Information session scheduled to review guidelines and submission process
United Way of Summit County seeks Letters of Intent (LOIs) to implement its community impact strategies in the area of Income. The organization’s goal is to move people from financial dependence to independence.
Funding for a two-year cycle will be allocated beginning in 2016 for quality programs in alignment with one or more of United Way’s strategies to enhance the financial stability of Summit County residents.
An information session to review guidelines and processes to submit an LOI will be held on September 14, 11 a.m. and September 15, 10:30 a.m. at United Way, 90 N Propsect St, Akron 44304. Please email [email protected] to confirm attendance. This session is not mandatory.
We are seeking proposals with measurable outcomes to drive change in three key areas:
Empowering Individuals
To increase access to:
· Benefits and services
· Resources to meet basic needs
· Financial management education
· Mainstream banking, credit repair, debt reduction and other asset building services
· Skills-based training
· Education, training and mentoring toward low-income workforce advancement
Strengthening Families
To increase:
· Parental involvement
· Access to opportunities
· Resources to meet the basic needs of families and children
Advancing Community
To increase social and financial community capital through:
· Education
· Economic development
· Entrepreneurship
· Neighborhood-level leadership training
· Transportation
· Neighborhood revitalization
As resources are limited, preference will be given to proposals that:
· Take a long-range approach to community impact.
· Seek collaboration with existing, successful and evidence-based programs and initiatives.
· Focus on the creation of self-sustainability through self-supporting wages.
· Provide neighborhood-based services.
· Reduce barriers to services and programs.
· Provide follow-up evaluation for clients served for at least one year.
Eligibility criteria:
· Provides services in Summit County
· 501(C)(3) tax status OR have a 501(C)(3) agency willing to serve as fiscal sponsor. Note: United Way of Summit County reserves the right to act as fiscal sponsor for agencies selected to receive grant funding.
· Have a volunteer, representative board of directors/trustees
· Be in existence for at least 3 years
· Submit a separate LOI for each proposal
Timetable:
9/14 & 15 Income Information sessions
9/24 Online process OPENS for Income LOI submissions
10/2 Online process CLOSES for Income LOI submissions
10/12 LOI applicants notified of selection to submit full funding proposals
10/18 & 19 Apricot training for applicants (not mandatory if attended in the past)
10/20 Online full application open for proposal submission
12/18 Deadline for submission of full application
4/1/16 Approximate date for funding notification
The LOI must be submitted through web-based software which will be available at www.uwsummit.org on September 24, 2015. Questions should be directed to Devoe Johnson via EMAIL ONLY at [email protected].
About United Way of Summit County
United Way of Summit County advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our focus is on Education, Income and Health because these are the building blocks for a good quality of life. We train a spotlight on critical issues, engage with private and public sector leaders and coordinate agendas with partners to leverage Collective Impact. We invite everyone to be part of the change by giving, advocating and volunteering. When we work together in common purpose, we LIVE UNITED. For more information about United Way of Summit County visit uwsummit.org.