Instructions for Narrative Program Progress Reports
The narrative section of Program Progress Reports (PPRs) is an opportunity for AFI grantees to provide detailed project updates and assessments to the Office of Community Services (OCS) and Office of Grants Management (OGM). Where the Data Reports and financial reports provide the hard numbers on AFI projects, the narratives give grantees a chance to provide the context and analysis behind the data, and to share their experiences for the benefit of the AFI program as a whole.
| The timelines for narrative reports for grants awarded after July 1, 2007, require narrative reports semi-annually (once every 6 months) for all 5 years, each due 60 days after the project period. For all grants, final narrative reports are due 90 days after the end of the project period. |
OGM will approve requests for extensions of reporting
deadlines upon written request from grantees. Extension approval must come in writing from OGM.
Once the narrative report is complete, submit the original and one copy (both by mail) to the relevant Grants Management Specialist at OGM, and send one copy (by mail or email) to the AFI Program Manager at the OCS office.
"Narrative reports are a chance to provide the context and analysis behind the data, and to share experiences for the benefit of the AFI program as a whole"
What to Include in Narrative Reports
There are eight sections in the narrative Program Progress Report. Scan this sample narrative report as an example of how grantees can fill out the form, then download a blank report and view ACF Instructions on how to complete the form to get started.
Below are tips on filling in each section of the report:
- Grant Number: In the format 90EI0XXX, listed in Box 3 on the NoA. Remember, organizations with multiple grants must submit a separate report for each award.
- Period Covered by Report: The months covered in the reporting period. The narrative report is not cumulative, so this is the months since the last report.
- Major Activities and Accomplishments: Include any indicators of progress during the reporting period, for example:
- Draft or final products, including materials for outreach, policy and procedure, or training
- Total Federal funds drawn down and non-Federal funds deposited in the Project Reserve Fund
- Number of participants enrolled and IDAs opened
- Participant achievements, including total savings, asset purchases, and number who have completed training
- Any other benchmarks important to the project design
Grantees may use task charts from their grant applications and/or project work plans to help detail their progress. Include information about project partners if appropriate.
Contact the
AFI Resource Center for assistance as soon as problems arise. Do not wait until a report is due to ask for help.
- Problems: Describe any deviations from the original project plan encountered or expected. Issues might include trouble reaching task completion dates or successfully implementing programs within the project design. Use this section to let OCS and OGM know of any assistance needed.
- Significant Findings and Events: Use this portion of the report to highlight particular points or experiences that might be helpful as models for other grantees to improve overall AFI performance.
- Dissemination Activities: Briefly describe project marketing and information dissemination carried out over the reporting period. List and include a copy of any newspaper, newsletter, and magazine articles, and other published materials used for project information or public relations purposes.
- Other Activities: Briefly describe any other relevant experiences.
- Activities Planned for Next Reporting Period: Briefly describe the project plan going forward, including how to address any problems identified earlier in the narrative report.
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