste and abuse. Trainings are provided annually on how to report any signs of fraud, and trainings on how to report to AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General. The Collier County Board of County Commissioner's (BCC) are strong supporters of RSVP of Collier County. The Board consists of five elected officials who serve as the chief legislative body of the County. The Board provides the space, administrative, financial and organizational support and direction for RSVP of Collier County. The non-federal share of funding sources to help sustain programming will be met through a combination of cash funding from BCC and in-kind donations from Collier County Government, targeted donations from local businesses and individuals, and in- kind space provided by local organizations. Project staff includes Tami Bailey, Interim Project Director who has 10 years of AmeriCorps program management and over 20 years of experiencing managing Page 4246 of 5261 Page 11 For Official Use Only Narratives Other local, state and federal grant funds. Under the direction of Kristi Sonntag, the Director of Community and Human Services and the Financial and Operational Support Manager, Kim Frazier the department collectively holds 30 years of grants administration experience. Collier County is presently recruiting a Grant Accountant, with over 20 years of government experience to perform all general accounting and budget services for the project. Collier County also has an independent Grants Compliance Unit that conducts annual independent monitorings of the RSVP program to monitor for fraud, waste and abuse, as well as, compliance with AmeriCorps Senior programmatic requirements, like compliance background screenings. A monitoring report is provided upon completion outlining if any areas of concern or findings were identified. Should there be findings, a corrective action plan would be issued with a set period of time for correction. To date, no corrective action plan has been issued for the RSVP program. Collier County Government's mission is to deliver high quality, best value, public services, programs, and facilities to meet the needs of our residents, visitors, and businesses of today and tomorrow. Reflected in our mission statement and supported by County Practices and Procedures (CMAs) is our commitment to meeting the needs of all residents. Collier County Government secures and provides resources to assist lower to moderate income residents in achieving outcomes to improve their quality of life, especially for underrepresented groups. The desired outputs and outcomes reflected in our AmeriCorps Seniors performance measures are also designed to achieve outcomes to improve the lives of mostly low to moderate income residents, many from underrepresented groups. An Equal Employment Opportunity report was generated for the BCC in 2019. Data showed that women and persons of color were significantly under-represented in the County workforce. As a result, to achieve a workforce that mirrors the community we serve, Collier County expanded outreach efforts and explored new ways to communicate job openings to all race and ethnic groups. Outreach efforts include involvement at job fairs at local trade schools, colleges, and universities, outreach to career centers, and partnerships with local community organizations that serve targeted populations. The County's Human Resources Division periodically reviews the composition of applicant pools for all vacancies to inform progress of recruitment activities and new strategies. Additionally, County Practices and Procedures (CMA 5383-2) requires the County to routinely review Human Resources procedures to ensure that its supervisors and managers adhere to its commitment to equal employment opportunity principals. RSVP of Collier County adheres to these same policies and practices in the recruitment of volunteers. Page 4247 of 5261 Page 12 For Official Use Only Narratives Cost Effectiveness and Budget Efficiency: Presently, Collier County RSVP is allotted $77,500 for this renewal application. Collier County will exceed the 30% match requirement and did not include all of the costs related to this position, including the expenditures related to health care, office space and other critical factors necessary to operate the program. Collier County is exceeding the required number of unduplicated volunteers and exceeding the minimum requirements of $1,000 in annual base federal funding for at least one unduplicated volunteer in the outcome-based workplan. At this time, Collier County RSVP has 133 unduplicated volunteers that are incorporated in the outcome-based work plan. Presently, one full time Program Director who has established excellent relationships in the community will be able to secure the non-federal support for program sustainability. The AmeriCorps RSVP program has an excellent reputation in the community and is supported by Collier County Commissioners who are committed to supporting this program with the necessary fiscal resources to help sustain the program. The RSVP Project Director (PD) devotes 80% of their time to program management. 