Request For Proposal Information Packet FY2019 and FY2020 Funding Period: 7/1/2018-6/30/2020

Transcription

1 Request For Proposal Information Packet FY2019 and FY2020 Funding Period: 7/1/2018-6/30/2020 All forms are located on e-cimpact Proposals Due April 13, 2018 by 2:00 p.m. Announcement United Way Services of Geauga County (UWSGC) announces the availability of funding for a two-year period beginning July 1, 2018 and concluding June 30, Grant decisions will be based on results of a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Proposals will be reviewed by community volunteers, UWSGC Board members and staff. This Request for Proposal is structured to support our long-term vision of uniting people and resources to measurably improve the self-sufficiency of individuals and families in Geauga County. To that end, we are seeking to partner with organizations that are providing services, including unique and innovative programming, that will help advance our vision. Please note: agencies currently funded for programs in Education, Income, or Health must reapply through this grant process, which will focus on supporting local programs that help individuals and families towards self-sufficiency. Introduction Self-Sufficiency as defined by our Board of Directors: The ability to identify personal and community resources; connecting to those resources and managing them to achieve maximum, long term personal potential. ALICE: Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed. Released in October 2017, the ALICE Report, commissioned by United Way organizations across the state of Ohio, highlights challenges faced by individuals and families in Ohio. According to the ALICE Report, 25% of households in Geauga are below poverty and ALICE thresholds which often means they are struggling to afford the basics of housing, food, health care, child care, and transportation. Organizations should be providing services to households who are in poverty or fall below the ALICE threshold. Individuals and families who are below the ALICE threshold have many inter-related needs and there is no single program or organization that can solve this alone. Hence, this RFP is an opportunity for agencies to join together, collaborate and focus on moving individuals and families towards self-sufficiency. We are looking for innovative and creative ways your agency is helping families move beyond the benefits cliff and are working collaboratively to help families towards self-sufficiency. For additional information about the ALICE Report, please visit: Page 1 of 8

2 Role of United Way United Way aims to strengthen the network of health and human service programs through strategic and focused investments of financial resources, volunteers, and advocacy efforts. UWSGC has a unique role and history of convening cross-sector partners, identifying solutions to address community needs and raising resources to support program development. UWSGC currently works to provide short-term and intermediate solutions for ALICE, such as: access to quality child care, free tax preparation and investments into nonprofit community partners. In addition, we are advocating for a wide-range of long-term solutions that engage businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, the faith-based community and residents to create solutions for a stronger Geauga County. We are taking an active role in the long-term financial stability and self-sufficiency of individuals and families in our community through programs such as Bridges@Work and Bridges2Work, and connecting our community with direct services through and our Aging and Disability Resource Center. To measure the level of impact our combined network is having on guiding families along the continuum towards self-sufficiency, United Way believes strongly in the value of utilizing a shared and consistent tool across all funded programs. UWSGC and volunteers have determined that the Self-Sufficiency Matrix is the best fit for Geauga County programs and will help our network coordinate services and referrals for clients associated with any of our funded programs. The Self-Sufficiency Matrix was originally developed by the Arizona Department of Housing and UWSGC has made modifications to better reflect the most common needs in Geauga County. The UWSGC Board received input from local agencies and volunteers and have determined the ten areas, found on page 4, that are critical components of self-sufficiency. For each of the ten areas, it is the responsibility of agencies to help increase awareness of and/or partner with other services that could benefit their program participants. UWSGC will create and provide a tool to all funded agencies for reporting on the Self- Sufficiency Matrix, along with a brief instruction guide for agency staff. The Self- Sufficiency Matrix should be completed by program level staff for all participants of the funded program. Training and ongoing technical assistance will be available. United Way Income Collaborative United Way will convene one group for the funded agencies, community and business partners, as well as board members and volunteers (Income Collaborative). The purpose of convening community partners is the joint learning, sharing of resources and best practices, and identifying solutions that increase self-sufficiency of Geauga County households. Agencies who are approved for funding will be the partners laying the groundwork for measuring advancement towards self-sufficiency through the use of the Self-Sufficiency Matrix. Partners must commit to engaging and sharing with the broader network by participating and shaping the work of the Income Collaborative. This group will meet on a quarterly basis to discuss progress, changes in the community, and new opportunities to serve clients across the county with excellent programs. Page 2 of 8

3 Grantee Expectations Agencies selected for funding will be required to comply with all grant requirements including participation in quarterly meetings, semi-annual reporting as described in the Reporting Requirements section, an annual update of agency information on 2-1-1, and participation in site visits with United Way and its volunteer committee(s). Compliance is critical for continued funding, at any level, over the 2-year grant cycle; noncompliance is grounds for the dismissal or reduction in funding. UWSGC retains the right to alter funding based on campaign performance, indicators reported, and compliance with these expectations. Organizational and Financial Management Requirements Currently funded organizations must reapply through this funding process in order to be considered for funding in the July 1, 2018 June 30, 2020 period. To be eligible for funding, organizations must: be located in or serve residents of Geauga County, be an operating 501(c)(3) organization for a minimum of 3 years, serve individuals or families who are at or below the ALICE threshold, and submit the following documentation: o most recent financial audit & 990 within the last two (2) years o internal financial statements for the organization s previous fiscal year (year to date budget, income statement or equivalent, balance sheet or equivalent) o certificate of Good Standing from the Ohio Secretary of State OR Statement of Continued Existence o United States Patriot Act Disclosure o Board roster and previous fiscal year s Board meeting schedule o proof of active Insurance Coverage (property, liability, malpractice, etc.) o policy(ies) on Non-Discrimination and Diversity o proof that the agency has updated its profile within the past 12- month. If the organization s profile has not been updated within the past 12 months, please contact to provide current information before submitting proposal 211updates@unitedwaycleveland.org Page 3 of 8

