81_FR_3491 81 FR 3478 - Request for Letters of Intent To Apply for 2016 Pro Bono Innovation Fund Grants

81 FR 3478 - Request for Letters of Intent To Apply for 2016 Pro Bono Innovation Fund Grants

LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 13 (January 21, 2016)

Page Range3478-3481
FR Document2016-01106

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) issues this Notice describing the conditions under which Letters of Intent to Apply for 2016 funding will be received for the Pro Bono Innovation Fund. On December 18, 2015, Congress provided $4 million for the Pro Bono Innovation Fund through the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2016.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 13 (Thursday, January 21, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 13 (Thursday, January 21, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3478-3481]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-01106]


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LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION


Request for Letters of Intent To Apply for 2016 Pro Bono 
Innovation Fund Grants

AGENCY: Legal Services Corporation.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) issues this Notice 
describing the conditions under which Letters of Intent to Apply for 
2016 funding will be received for the Pro Bono Innovation Fund. On 
December 18, 2015, Congress provided $4 million for the Pro Bono 
Innovation Fund through the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2016.

DATES: Letters of Intent must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. EST on March 
28, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Letters of Intent must be submitted electronically at http://lscgrants.lsc.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mytrang Nguyen, Program Counsel, 
Office of Program Performance, Legal Services Corporation, 3333 K 
Street NW., Washington, DC, 20007; (202) 295-1564 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

    The Pro Bono Innovation Fund was created after the LSC Board of 
Directors formed a Pro Bono Task Force in 2011 to identify ways to 
better engage pro bono lawyers and other volunteers to serve low-income 
people. One recommendation of the Pro Bono Task Force was to create a 
competitive Innovation Fund grant program. On January 17, 2014, the 
President signed Public Law 113-76, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 
of 2014, which included $2.5 million in LSC's appropriation for the Pro 
Bono Innovation Fund. In its first year of grant making, LSC funded 
eleven projects seeking to address the critical legal needs of 
underserved populations with more pro bono volunteers, significant 
collaboration, and technology enhancements. The Consolidated and 
Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235 
(December 16, 2014) increased LSC's appropriation for the Pro Bono 
Innovation Fund to $4 million and LSC funded an additional fifteen 
projects in FY15. On December 18, 2015, the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2016, Public Law 114-113 provided $4 million for the Pro Bono 
Innovation Fund.
    In 2016, the Pro Bono Innovation Fund will continue to advance 
LSC's goal of increasing the quantity and quality of legal services 
provided to eligible people. Applicants to the Pro Bono Innovation Fund 
should identify the most pressing unmet client needs and how pro bono 
volunteers will be used to address those needs. Projects funded by the 
Pro Bono Innovation Fund will serve as demonstration efforts to 
strengthen pro bono service delivery and improve low income persons' 
access to high quality legal assistance through coordinated legal 
delivery systems.

II. Funding Opportunity Information

A. Pro Bono Innovation Fund Purpose and Key Goals

    The purpose of the Pro Bono Innovation Fund is to develop and 
enhance pro bono programs that serve larger numbers of low-income 
clients and that improve the quality and effectiveness of the services 
clients receive by using pro bono volunteers. Projects should be 
innovative (new, replicable models and approaches to pro bono delivery) 
or replicate prior successful models.
    The Pro Bono Innovation Fund is designed to address issues 
identified in the 2012 report of LSC's Pro Bono Task Force. The report 
provides a summary

[[Page 3479]]

of findings that illustrates the current crisis in legal services and 
suggests ways that pro bono can be used to increase the supply of 
lawyers and others who are available to provide legal assistance to 
low-income people. The key goals of the Pro Bono Innovation Fund are 
to:

1. Address gaps in the delivery of legal services to low-income 
people
2. Engage more lawyers and other volunteers in pro bono service
3. Develop and implement new, innovative, and replicable strategies 
that address persistent challenges in pro bono delivery systems

B. Areas of Interest for FY 2016

    LSC welcomes applications in a wide variety of areas; there are no 
specific areas of interest. Consistent with the key goals of the Pro 
Bono Innovation Fund, however, applicants are encouraged to consider 
developing projects that propose to replicate effective models of pro 
bono delivery or propose novel (and replicable) solutions to persistent 
challenges in their current pro bono system. Such challenges and 
solutions may include, but are not limited to:
     Advancing the organization's strategic imperatives by 
integrating volunteers into significant delivery or advocacy efforts 
(e.g., using law students to conduct screening and intake, expanding 
complex litigation or appellate practice with pro bono attorneys).
     Addressing duplicative or fractured pro bono efforts by 
forming partnerships with pro bono and community stakeholders or adding 
new partners to existing collaborations (e.g., working with state and 
local pro bono committees or with specialty and minority bar 
associations, aligning with state Access to Justice Commission 
initiatives, and complementing self-represented litigant efforts).
     Developing strategies to bring pro bono services to the 
locations and communities where clients reside or are accessing 
services, particularly for hard to reach populations (e.g., medical-
legal partnerships, mobile or remote services for rural populations, or 
adopting a neighborhood).
     Developing quality controls and setting goals for timely, 
effective pro bono work. This can include technology solutions and/or 
innovative ways to provide more mentoring, training, and support for 
volunteers (e.g., designating experienced volunteers to mentor newer 
pro bono attorneys, developing process improvements to share resources 
through common data portals, and sharing case updates and files with 
shared case management systems).