3. Describe any challenges your organization is experiencing with recruitment/retention of volunteers. Include any relevant information with regard to influencing factors (e.g., Covid-19, inflation, school protocols), and how AmeriCorps can assist your project in meeting those challenges? Our current challenge is not recruitment of volunteers, it is recruitment of volunteer stations. Since the pandemic many former volunteer stations continue to have difficulty recruiting and retaining staff. This has impacted their capacity to utilize and appropriately supervise volunteers. Several former and potential new volunteer stations have also refused to sign the MOU and expressed that the conditions in the MOU are too onerous and would prefer a much simpler document. We have made several attempts to revise the MOU based on their feedback but have experienced limited success. Some of the issues are with AmeriCorps Seniors MOU requirements. AmeriCorps Seniors can assist by surveying all RSVP sites about this matter and revising the requirements as needed to help eliminate this barrier to station recruitment. RECENT PROGRAM UPDATES The RSVP of Collier County has demonstrated significant progress toward achieving the goals outlined Page 4248 of 5261 Page 13 For Official Use Only Narratives in our three-year grant. Currently, we have 112 unduplicated volunteers engaged in outcome-based work plans, which represents 84% of our overall volunteer target. We are confident that we will meet and likely exceed our goal of 133 active volunteers by the end of the grant period. Our dedicated Program Director, who allocates 80% of their time to program management, has been crucial to the program's success. Their commitment ensures the smooth operation of various initiatives, effectively addressing community needs and fulfilling grant objectives. CHANGE TO EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A revision to the Executive Summary was made to the funding amount to align with the requested budget. OBESITY AND FOOD To meet the grant goals in Healthy Futures, the program has added two volunteer stations focusing on food insecurity and are actively recruiting the 40 volunteers needed to support these efforts. Currently, we have achieved 40% of our recruitment goal for these roles. AGING IN PLACE The Bone Builders Program in Collier County is a cornerstone of our initiatives. This program operates at 13 different sites throughout the county, serving over 700 seniors. With 65 dedicated volunteers leading these sessions, we have reached 95% of our volunteer goal for this program. The sessions keep participants active and foster a strong sense of community, underscoring the program's positive social impact. Our Program Director has been proactive in reaching out to meal sites across the county, working to secure Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with East Naples Community Park and the Naples Senior Center. These agreements will help facilitate the placement of volunteers at the county's four meal sites, enhancing engagement activities and service delivery. VETERANS AND FAMILIES To achieve our goal of providing transportation for veterans to their treatment, we established a new MOU between RSVP and the VA. This partnership is now operational, and we are actively recruiting volunteers for this project. The Program Director plans to attend various veteran events to recruit six veterans specifically for this program. Additionally, our partnership with the Freedom Waters Page 4249 of 5261 Page 14 For Official Use Only Narratives PNS Amendment (if applicable) Foundation offers therapeutic boating experiences for veterans, further enriching their lives. K-12 SUCCESS Recognizing the value of tutoring and engaging with youth, RSVP has focused on two programs: New Horizons of Southwest Florida and Project Build. Three volunteers have been placed in Project Build, providing support to homeless or foster care children and directly assisting over 10 youth. Volunteers with New Horizons of Southwest Florida are also making a significant impact, benefiting four youth through their dedicated efforts. In our first year, we have met our goal of serving the county's youth through tutoring services and plan to expand this aspect of the program. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS RSVP of Collier County is actively recruiting participants and volunteers for the 9/11 Day of Service, scheduled for September 14, 2024, as the Collier County Emergency Readiness Summit. Post-summit, we aim to recruit at least six new RSVP members to help prepare at least ten community members for emergencies. RSVP of Collier County continues to make meaningful contributions to the community through multiple initiatives that address critical needs and promote volunteerism. With the ongoing support of AmeriCorps, we are confident in our ability to meet and exceed the goals outlined in our three-year grant cycle, ensuring sustained positive impacts in our community. The progress and achievements detailed in this renewal