Template Options for Verification of Matching Funds

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CASH MATCH:

Template One: Verification of Applicant CASH Matching Funds
(1) The applicant must include a statement in the application verifying (a) the amount of cash match, and (b) the source of the cash match. A copy of a financial statement with an ending date within one month of the application submission and showing an ending balance equal to or greater than the amount of Cash Matching Funds proposed is also required at time of application. If the applicant is paying for goods and/or services during the grant period that are eligible expenses for the project, the expenditure is considered a cash match. Note that costs for fixed equipment and buildings, and costs related to the preparation of the RCDG application package are not acceptable contributions. (2) Expected Program Income is an acceptable cash match only if from viable executed contracts in place at the time of application and related to the project purposes. Include a statement in the application verifying (a) the amount of the contract, (b) the name of the contracted party, (c) the duties of the contracted party and purpose of the contract, and (d) the contract performance period. Program income earned during the time period of the grant is subject to the requirements of 7 CFR part 3015/Subpart F, 7 CFR part 3019.24, and related provisions in the grant agreement.

Most other Federal grant funds cannot be used as match, although loan proceeds from Federal sources are acceptable.

Template Two: Verification of Third-Party CASH Matching Funds
(1) Third-Party cash funds. Include a signed letter from the third-party verifying (a) how much cash will be donated, and (b) that it will be available during the proposed grant period or will be donated on a specific date within the grant period.

Cash matching contributions from third-parties are to be used for Center operations and cannot be used to provide services which directly benefit the third-party contributor. Contributors of cash matching funds may not limit how or where the Center may use the funds.

IN-KIND MATCH:

Only goods or services provided during the grant period for which no expenditure is made can be considered in-kind. Verification for in-kind contributions that are over-valued will not be accepted. The valuation process for in-kind contributions does not need to be included in the application. However, the applicant must be able to demonstrate how the valuation was derived at the time of notification of tentative selection for the grant award. If the applicant cannot satisfactorily demonstrate how the valuation was determined, the grant award may be withdrawn or the amount of the grant may be reduced at that time. See RD Instruction 4284-A/Exhibit A for Guidelines for Verifying In-Kind Contributions.

Template Three: Verification of Applicant IN-KIND Contribution
(1) Applicant in-kind contribution. Include a signed letter from the applicant or its authorized representative verifying (a) the nature of the goods and/or services to be donated and how they will be used, (b) when the goods and/or services will be donated during the proposed grant period, and (c) the value of the goods and/or services.

Board and Advisory Member time is not an eligible match, and in-kind contributions for their travel and incidental expenses must be consistent with the Center’s established written policies for reimbursement rates and ultimately approved by the Agency. Organizations contributing the services of affiliated volunteers must follow the verification requirement above, for each individual volunteer.

Donations of fixed equipment and buildings, and costs related to the preparation of the RCDG application package are not acceptable contributions.

Template Four: Verification of Third-Party IN-KIND Contribution
(1) Third-Party in-kind contribution. Include a signed letter from the third-party verifying (a) the nature of the goods and/or services to be donated and how they will be used, (b) when the goods and/or services will be donated during the proposed grant period, and (c) the value of the goods and/or services.

Non-profit or other organizations contributing the services of affiliated volunteers must follow the third-party verification requirement above, for each individual volunteer.

In-kind contributions from third-parties cannot be used to directly benefit the third-party contributor. Board and Advisory Member time, donations of fixed equipment and buildings, and costs related to the preparation of the RCDG application package are not acceptable contributions.

Additional documentation may be required if a grant is tentatively selected for award.