C. Available Funds and Estimated Award Amounts

    LSC has received an appropriation of $4 million, of which $3.8 
million is available for grants in fiscal year 2016 to support Pro Bono 
Innovation Fund projects. In 2015, fifteen Pro Bono Innovation Fund 
Projects received funding with a median funding amount of $257,000. LSC 
recommends a minimum $50,000 request, and there is no maximum amount 
for Pro Bono Innovation Fund requests that are within the total funding 
available. LSC encourages proposals for projects that include other in-
kind and cash support, although LSC has no matching requirement.

D. Project and Funding Period

    Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant awards will cover either an 18- or 
24- month project period. Applicants' proposals should cover the full 
period for which a grant award is requested. The project period is 
expected to commence in October 2016.

III. Grant Application Process and Letter of Intent To Apply 
Instructions

A. Pro Bono Innovation Fund Grant Application Process

    LSC is committed to reviewing all Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant 
applications in a quick and thorough manner. Applicants must first 
submit a Letter of Intent to Apply for Funding (LOI). LSC staff will 
review the LOIs and notify applicants by April 25, 2016 if their LOI is 
selected. Applicants whose LOIs are selected will be asked to submit a 
detailed, full application in LSC Grants. Once LSC has received a full 
application from a selected applicant, the application undergoes a 
rigorous review process by LSC staff and external subject matter 
experts. LSC's President makes the final decision on funding for the 
Pro Bono Innovation Fund.

B. Letters of Intent To Apply for Funding Requirements and Format

    The LOI should succinctly summarize in approximately three pages a 
proposed project's context, goals, objectives, activities, estimated 
budget, timeline, and evaluation plan. Applicants must submit the LOI 
electronically using the LSC Grants online system found at http://lscgrants.lsc.gov. They system will be live for applicants in early 
March 2016.
    The LOI form in LSC Grants will ask each applicant the following 
information about the proposed project:
    1. Project Description. In this section, please provide a brief 
description of the proposed project that includes:
     The specific client need and challenge or opportunity in 
the pro bono delivery system that the project will address.
     The goals and objectives of the project, the activities 
that make up the project, and how those activities will link to and 
achieve the stated goals and objectives.
     Strong indication of volunteer demand or interest in 
supporting the project.
     The expected impact of the project. This should include a 
brief explanation of the changes and outcomes that will be created as a 
result of the project.
    2. Project Staff, Organizational Capacity, and Project Partners. 
Please briefly identify and describe the project team and project 
partners including:
     The qualifications and relevant experience of the proposed 
project team, any proposed partner organizations, and your 
organization.
     The role of your organization's executive management in 
the design and implementation of the project.
    3. Budget and Timeline. Please provide the following information 
about the estimated project costs and the proposed implementation 
timeframe:
     Whether the proposed project will be implemented in an 18- 
or 24- month timeframe.
     Estimated total project cost. This includes the estimate 
for the Pro Bono Innovation Fund requested amount and other in-kind or 
cash contributions to support the project.
     List, if any, of anticipated contributions, both in-kind 
and monetary, of all partners involved in the project.
     List of key partners who will receive Pro Bono Innovation 
Fund funding, including their roles, and the estimated dollar amount or 
percent of budget assigned to each partner.
    Please provide an estimated budget using the following form.

[[Page 3480]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Pro Bono Innovation   Other cash or in-
                                     Fund Share--       kind support--
                                      estimated            estimated
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Personnel Expenses:
    a. Salaries/Wages
    b. Fringe Benefits
        Subtotal Personnel
         Expenses
2. Project Expenses:
    a. Travel
    b. Equipment
    c. Software
    d. Supplies
    e. Communication
    f. Training
    g. Evaluation
    h. Other
        Subtotal Project
         Expenses
3. Third-Party Contracts and
 Subgrants:
    a. Contract
    b. Subgrant
        Subtotal Third-Party
         Contracts and
         Subgrants
            Totals
            Percentage of Total
             Project
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note:  Applicants are encouraged to provide as complete an 
estimate as possible despite the preliminary nature of the LOI. LSC 
recognizes that the budget information provided is an initial 
estimate only and subject to change if applicants are invited to 
submit a full application.

C. One Project per Letter of Intent To Apply

    Applicants are encouraged to propose more than project. To do so, 
applicants must submit a separate LOI for each project.

D. Letter of Intent To Apply Deadline

    Applicants must complete and submit LOIs through http://lscgrants.lsc.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday, March 28, 2016. 
To avoid any technical difficulties or submission challenges on the day 
of the deadline, please allow sufficient time for your LSC Grants 
submission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete LOI 
submissions prior to the deadline.
    LSC will provide a confirmation email for each completed electronic 
LOI submission. Please keep this email as verification that your LOI 
was received. If you do not receive an email confirmation for your LOI 
submission, please inquire about the status of your LOI at 
[email protected].
    LSC will not accept applications submitted after the deadline 
unless LSC has approved a request to waive the deadline. See Section IV 
(D) Waiver Authority below.