application underscore our commitment to the grant objectives and the broader mission of RSVP. We look forward to continuing our partnership and building on our successes in the coming years. UPDATE March 2025 - Collier County will carry forward $15,000 from the year one RSVP program budget to year two to continue spending for eligible activities not fully expended in year one. This will be supported by 133 unduplicated volunteers. Dana Sebastian has replaced Tami Bailey as the Manager, Grants, Senior and Social Services. Darrick Gartley has replaced Kim Frazier as the Financial and Operational Support Manager. Meredith Gavin has also left the County. The RSVP Program Manager position is currently vacant and under recruitment. N/A Page 4250 of 5261 Page 15 For Official Use Only Performance Measures % of Unduplicated Volunteers in Work Plans that result in Outcomes: % of Unduplicated in the Primary Focus Area: 85% 71% Veterans and Military Families Veterans & Families Served 2 8 8 Objective: Number of Volunteer Stations:Anticipated Unduplicated Anticipated Volunteer 1.1Performance Measure: Focus Area: Medical Services Medical ServicesService Activity: Service Activity Description: RSVP volunteers serving as drivers will undergo background screening and TB testing through the VA and must hold a valid driver’s license. These volunteers will transport veterans from the Naples Vet Center to VA facilities for medical treatment as needed, including the VA Outpatient Hospital in Cape Coral, as well as facilities in Tampa, Miami, and the Naples clinic. A trip departing the Naples Vet Center and going to the Cape Coral VA facility would take approximately 3-4 hours. This includes 2 hours of travel time in the vehicle and then the volunteer waiting for the individual’s appointment to be completed. Volunteer drivers will commit to being available at least once a week to assist veterans with transportation to their designated VA center. The days of the trips will be based around the veteran beneficiary’s need for service. Additionally, Freedom Waters Foundation volunteers will support therapeutic boating experiences for veterans in Collier County. Under the direction of the Program Director, volunteers will assist with organizing veteran outings, which may include preparing packets, arranging lunches, and facilitating either cruising or fishing excursions for veterans and their families that are 1.5-2 hours. These experiences depend on boat availability and assignments made by the Volunteer Station Director, providing veterans with opportunities for recreation and healing. Historically, Freedom Waters Foundation provides at least one veteran outing per week serving 3-6 veterans. They have 2 outings a year that serve 200 veterans. Collier County is home to 27,400 veterans, representing nearly 10% of the county’s population. . Many veterans in Collier County face challenges in accessing the services available to them, whether through the local VA hospital or veteran service organizations. Common barriers include lack of transportation and limited awareness of available resources, particularly for mental health and medical services. Community Need to be Addressed: V1: Number of veterans servedAnticipated H20V: Number of individuals with improved access to medical careAnticipated 15 Tracking SystemTarget:How Measured: Instrument Description:transport log. After every trip the volunteer driver will conclude a transport log that will include number of individuals served, day, location to which they drove the individuals. This log will be turned into the station representative and then given to the Project Director monthly. Tracking System15Target:How Measured: Instrument Description:survey. A survey will be distributed to the veterans who participate in the ride program after each of their trips administered by the volunteer transporter. The volunteer will then turn in the car log and surveys to the Station coordinator whom will give it to the Project Director. Primary Focus Area:Healthy Futures Page 4251 of 5261 Page 16 For Official Use Only Healthy Futures Obesity and Food 2 20 20 Objective: Number of Volunteer Stations:Anticipated Unduplicated Anticipated Volunteer 2.1Performance Measure: Focus Area: Nutrition/Food Support Nutrition/Food SupportService Activity: Service Activity Description:To address this crisis, RSVP volunteers will support local food distribution pantries and meal sites, dedicating two hours per week for 52 weeks to serve households in need. Volunteers will partner with organizations like Meals of Hope, the Harry Chapin Food Bank, and Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, many of which operate mobile distribution sites throughout Collier County. Depending on their interests, volunteers will assist with packing food supplies, office administration, or distributing food directly to the community. These efforts aim to provide critical support to residents facing food insecurity while fostering a sense of community and hope. A Community Needs and Assets Assessment conducted by the Collier Community Foundation revealed a