Rule 98-1-.02 - The Georgia Children and Elderly Fund(1)Purpose of Program. The Children and Elderly Fund was established by the Georgia General Assembly in 1992. The Fund is a mechanism by which Georgia tax payers can designate a reduction in the refund check otherwise payable, or contribute any amount over and above the amount of tax owed by adding that amount to the taxpayer's payment, for the purpose of providing funds for home delivered meals and transportation services for the elderly and for programs for preschool children with special needs. A taxpayer could donate to the Fund beginning with the 1993 tax filing. (a) Funds available must be divided equally between services for children and the elderly. Preschoolers with special needs are children birth to age six who require more than routine and basic care. These include children with disabilities and handicapping conditions, chronic illnesses, health-related educational or behavior problems, and children at risk for all these conditions. These children may require specific services or treatment in order to reach their unique individual potential.(2)Terms and Conditions. Applicants must complete the application provided by the Children's Trust Fund Commission and follow the guidelines stated in the application instructions. The applicant must meet all eligibility criteria and agree to adhere to the contractual requirements stated in the Request for Proposals published annually.(3)Eligible Recipients. An applying group must be either: (a) Private nonprofit organization with fully documented federal tax exempt [501(c)(3)] status; or(b) Public (government) agency applying in partnership with another public agency or as a member of a community coalition, collaboration or partnership that includes either a nonprofit [501(c)(3)] organization or another public agency.(c) Organizations must be comprised on individuals or groups with expertise in providing services for preschool children with special needs.(4)Criteria for Award. Applications are reviewed by a review committee named by the Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources annually. Proposals may address any of the following: protecting children, preventing child abuse and neglect, providing access to health care, linking families with needed resources, strengthening families, enhancing child development, promoting and enhancing parenting skills and providing family support services.(a) Applications are rated on the following six criteria: 1. Concept and Need for the Program.2. Program Theory and Design.4. Organizational Capacity.6. Community/Local Commitment and Collaboration.(b) Funds are awarded for a one year period of time with renewal possible up to three years depending upon the availability of funds and the filing of acceptable financial and program reports.(5)Directions and Deadlines for Applying. Requests for Proposals are available upon request February 1. The postmark deadline for submitting an application is June 1. Only fully complete applications are accepted. Contract start dates for new grants are September 1. Disbursements are made through a reimbursement process requiring both financial and programmatic reporting.(a) Requests for information and applications should be made to the Children's Trust Fund Commission, Two Northside 75, Suite 240, Atlanta, Georgia 30318, 404-352-6050.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 98-1-.02
O.C.G.A. Secs. 19-14-1, 49-1-9.
Original description entitled "The Georgia Children and Elderly Fund" submitted June 15, 1994.