E. Selection Process

    Applicants must be current LSC grantees. LSC will review all LOIs 
to determine whether they are from eligible entities, submitted as 
complete in LSC Grants, and are responsive to the questions described 
above. Failure to meet these submission requirements may result in 
rejection of the LOI before substantive review.
    Each LOI will then be carefully reviewed to identify those projects 
that address the key goals of the Pro Bono Innovation Fund. The LOIs 
will also be reviewed to determine the extent to which the proposed 
project:
     Provides a clear description of client need and the 
challenge in the pro bono delivery system that the project will 
address.
     Demonstrates is has the support of, or is viable with, the 
pro bono volunteers targeted for recruitment and participation in the 
project.
     Articulates thoughtful, appropriate, and concrete goals 
and activities that address the articulated need and challenges.
     Is either innovative or an appropriate replication of 
prior successful models.
     Has potential for client impact, strong outcomes, further 
replication, or scaling.
     Leverages partnerships and involves all of the appropriate 
parties needed to make it successful and sustainable.
     Has organizational support and capacity, and is cost-
effective.
    Projects that address the above criteria will be invited to submit 
full applications.

F. Next Steps for Successful Applicants

    LSC will notify successful LOI applicants by April 25, 2016. 
Successful applicants will have until 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday, July 18, 
2016 to complete full applications in the LSC Grants online application 
system.

IV. LSC Requirements and Eligibility Information

A. LSC Requirements

    Pro Bono Innovation Fund grants are subject to all the requirements 
of the Legal Services Corporation Act of 1974 as amended (LSC Act), any 
applicable appropriations acts and any other applicable law, rules, 
regulations, policies, guidelines, instructions, and other directives 
of including, but not limited to: The LSC Audit Guide for Recipients 
and Auditors, the Accounting Guide for LSC Recipients, the CSR 
Handbook, the 1981 LSC Property Manual (as amended) and the Property 
Acquisition and Management Manual, with any amendments to the foregoing 
adopted before or during the period of the grant. Before submitting a 
Letter of Intent to Apply, applicants should be familiar with LSC's 
subgrant and transfer requirements at 45 CFR parts 1610 and 1627, 
particularly as they pertain to payments of LSC funds to other entities 
for programmatic activities. Termination Policies and Procedures will 
be same as those described in the 2015 Pro Bono Innovation Fund Grant 
Assurances.

B. Eligible Applicants

    To be eligible for Pro Bono Innovation Fund grants, applicants must 
be current grantees of LSC grants for Basic Field-General, Basic Field-
Migrant, or Basic Field-Native American funding. Organizations and 
entities that are not current LSC grantees are not eligible to apply 
directly to LSC for Pro Bono Innovation Fund grants. Collaborations 
between LSC grantees and partner organizations are strongly encouraged 
to enhance projects, strengthen pro bono

[[Page 3481]]

delivery systems, and avoid duplication of services.

C. Waiver Authority

    LSC, upon its own initiative or when requested, may waive 
provisions in this Notice at its sole discretion under extraordinary 
circumstances and when it is in the best interest of the eligible 
client community. Waivers may be granted only for requirements that are 
discretionary and not mandated by statute or regulation. Any request 
for a waiver must set forth in writing the extraordinary circumstances 
for the request. LSC will not consider a request to waive the deadline 
for an LOI unless it is received by LSC prior to the deadline.

D. Contact Information

    For more information about current Pro Bono Innovation Fund 
projects, please contact Mytrang Nguyen, Program Counsel, (202) 295-
1564 or [email protected].
    If you have a general question or questions about the Pro Bono 
Innovation Fund application process, please email 
[email protected].
    For technical questions or issues with the LSC Grants online 
application system, please send an email to [email protected].

    Dated: January 15, 2016.
Stefanie K. Davis,
Assistant General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2016-01106 Filed 1-20-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7050-01-P



                                                    3478                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 13 / Thursday, January 21, 2016 / Notices