significant income gap in Collier County, with the top 1% earning 73.2 times more than the bottom 99%. This disparity has skewed the county’s median income and created severe hardships for residents earning at or below 80% of the area median income. The post-pandemic era has further exacerbated these challenges, with dramatic increases in the cost of living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, grocery prices rose by 23.5% between February 2020 and May 2023, and the USDA projects an additional 6.6% increase in 2023. Housing costs have been particularly devastating in Collier County, where rents surged by 38% from 2020 to 2021—the highest increase in the nation—while wages remained stagnant. These economic pressures have left many households struggling to meet basic needs, resulting in a sharp rise in food insecurity. In 2022, the number of households seeking food services in Collier County increased by 19,215 compared to the previous year. By mid-2023, an additional 8,000 households had already sought assistance. Food scarcity remains an alarming reality for far too many families in the community. Community Need to be Addressed: H4A: Number of individuals servedAnticipated H12: Number of individuals who report increased food securityAnticipated 250 Tracking SystemTarget:How Measured: Instrument Description:cars and meal counts - Volunteers will track how many meal bags were prepared or served to the community. The data will be collected by the volunteers and reported to the station coordinator. Monthly, the station coordinator will report volunteer hours and meals served. Tracking System200Target:How Measured: Instrument Description:survey - annually a survey will be distributed to individuals receiving services through the volunteer station. Page 4252 of 5261 Page 17 For Official Use Only Education K-12 Success 1 5 5 Objective: Number of Volunteer Stations:Anticipated Unduplicated Anticipated Volunteer 6.1 9.1 Performance Measure: Performance Measure: Focus Area: Tutoring N/A TutoringService Activity: Service Activity Description:RSVP Volunteers will provide tutoring one hour per week for 20 weeks at school or after-school locations to support ESL students with their homework. According to census data, 33.7% of households in Collier County speak a language other than English in the home, as compared to 21.5% in the United States. Inability to speak English creates many barriers for families. Children who cannot speak English struggle in school and are at-risk of dropping out. The parents of these children cannot help their children with their homework and are less likely to engage with the school. Adults who cannot speak English struggle with finding and maintaining employment and in general navigating other everyday experiences that require interaction with English-only speakers. A volunteer will facilitate ESL curriculum. An RSVP Volunteer will provide tutoring one hour per week for 20 weeks at school or after-school locations to support one or two ESL students with their homework. Volunteerism plays a vital role in improving health and well-being, especially for individuals who may feel lonely or isolated. By volunteering, people have the opportunity to build relationships, develop friendships, and gain a sense of accomplishment and self-worth through helping others. While many volunteers are passionate about causes that align with CNCS focus areas, there are also numerous community organizations offering critical services outside these specific areas. These organizations provide a wide range of meaningful and diverse volunteer opportunities, particularly for seniors. Community Need to be Addressed: Community Need to be Addressed: ED1A: Number of individuals servedAnticipated ED5A: Number of students with improved academic performance Anticipated 2 Tracking SystemTarget:How Measured: Instrument Description:Volunteer documented meetings, station sign in logs; Monthly the volunteer station supervisor will report individuals and hours served to the Project Director. Tracking System2Target:How Measured: Instrument Description:Surveys that the volunteer site conduct to show success of the students. This will be administered by the volunteer station and reported to the RSVP Program Director Page 4253 of 5261 Page 18 For Official Use Only Other Community Priorities Other 3 20 20 Objective: Number of Volunteer Stations:Anticipated Unduplicated Anticipated Volunteer 9.1 10.1 Performance Measure: Performance Measure: Focus Area: N/A Companionship N/AService Activity: Service Activity Description:In Collier County, volunteers can serve in various capacities at organizations like The Naples Players, United Way of Collier and the Keys, Collier County Museums, Collier County Parks, the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, and the Hunger and Homeless Coalition. Roles can range from as little as two hours per day up to five days a week. Additionally, volunteers may participate in one-time projects, such as assisting with large-scale events like the Point in Time Count or the Butterfly Festivals. Volunteer Stations may