FY 2020 Healthy Network Initiative for Public Television Stations

New applications are no longer being accepted. Check this page for updates about this initiative.

Focus:

Community Service Grant, Television

Eligibility:

Open to CSG-qualified TV Stations.

Deadline:

June 30, 2020

Related Documents:

Request for Applications

CPB is accepting grant applications to its Healthy Network Initiative from CSG-qualified public television stations who join a qualified Joint Master Control (JMC) and/or consolidate two or more Television CSG recipients under one executive management. Five million dollars ($5 million) in funding is available each year and will be granted to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Stations that have streamlined operations and reduced infrastructure and other costs in order to increase capacity for providing stronger local service should consider applying for the grants. Station personnel should carefully review the grant guidelines and the Television CSG General Provisions and Eligibility Criteria prior to applying for grants under this program.

Please download the Request for Applications below for detailed information, including application requirements.
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PDF icon Request for Applications151.53 KB

Questions from Potential Respondents, with CPB Answers:

FAQ Topic: 
General
FAQ: 

The JMC and OEM programs are open for FY 2020. Why is the application deadline June 30, 2020?

To allow CPB time to review the applications and process any awards with the CSG payments.

A station is awarded JMC and OEM grants in FY 2020. Since the programs are being re-designed, will the station receive the second payment for the JMC grant and the second and third payments for the OEM grant?

Yes, because CPB will encumber the total amount payable to the station for both grants, at the time of their award.

Is this the last year for JMC and OEM grants?

Yes. However, the program will be re-designed for FY 2021 with funding of up to $1 million annually.

If a station receives its first JMC and OEM payments on June 30, 2020, when will CPB release the second payments?

CPB expects to release the second payments for the JMC in January 2021, and the OEM in the Spring of 2021 when CPB approves the second CSG payment.

If a station receives its first JMC or OEM grant payment on June 30, 2020, can the funds be applied toward previously incurred expenses?

Yes, provided the expenses were incurred and recorded within the applicable CSG spending period.

If a station changes JMC providers during the 5-year period that it is required to participate in a JMC, will the station be disqualified and required to return the grant to CPB?

No, stations are free to secure the services from any qualified JMC provider and may switch providers as they deem appropriate.

If a station participates in a JMC to discontinue its master control operations on weekends and holidays, is it eligible to receive JMC funding?

No. To be eligible, stations must discontinue a substantial majority of their master control operations and secure them from a qualified JMC provider.

If a station’s JMC participation began in December 2015 but did not receive JMC services until February 2016, is it eligible to receive a JMC grant?

No. The JMC agreement must have been executed on or after January 1, 2016.

If a station received a $50,000 grant from CPB prior to 2016 to secure services from a joint master control, is it eligible to receive a JMC grant?

No. The station is not eligible because it previously received CPB funding for JMC services.

What is the expenditure period for the JMC and OEM grants?

The spending periods for the JMC and OEM grants are the same as the CSG spending period.

For example, if your station receives Healthy Network Initiative grant funding on June 30, of 2020, the grant funds must be spent from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2021 (i.e. the spending period for the 2020 CSG fiscal year). The second payment grant funds must be spent from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2022 and the third payment (applicable to the OEM) grant funds must be spent from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2023.

Must stations use OEM grant funds exclusively to cover merger costs?

No. For more information see Section 10: Use of CSG Funds of the TV CSG General Provisions and Eligibility Criteria.

Are stations required to use the JMC grant exclusively to participate in the JMC?

No. For more information see Section 10: Use of CSG Funds of the TV CSG General Provisions and Eligibility Criteria.

Is a station permitted to apply for a Joint Master Control (JMC) and One Executive Management (OEM) grants at the same time?

Yes, however the station must have executed its JMC and OEM agreements on or after January 1, 2016.