                                                    can be obtained by contacting the office                  Type of Review: Extension.                           I. General Information
                                                    listed below in the ADDRESSES section of                  Agency: Office of Workers’                              The Pro Bono Innovation Fund was
                                                    this Notice.                                            Compensation Programs.                                 created after the LSC Board of Directors
                                                    DATES: Written comments must be                           Title: Certification by School Official.             formed a Pro Bono Task Force in 2011
                                                    submitted to the office listed in the                     OMB Number: 1240–0031.                               to identify ways to better engage pro
                                                    ADDRESSES section below on or before                      Agency Number: CM–981.                               bono lawyers and other volunteers to
                                                    March 21, 2016.                                           Affected Public: Individuals or                      serve low-income people. One
                                                    ADDRESSES: Ms Yoon Ferguson, U.S.                       households, Not-for-profit institutions,               recommendation of the Pro Bono Task
                                                    Department of Labor, 200 Constitution                   State, Local or Tribal Government.                     Force was to create a competitive
                                                    Ave. NW., Room S–3323, Washington,                        Total Respondents: 493.                              Innovation Fund grant program. On
                                                    DC 20210, telephone/fax (202) 354–                        Total Annual Responses: 493.                         January 17, 2014, the President signed
                                                    9647, Email ferguson.yoon@dol.gov.                        Estimated Time per Response: 10                      Public Law 113–76, the Consolidated
                                                    Please use only one method of                           minutes.                                               Appropriations Act of 2014, which
                                                    transmission for comments (mail, fax, or                  Frequency: On occasion.                              included $2.5 million in LSC’s
                                                    Email).                                                   Estimated Total Burden Hours: 82                     appropriation for the Pro Bono
                                                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):                 Innovation Fund. In its first year of
                                                                                                            $0.                                                    grant making, LSC funded eleven
                                                    I. Background                                             Total Burden Cost (operating/                        projects seeking to address the critical
                                                       In order to qualify as a dependent that              maintenance): $0.                                      legal needs of underserved populations
                                                    is eligible for black lung benefits, a child              Comments submitted in response to                    with more pro bono volunteers,
                                                    aged 18 to 23 must be a full-time                       this notice will be summarized and/or                  significant collaboration, and
                                                    student as described in the Black Lung                  included in the request for Office of                  technology enhancements. The
                                                    Benefits Act, 30 U.S.C. 901 et seq. and                 Management and Budget approval of the                  Consolidated and Further Continuing
                                                    attending regulations 20 CFR 725.209.                   information collection request; they will              Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law
                                                    The CM–981 is partially completed by                    also become a matter of public record.                 113–235 (December 16, 2014) increased
                                                    the appropriate district office so that the                                                                    LSC’s appropriation for the Pro Bono
                                                                                                              Dated: January 14, 2016.
                                                    school official or registrar’s office will                                                                     Innovation Fund to $4 million and LSC
                                                                                                            Yoon Ferguson,                                         funded an additional fifteen projects in
                                                    know for which student and time period                  Agency Clearance Officer, Office of Workers’
                                                    the information is being requested and                                                                         FY15. On December 18, 2015, the
                                                                                                            Compensation Programs, U.S. Department of              Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016,
                                                    is also used to verify the full-time                    Labor.
                                                    student status. This information                                                                               Public Law 114–113 provided $4
                                                                                                            [FR Doc. 2016–01145 Filed 1–20–16; 8:45 am]            million for the Pro Bono Innovation
                                                    collection is currently approved for use                BILLING CODE 4510–CK–P
                                                    through July 31, 2016.                                                                                         Fund.
                                                                                                                                                                      In 2016, the Pro Bono Innovation
                                                    II. Review Focus                                                                                               Fund will continue to advance LSC’s
                                                      The Department of Labor is                                                                                   goal of increasing the quantity and
                                                                                                            LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION                             quality of legal services provided to
                                                    particularly interested in comments
                                                    which:                                                                                                         eligible people. Applicants to the Pro
                                                                                                            Request for Letters of Intent To Apply
                                                      • Evaluate whether the proposed                                                                              Bono Innovation Fund should identify
                                                                                                            for 2016 Pro Bono Innovation Fund
                                                    collection of information is necessary                                                                         the most pressing unmet client needs
                                                                                                            Grants
                                                    for the proper performance of the                                                                              and how pro bono volunteers will be
                                                    functions of the agency, including                      AGENCY:   Legal Services Corporation.                  used to address those needs. Projects
                                                    whether the information will have                       ACTION:   Notice.                                      funded by the Pro Bono Innovation
                                                    practical utility;                                                                                             Fund will serve as demonstration efforts
                                                      • evaluate the accuracy of the                        SUMMARY:    The Legal Services                         to strengthen pro bono service delivery
                                                    agency’s estimate of the burden of the                  Corporation (LSC) issues this Notice                   and improve low income persons’
                                                    proposed collection of information,                     describing the conditions under which                  access to high quality legal assistance
                                                    including the validity of the                           Letters of Intent to Apply for 2016                    through coordinated legal delivery
                                                    methodology and assumptions used;                       funding will be received for the Pro                   systems.
                                                      • enhance the quality, utility and                    Bono Innovation Fund. On December                      II. Funding Opportunity Information
                                                    clarity of the information to be                        18, 2015, Congress provided $4 million
                                                    collected; and                                          for the Pro Bono Innovation Fund                       A. Pro Bono Innovation Fund Purpose
                                                      • minimize the burden of the                          through the Consolidated                               and Key Goals
                                                    collection of information on those who                  Appropriations Act for 2016.                              The purpose of the Pro Bono
                                                    are to respond, including through the                   DATES: Letters of Intent must be                       Innovation Fund is to develop and
                                                    use of appropriate automated,                           submitted by 5:00 p.m. EST on March                    enhance pro bono programs that serve
                                                    electronic, mechanical, or other                        28, 2016.                                              larger numbers of low-income clients
                                                    technological collection techniques or                  ADDRESSES: Letters of Intent must be                   and that improve the quality and
                                                    other forms of information technology,                  submitted electronically at http://                    effectiveness of the services clients
                                                    e.g., permitting electronic submissions                                                                        receive by using pro bono volunteers.
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                                                                                                            lscgrants.lsc.gov.
                                                    of responses.                                                                                                  Projects should be innovative (new,
                                                                                                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                       replicable models and approaches to pro
                                                    III. Current Actions                                    Mytrang Nguyen, Program Counsel,                       bono delivery) or replicate prior
                                                      The Department of Labor seeks the                     Office of Program Performance, Legal                   successful models.
                                                    approval for the extension of this                      Services Corporation, 3333 K Street                       The Pro Bono Innovation Fund is
                                                    currently-approved information                          NW., Washington, DC, 20007; (202)                      designed to address issues identified in
                                                    collection in order to determine the                    295–1564 or nguyenm@lsc.gov.                           the 2012 report of LSC’s Pro Bono Task
                                                    continued eligibility of students.                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                             Force. The report provides a summary