provide community volunteer opportunities that vary where and when but historically and ideally, we encourage volunteers to dedicate two hours per week consistently throughout the year. However, we also recognize and value the flexibility many retirees seek, allowing them to engage in volunteerism without committing to a rigid schedule. This flexibility ensures that every volunteer can contribute in a way that fits their lifestyle and interests. COVID-19 fostered an environment of withdrawal and isolation for nations bringing the world to a virtual standstill. Circa 2023, the fallout of COVID is still evident. One population that was hit especially hard by the pandemic were Seniors (60 years of age and older). Isolation and withdrawal were fostered as the new normal for aging populations; Inactivity became common place. Encouraging Seniors to emerge from a pandemically forced hibernation has been challenging. In order to prevent Seniors from regressing to withdrawal and inactivity, RSVP volunteers will recruit seniors to participate in Bone Builder programs in numerous locations throughout Collier County providing them the opportunity to Community Need to be Addressed: SC1: Grantee met their target for community priority activity (Yes/No) Anticipated --No outcome selected-- Anticipated 20 N/ATarget:How Measured: Instrument Description:Volunteer stations will report individuals served and hours served at each respective nonprofit that volunteers are serving. It will be reported back monthly to the Project Director. Target:How Measured: Instrument Description: Page 4254 of 5261 Page 19 For Official Use Only Healthy Futures Healthy Futures Aging in Place Aging in Place 12 4 68 6 68 Objective: Objective: Number of Volunteer Stations: Number of Volunteer Stations: Anticipated Unduplicated Anticipated Unduplicated Anticipated Volunteer 10.1 11.1 Performance Measure: Performance Measure: Focus Area: Focus Area: Companionship Companionship CompanionshipService Activity: Service Activity Description:RSVP Volunteers will teach and provide Bone Builder instruction a minimum of 2 hours per week, per volunteer site, for 52 weeks to promote healthy social engagement with peers along with health and wellness. socialize and form new friendships while participating in a health activity. Social companionship is vital to overcoming the withdrawal and isolation so many seniors have experienced. RSVP Volunteers will recruit new seniors to attend and participate in Bone Builder classes a minimum of 2 hours per week, per volunteer site, for 52 weeks to promote health and wellness, as well as social engagement. Collier County hosts 4 meal sites for seniors living at or below 60% of the area median income. These seniors are provided a warm meal and an opportunity to interact with their peers. However, many seniors congregate in small groups or isolate away from others due to the lack of stimulus available to get them to engage with one another. Once the meal is complete, most seniors leave. RSVP volunteers will be recruited to provide activities at each of the meal sites at a minimum of one time weekly for two hours for 52 weeks concentrating on activities that encourage social interaction and companionship with fellow seniors. Community Need to be Addressed: H4A: Number of individuals servedAnticipated H9A: Number of individuals who report having increased social support or improved capacity for indeAnticipated 75 Tracking SystemTarget:How Measured: Instrument Description:Sign In Sheet submitted monthly to the Project Director Tracking System70Target:How Measured: Instrument Description:Survey annually to Bone Builders participants administered by Bone Builder instructors and given to the Project Director. Page 4255 of 5261 Page 20 For Official Use Only Disaster Services Disaster Assistance Provided 1 6 6 6 Objective: Number of Volunteer Stations:Anticipated Unduplicated Anticipated Volunteer Anticipated Volunteer 11.1 12.1 Performance Measure: Performance Measure: Focus Area: Companionship Disaster Preparation Companionship Disaster Preparation Service Activity: Service Activity: Service Activity Description: Service Activity Description: RSVP volunteers will be recruited to provide activities at each of the meal sites at a minimum of one time weekly for two hours for 52 weeks concentrating on activities that encourage social interaction and companionship with fellow seniors. RSVP volunteers will support this effort by working a one-time, 4-hour shift at the event. Their primary role will be to assist with volunteer recruitment activities, including signing up attendees interested in supporting this project. These volunteers will focus solely on recruitment efforts during the event. In 2022, after Hurricane Ian devastated Collier County, it became evident that seniors aged 55 and older were among the most vulnerable when it came to storm preparation and recovery. There was a clear need to provide education on evacuation zones and how to effectively prepare for a storm. To address this, Collier County plans to host a Disaster Fair Symposium aimed at helping older