Assets for Independence (AFI), a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Community Services, is pleased to announce a series of webinars that will help organizations prepare for the next round of AFI grant applications, due March 25, 2008.  AFI hopes to offer approximately $19 million in matching grants (CFDA # 93.602) to organizations that wish to start or expand Individual Development Account (IDA) programs.  IDA programs help eligible low-income individuals to build savings that can be used for homeownership, business capitalization, or post-secondary education and training.  The webinars may be especially ideal for first-time applicants or for applicants who have previously applied to the program but were unsuccessful.  Four workshop topics are scheduled for this webinar series: 

• (January 29th, February 19, March 4th) - AFI Overview & Grant Application Process:  This topic offers guidance for developing strong AFI grant applications.

• (January 31st, February 21st, March 6th) - Cost Sharing: Strategies for Raising Non-Federal Resources: Prospective applicants can learn more about innovative strategies designed to help meet the non-federal match requirement.

• (February 5th, February 26th) - AFI Project Design & Implementation (Part I): –  The first part of the series focuses on establishing a workplan and on methods to design complementary program services, such as financial literacy for the client population.

• (February 7th, February 28th) - AFI Project Design & Implementation (Part II): – Completes the series by offering a broader examination of organizational capacity and resource needs.

All webinars are scheduled from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. EST.  You may complete registration by visiting the AFI Calendar of Events or by contacting the AFI Resource Center at (202) 401-4626.