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                                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 13 / Thursday, January 21, 2016 / Notices                                 3479

                                                    of findings that illustrates the current                pro bono attorneys, developing process    and evaluation plan. Applicants must
                                                    crisis in legal services and suggests                   improvements to share resources           submit the LOI electronically using the
                                                    ways that pro bono can be used to                       through common data portals, and          LSC Grants online system found at
                                                    increase the supply of lawyers and                      sharing case updates and files with       http://lscgrants.lsc.gov. They system
                                                    others who are available to provide legal               shared case management systems).          will be live for applicants in early
                                                    assistance to low-income people. The                                                              March 2016.
                                                    key goals of the Pro Bono Innovation                    C. Available Funds and Estimated
                                                                                                            Award Amounts                                The LOI form in LSC Grants will ask
                                                    Fund are to:                                                                                      each applicant the following
                                                    1. Address gaps in the delivery of legal                   LSC has received an appropriation of   information about the proposed project:
                                                        services to low-income people                       $4 million, of which $3.8 million is         1. Project Description. In this section,
                                                    2. Engage more lawyers and other volunteers             available for grants in fiscal year 2016  please provide a brief description of the
                                                        in pro bono service                                 to support Pro Bono Innovation Fund       proposed project that includes:
                                                    3. Develop and implement new, innovative,               projects. In 2015, fifteen Pro Bono
                                                        and replicable strategies that address
                                                                                                                                                         • The specific client need and
                                                                                                            Innovation Fund Projects received         challenge or opportunity in the pro
                                                        persistent challenges in pro bono                   funding with a median funding amount
                                                        delivery systems                                                                              bono delivery system that the project
                                                                                                            of $257,000. LSC recommends a             will address.
                                                    B. Areas of Interest for FY 2016                        minimum $50,000 request, and there is        • The goals and objectives of the
                                                                                                            no maximum amount for Pro Bono            project, the activities that make up the
                                                       LSC welcomes applications in a wide                  Innovation Fund requests that are
                                                    variety of areas; there are no specific                                                           project, and how those activities will
                                                                                                            within the total funding available. LSC   link to and achieve the stated goals and
                                                    areas of interest. Consistent with the key              encourages proposals for projects that
                                                    goals of the Pro Bono Innovation Fund,                                                            objectives.
                                                                                                            include other in-kind and cash support,
                                                    however, applicants are encouraged to                                                                • Strong indication of volunteer
                                                                                                            although LSC has no matching
                                                    consider developing projects that                                                                 demand or interest in supporting the
                                                                                                            requirement.
                                                    propose to replicate effective models of                                                          project.
                                                    pro bono delivery or propose novel (and                 D. Project and Funding Period                • The expected impact of the project.
                                                    replicable) solutions to persistent                        Pro Bono Innovation Fund grant         This  should include a brief explanation
                                                    challenges in their current pro bono                    awards will cover either an 18- or 24-    of the changes and outcomes that will
                                                    system. Such challenges and solutions                   month project period. Applicants’         be created as a result of the project.
                                                    may include, but are not limited to:                    proposals should cover the full period       2. Project Staff, Organizational
                                                       • Advancing the organization’s                       for which a grant award is requested.     Capacity,   and Project Partners. Please
                                                    strategic imperatives by integrating                    The project period is expected to         briefly identify and describe the project
                                                    volunteers into significant delivery or                 commence in October 2016.                 team and project partners including:
                                                    advocacy efforts (e.g., using law                                                                    • The qualifications and relevant
                                                    students to conduct screening and                       III. Grant Application Process and        experience of the proposed project team,
                                                    intake, expanding complex litigation or                 Letter of Intent To Apply Instructions    any proposed partner organizations, and
                                                    appellate practice with pro bono                        A. Pro Bono Innovation Fund Grant         your organization.
                                                    attorneys).                                             Application Process                          • The role of your organization’s
                                                       • Addressing duplicative or fractured                                                          executive management in the design
                                                    pro bono efforts by forming partnerships                   LSC is committed to reviewing all Pro
                                                                                                                                                      and implementation of the project.
                                                    with pro bono and community                             Bono Innovation Fund grant
                                                                                                            applications in a quick and thorough         3. Budget and Timeline. Please
                                                    stakeholders or adding new partners to                                                            provide   the following information about
                                                    existing collaborations (e.g., working                  manner. Applicants must first submit a
                                                                                                            Letter of Intent to Apply for Funding     the estimated project costs and the
                                                    with state and local pro bono                                                                     proposed implementation timeframe:
                                                    committees or with specialty and                        (LOI). LSC staff will review the LOIs
                                                                                                            and notify applicants by April 25, 2016      • Whether the proposed project will
                                                    minority bar associations, aligning with
                                                                                                            if their LOI is selected. Applicants      be  implemented in an 18- or 24- month
                                                    state Access to Justice Commission
                                                                                                            whose LOIs are selected will be asked     timeframe.
                                                    initiatives, and complementing self-
                                                    represented litigant efforts).                          to submit a detailed, full application in    • Estimated total project cost. This
                                                       • Developing strategies to bring pro                 LSC Grants. Once LSC has received a       includes the estimate for the Pro Bono
                                                    bono services to the locations and                      full application from a selected          Innovation Fund requested amount and
                                                    communities where clients reside or are                 applicant, the application undergoes a    other in-kind or cash contributions to
                                                    accessing services, particularly for hard               rigorous review process by LSC staff and support the project.
                                                    to reach populations (e.g., medical-legal               external subject matter experts. LSC’s       • List, if any, of anticipated
                                                    partnerships, mobile or remote services                 President makes the final decision on     contributions, both in-kind and
                                                    for rural populations, or adopting a                    funding for the Pro Bono Innovation       monetary, of all partners involved in the
                                                    neighborhood).                                          Fund.                                     project.
                                                       • Developing quality controls and                                                                 • List of key partners who will
                                                    setting goals for timely, effective pro                 B. Letters of Intent To Apply for Funding receive Pro Bono Innovation Fund
                                                    bono work. This can include technology                  Requirements and Format                   funding, including their roles, and the
                                                    solutions and/or innovative ways to                        The LOI should succinctly summarize estimated dollar amount or percent of
asabaliauskas on DSK9F6TC42PROD with NOTICES