adults and underserved communities develop personalized disaster plans tailored to their specific location, community, and evacuation zone. Community Need to be Addressed: H4A: Number of individuals served G3-3.4D: Number of organizations that received capacity building services Anticipated H9A: Number of individuals who report having increased social support or improved capacity for indeAnticipated 80 Tracking SystemTarget:How Measured: Instrument Description:Attendance record provided by the meal sites monthly. Tracking System75Target:How Measured: Instrument Description:Survey administered annually by the meal site program and shared with Project Director Page 4256 of 5261 Page 21 For Official Use Only 12.1Performance Measure:Disaster Preparation Anticipated G3-3.10AD: Number of organizations that increase their efficiency, effectiveness, and/or program reAnticipated 10 Tracking SystemTarget:How Measured: Instrument Description:volunteer roster collected by the Program Director Tracking System2Target:How Measured: Instrument Description:sign in sheets from community presentations. Page 4257 of 5261 Page 22 For Official Use Only Required Documents Applicant Operational and Financial Management Survey (OFMS) Document Name Sent Status Page 4258 of 5261 Page 23 Page 4259 of 5261 County of Collier January 6, 2026 9:29 AM Page 1 Form 424A Modified SF-424A (4/88 and 12/97) RPT_BGT_424 RSVP of Collier County A. Project Personnel Expenses B. Personnel Fringe Benefits C. Project Staff Travel D. Equipment E. Supplies F. Contractual and Consultant Services I. Other Volunteer Support Costs J. Indirect Costs A. Other Volunteer Costs FICA Health Insurance Retirement Life Insurance Local Travel Long Distance Travel Criminal Background Check Meals Uniforms Insurance Recognition Volunteer Travel 5,174 0 9,557 0 500 2,591 78 0 0 2,950 3,175 0 4,243 0 7,837 0 500 0 78 0 0 2,950 3,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,591 0 0 0 0 0 0 931 0 1,720 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 175 0 67,640 300 8,035 55,466 300 626 0 0 7,409 12,174 0 0 $69,050 $5,950 $10,000 $0 $93,875 $6,125 $14,825 $175 Section I. Subtotal Section II. Subtotal $12,080 $500 $704 $5,950 Total Amt CNCS Share Grantee Share Excess Amount $0 $2,591 $7,409 $0 $14,731 $3,091 $8,113 $6,125 $2,651 $0 $0 $175 Total Total Total Total $75,000 $100,000 $10,000 $15,000Budget Totals Budget Dates: 04/01/2024 - 03/31/2027 Section I. Volunteer Support Expenses Section II. Volunteer Expenses Funding Percentages Application ID: 26SR279358 88.20% 11.80% Required Match # of years Receiving CNCS Funds 10.00% 21 Page 4260 of 5261 c,Rff*'Covmty ffice of Management & Budgpt Amy Patterson, County Manager Dana Sebastian Grant Manager - Community and Human Svcs Kristi Sonntag Director - Community and Human Services FROM: Therese Stanley Manager - OMB Grants Compfiance DATE: oecember 23,2025 RE County Manager review and approval to apply to AmeriCorps for Fiscal Year 2026 grant funding through the Retired and Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) in the amount of $100,000 (ATF 26-002). The RSVP program has been co-sponsored by the County since 1990 with AmeriCorps designed to provide individuals aged 55 years and older with the opportunity to share their abilities, interests, and experience with their communities. The Community and Human Services Division (CHS) is applying for RSVP funding to provide volunteer opportunities to retirees and seniors of the County who dedicate their time and experience to the community at nearly twenty locations throughout Collier County. Funding will support 152 volunteers serving residents of Collier County with the opportunity to continue their work with various non-profit agencies through the RSVP Program. The total grant application request of $100,000 is comprised of a federal share of $75,000 plus carry fonivard of existing year funding (FY2O25\ of $15,000 for a total of $90,000. The RSVP requires a 10olo local share or $10,000. The match is a combination of ln-Kind contributions through facility space and community donations ($7,409) and a cash match ($2'591). The cash match is available within Housing Grant Match Fund (1836) Reserves supported by the General Fund (0001) The funding opportunily was announced on December 2, 2025, wilh a submittal date of January B, 2026. Due to the short lurnaround, it is necessary to utilize Collier County CMA #5330 authorizing the County Manager to approve the submittal of grant applications wth subsequent Board action at the January 13,2026, Board meeting. Once you have reviewed the application, please sign in the box above and in any areas marked throughout the application and call me for pickup a1239-252'2959. Thank you, and please let me know if you have any questions regarding this request. Grant Application Reviewed and Approved bycowfir,t:WrWfuWy- ---v= l T----_ Coun y Urna{ 4,41&a"" Afrer-the-Fact Approval by the BCC is rcquircd at the fanuary 27, 2026 BCC meeting. ,l\ 3299 Temiamr Trs Easl, Suttr 201 . Napl8s, Flor68 34112.5746 ' 239-252{973 'FAx 239'252{62E TO: CC: Page 4261 of 5261