What is the difference between a letter of support and a memorandum of understanding (MOU)?
As described in Section IV, Part A, of the RFA, a letter of support is considered an attachment. As such, it must adhere to the ten-page maximum. Such documents express support for the proposal; they may not be a continuation of the narrative. While not legally binding, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) describes the intent and commitments of local collaborative members and partners. MOUs clearly describe the specific commitments of staff, services, facilities, equipment, or resources provided by each partner, and they provide the estimated monetary value. MOUs that lack specificity will be counted as attachments and will be included in the ten-page maximum. Note that the commitments of the local educational agency to Healthy Start must be documented in an MOU. MOUs should be consistent with the strategies and resource commitments described in the application narrative and budget.