                                                    provide more mentoring, training, and                   in approximately three pages a proposed budget assigned to each partner.
                                                    support for volunteers (e.g., designating               project’s context, goals, objectives,        Please provide an estimated budget
                                                    experienced volunteers to mentor newer                  activities, estimated budget, timeline,   using the following form.




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                                                    3480                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 13 / Thursday, January 21, 2016 / Notices

                                                                                                                                            Pro Bono Innovation Fund                Other cash or in-kind support—
                                                                                                                                                Share—estimated                               estimated

                                                    1. Personnel Expenses:
                                                        a. Salaries/Wages
                                                        b. Fringe Benefits
                                                             Subtotal Personnel Expenses
                                                    2. Project Expenses:
                                                        a. Travel
                                                        b. Equipment
                                                        c. Software
                                                        d. Supplies
                                                        e. Communication
                                                        f. Training
                                                        g. Evaluation
                                                        h. Other
                                                             Subtotal Project Expenses
                                                    3. Third-Party Contracts and Subgrants:
                                                        a. Contract
                                                        b. Subgrant
                                                             Subtotal Third-Party Contracts and Subgrants
                                                                  Totals
                                                                  Percentage of Total Project



                                                      Note: Applicants are encouraged to provide            questions described above. Failure to                  IV. LSC Requirements and Eligibility
                                                    as complete an estimate as possible despite             meet these submission requirements                     Information
                                                    the preliminary nature of the LOI. LSC                  may result in rejection of the LOI before
                                                    recognizes that the budget information                                                                         A. LSC Requirements
                                                                                                            substantive review.
                                                    provided is an initial estimate only and
                                                    subject to change if applicants are invited to             Each LOI will then be carefully                       Pro Bono Innovation Fund grants are
                                                    submit a full application.                              reviewed to identify those projects that               subject to all the requirements of the
                                                                                                            address the key goals of the Pro Bono                  Legal Services Corporation Act of 1974
                                                    C. One Project per Letter of Intent To                  Innovation Fund. The LOIs will also be                 as amended (LSC Act), any applicable
                                                    Apply                                                   reviewed to determine the extent to                    appropriations acts and any other
                                                                                                            which the proposed project:                            applicable law, rules, regulations,
                                                      Applicants are encouraged to propose
                                                                                                               • Provides a clear description of                   policies, guidelines, instructions, and
                                                    more than project. To do so, applicants
                                                                                                            client need and the challenge in the pro               other directives of including, but not
                                                    must submit a separate LOI for each
                                                                                                            bono delivery system that the project                  limited to: The LSC Audit Guide for
                                                    project.
                                                                                                            will address.                                          Recipients and Auditors, the
                                                    D. Letter of Intent To Apply Deadline                      • Demonstrates is has the support of,               Accounting Guide for LSC Recipients,
                                                       Applicants must complete and submit                  or is viable with, the pro bono                        the CSR Handbook, the 1981 LSC
                                                    LOIs through http://lscgrants.lsc.gov no                volunteers targeted for recruitment and                Property Manual (as amended) and the
                                                    later than 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday, March                  participation in the project.                          Property Acquisition and Management
                                                    28, 2016. To avoid any technical                           • Articulates thoughtful, appropriate,              Manual, with any amendments to the
                                                    difficulties or submission challenges on                and concrete goals and activities that                 foregoing adopted before or during the
                                                    the day of the deadline, please allow                   address the articulated need and                       period of the grant. Before submitting a
                                                    sufficient time for your LSC Grants                     challenges.                                            Letter of Intent to Apply, applicants
                                                    submission. Applicants are strongly                        • Is either innovative or an                        should be familiar with LSC’s subgrant
                                                    encouraged to complete LOI                              appropriate replication of prior                       and transfer requirements at 45 CFR
                                                    submissions prior to the deadline.                      successful models.                                     parts 1610 and 1627, particularly as
                                                       LSC will provide a confirmation email                   • Has potential for client impact,                  they pertain to payments of LSC funds
                                                    for each completed electronic LOI                       strong outcomes, further replication, or               to other entities for programmatic
                                                    submission. Please keep this email as                   scaling.                                               activities. Termination Policies and
                                                    verification that your LOI was received.                   • Leverages partnerships and                        Procedures will be same as those
                                                    If you do not receive an email                          involves all of the appropriate parties                described in the 2015 Pro Bono
                                                    confirmation for your LOI submission,                   needed to make it successful and                       Innovation Fund Grant Assurances.
                                                    please inquire about the status of your                 sustainable.                                           B. Eligible Applicants
                                                    LOI at probonoinnovation@lsc.gov.                          • Has organizational support and
                                                       LSC will not accept applications                     capacity, and is cost-effective.                         To be eligible for Pro Bono Innovation
                                                    submitted after the deadline unless LSC                    Projects that address the above criteria            Fund grants, applicants must be current
                                                    has approved a request to waive the                     will be invited to submit full                         grantees of LSC grants for Basic Field-
                                                    deadline. See Section IV (D) Waiver                     applications.                                          General, Basic Field-Migrant, or Basic
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                                                    Authority below.                                                                                               Field-Native American funding.
                                                                                                            F. Next Steps for Successful Applicants                Organizations and entities that are not
                                                    E. Selection Process                                      LSC will notify successful LOI                       current LSC grantees are not eligible to
                                                       Applicants must be current LSC                       applicants by April 25, 2016. Successful               apply directly to LSC for Pro Bono
                                                    grantees. LSC will review all LOIs to                   applicants will have until 5:00 p.m. ET,               Innovation Fund grants. Collaborations
                                                    determine whether they are from                         Monday, July 18, 2016 to complete full                 between LSC grantees and partner
                                                    eligible entities, submitted as complete                applications in the LSC Grants online                  organizations are strongly encouraged to
                                                    in LSC Grants, and are responsive to the                application system.                                    enhance projects, strengthen pro bono


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                                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 13 / Thursday, January 21, 2016 / Notices                                                  3481

                                                    delivery systems, and avoid duplication                 environmental impacts resulting from                      Topics for environmental analysis
                                                    of services.                                            implementation of SI’s South Mall                      identified through the scoping process
                                                                                                            Campus Master Plan. NCPC will act as                   include: Historic resources; visual
                                                    C. Waiver Authority
                                                                                                            lead federal agency for NEPA                           resources; transportation; public
                                                       LSC, upon its own initiative or when                 compliance and SI is the project owner,                utilities; land use; social and economic
                                                    requested, may waive provisions in this                 sponsoring the preparation of the EIS.                 issues; visitor use; and physical and
                                                    Notice at its sole discretion under                     Although SI is not a ‘‘federal agency’’                biological resources, such as air quality,
                                                    extraordinary circumstances and when                    within the meaning of NEPA and CEQ                     water quality, and climate change.
                                                    it is in the best interest of the eligible              Regulations, SI works with federal                        All private parties, Federal and local
                                                    client community. Waivers may be                        agencies on NEPA compliance when, as                   agencies, and interested organizations
                                                    granted only for requirements that are                  here, an SI project requires federal                   having an interest in the project are
                                                    discretionary and not mandated by                       agency approval.                                       invited to comment. All previously
                                                    statute or regulation. Any request for a                  The South Mall Campus Master Plan                    submitted comments from the EA
                                                    waiver must set forth in writing the                    (Master Plan) will evaluate                            scoping period are documented in the
                                                    extraordinary circumstances for the                     opportunities to: Better align                         administrative record and will be used
                                                    request. LSC will not consider a request                Smithsonian facilities on the South Mall               to inform the Draft EIS; only new issues
                                                    to waive the deadline for an LOI unless                 Campus with SI’s mission; increase                     and concerns need to be submitted at
                                                    it is received by LSC prior to the                      public access to the museums and                       this time. During this scoping period, no
                                                    deadline.                                               gardens; replace and upgrade aging                     public scoping meeting will be held.
                                                                                                            building systems; upgrade security                        All new and relevant environmental
                                                    D. Contact Information
                                                                                                            systems campus wide; rehabilitate and                  information, or additional comments on
                                                      For more information about current                    restore historic buildings; provide                    any issues that may be associated with
                                                    Pro Bono Innovation Fund projects,                      seismic retrofitting; consolidate and                  the proposed project, should be sent to
                                                    please contact Mytrang Nguyen,                          upgrade loading functions; enhance                     the address or email address below.
                                                    Program Counsel, (202) 295–1564 or                      public space; and increase the visitor                 Before including your address, phone
                                                    nguyenm@lsc.gov.                                        services provided in the area. The                     number, email address, or other
                                                      If you have a general question or                     Master Plan will revitalize the South                  personal identifying information in your
                                                    questions about the Pro Bono                            Mall Campus by interconnecting                         comment, you should be aware that
                                                    Innovation Fund application process,                    programs and services both above- and                  your entire comment, including your
                                                    please email probonoinnovation@                         below-grade; and, by improving                         personal identifying information, may
                                                    lsc.gov.                                                physical access for all through enhanced               be made publically available at any
                                                      For technical questions or issues with                circulation, way finding, and program                  time. While you can ask us in your
                                                    the LSC Grants online application                       visibility. These improvements will                    comment to withhold your personal
                                                    system, please send an email to                         provide visitors and staff with facilities,            identifying information from public
                                                    techsupport@lsc.gov.                                    amenities, and educational experiences                 review, we cannot guarantee that we
                                                      Dated: January 15, 2016.                              expected of a world class institution.                 will be able to do so.
                                                    Stefanie K. Davis,                                      DATES: The Scoping Period shall run                       Information related to the project and
                                                    Assistant General Counsel.                              February 22, 2016.                                     public involvement opportunities for
                                                    [FR Doc. 2016–01106 Filed 1–20–16; 8:45 am]             ADDRESSES: Electronic Comments may                     the draft EIS will be provided at the
                                                    BILLING CODE 7050–01–P                                  be submitted at                                        project’s Web site: http://
                                                                                                            commentsonsouthcampus@si.edu.                          www.southmallcampus.si.edu/.
                                                                                                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                         Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7.
                                                    NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING                               Matthew Flis, Senior Urban Designer,                     Dated: January 13, 2016.
                                                    COMMISSION                                              National Capital Planning Commission,
                                                                                                                                                                   Anne R. Schuyler,
                                                                                                            Urban Design and Plan Review, 401 9th
                                                    Notice of Intent To Prepare an                          StreetNW., Washington, DC 20004,                       General Counsel.
                                                    Environmental Impact Statement for                      Phone 202–482–7236; or Michelle                        [FR Doc. 2016–01162 Filed 1–20–16; 8:45 am]
                                                    the Smithsonian Institution’s South                     Spofford, Senior Planning Manager,                     BILLING CODE 7520–01–P
                                                    Mall Campus Master Plan                                 Smithsonian Institution, Office of
                                                    AGENCY: National Capital Planning                       Planning Design and Construction,
                                                                                                            Facilities Master Planning, 600                        NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE
                                                    Commission.
                                                                                                            Maryland Avenue SW., Suite 501, PO                     ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES
                                                    ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an
                                                                                                            Box 37012, MRC 511, Washington, DC
                                                    Environmental Impact Statement.                                                                                National Endowment for the Arts;
                                                                                                            20013–7012, Phone: 202–633–6558.
                                                    SUMMARY:   Pursuant to the National                     SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NCPC and
                                                                                                                                                                   Agency Information Collection
                                                    Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of                      SI previously conducted scoping For an                 Activities: Proposed Collection;
                                                    1970, as amended and implemented by                     Environmental Assessment (EA) of the                   Comment Request; 2017 Survey of
                                                    the Council on Environmental, and in                    Master Plan from December 16, 2014                     Public Participation in the Arts
                                                    accordance with the Environmental                       through January 30, 2015. As part of this              AGENCY:  National Endowment for the
                                                    Policies and Procedures adopted by the                  process, NCPC and SI held a public                     Arts, National Foundation on the Arts
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                                                    National Capital Planning Commission                    scoping meeting on December 16, 2014                   and the Humanities.
                                                    (NCPC), the NCPC announces its intent                   and received written comments from                     ACTION: Proposed collection; comments
                                                    along with the Smithsonian Institution                  local and federal agencies, interested                 request.
                                                    (SI), and in cooperation with the                       organizations, and the public. Based on
                                                    National Park Service (NPS), to prepare                 the information obtained and additional                SUMMARY:    The National Endowment for
                                                    an Environmental Impact Statement                       coordination with local and federal                    the Arts (NEA), as part of its continuing
                                                    (EIS). The EIS will provide a full and                  agencies, NCPC and SI have determined                  effort to reduce paperwork and
                                                    fair discussion of the potential                        that preparation of an EIS is warranted.               respondent burden, conducts a


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Document Created: 2018-02-02 12:33:31
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 12:33:31
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
DatesLetters of Intent must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. EST on March 28, 2016.
ContactMytrang Nguyen, Program Counsel, Office of Program Performance, Legal Services Corporation, 3333 K Street NW., Washington, DC, 20007; (202) 295-1564 or [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 3478 

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