4 Program Requirements: Agencies are invited to submit proposals for program support that align with the focus of helping individuals and families achieve greater self-sufficiency within these parameters: A) Program Impact: Agencies must demonstrate the impact their proposed program is having for clients served. While United Way is allowing flexibility on the type of program to be funded, we ask that agencies apply for program support recognizing that the program participants must be provided support towards selfsufficiency in accordance with the ten areas listed below. B) Utilization of the Self-Sufficiency Matrix: The applicant agency must identify which areas described below their program impacts. The applicant agency is encouraged to collaborate or partner with other organizations who serve areas that they do not. Funding consideration shall be given to applicant agencies who have presented proposals that include program/agency collaboration. 1. Income: Assesses adequacy of income to meet basic living expenses and save for future or unexpected expenses. 2. Employment: Assesses the nature of the job or career in which the client is employed and considers the permanency and stability of the employment, as well as the benefits that accompany the employment. 3. Shelter: Assesses the ability of the client to obtain appropriate housing of choice based on their circumstances. 4. Food: Assesses the client s ability to obtain appropriate food, both in terms of knowledge about how to access food and financial resources to purchase the food if necessary. 5. Transportation: Assesses if the individual has appropriate, safe, and reliable access to transportation (whether by car, public transit or reliance on friends and family). 6. Childcare: Assesses the client s ability to obtain appropriate child care, both in terms of access to the child care and financial resources to purchase the child care. 7. Adult Education: Assesses the client s educational needs to secure/retain employment. 8. Health Care: Assesses ability of client to access affordable medical care when. 9. Mental Health: Assesses the emotional well-being of the client. 10. Substance Abuse: Assesses if the individual is using alcohol and/or prescription drugs in an appropriate manner. Any use of illicit drugs is considered in-crisis and unsafe. Page 4 of 8

5 Proposal Forms A) Organization Profile Organization Name: Address: CEO/Executive Director: Phone: Total staff employed by the organization: Contact Person for this Proposal: Phone: Tax ID# Organization Web Address: Organization Mission and Vision Statements: B) Organization Budget Form C) Program Profile 1) Total staff employed to operate the program 2) Total clients served by the program (1/1/ /31/2017) 3) Year program was established 4) List all organizations, other than UWSGC, from which you are seeking funding for this program. D) Program Budget Form Organizations must complete a Program Budget for each program that is applying for UWSGC funding. a) Program Budget Please provide program revenue and expense information for each of the line items. If there is no dollar amount for a specific line item, please indicate with a O. b) Program Budget Comments Please provide any comments regarding the budget that are appropriate for funding considerations. After funding is approved through the proposal review process, UWSGC may request revised program budgets based on approved grants. Page 5 of 8

6 Proposal Questions: We welcome your energy and creativity, and look forward to learning how your program helps clients towards self-sufficiency. Please provide complete responses to the following questions: Note all questions will have a 4,000 character limit within e- CImpact 1) Program Description and Impact: Describe the program and goals of the program. What are the outcome indicators you use to track progress? 2) Target Population: Who is your target population and why? a. Projected number of program participants: 3) Self-Sufficiency Matrix: a. Describe which areas the program hopes to impact for individuals or families on the Self-Sufficiency Matrix. b. Explain the process you will use to begin implementing the Self- Sufficiency Matrix. Identify key steps and milestones. Each funded agency will identify when the Self-Sufficiency Matrix will be administered. When will the Self-Sufficiency Matrix be administered for the program? Examples are: Typical length of program/participation in program Assessment Type: Entry Assessment Type: Interim Assessment Type: Exit Crisis At Intake N/A Exit Less than 1 year At Intake Interim (6 Exit months) More than 1 year At Intake Interim (every 6 months) Exit UWSGC will determine when and how often reporting will be submitted. 4) Participant Success: Provide a description of a successful program participant. Imagine two years from now: What will the impact be for this client? Describe a hypothetical participant s experience with your program with attention to how your program has helped participants towards self-sufficiency. 5) Integration of Partners: An essential element of success for Geauga County is that partners work in a collaborative fashion on behalf of the client. Describe the current or proposed partnerships. a) How do you refer clients to other community services, or collaborate with other agencies to address needs for your clients? What opportunities and challenges do you anticipate? b) What existing public and/or county wide systems and services will you consider linking with your program participants? How will you involve those leaders in the work? c) Share an example of identifying and recruiting collaborative partners. Page 6 of 8

7 6) Track Record of Success: Please describe relevant current and historical work of your agency. Please provide specific examples of services you have provided and results you have achieved that suggest your program will be successful. In the Supporting Documentation, please feel free to include any items that demonstrate your history and track record of success. 7) Evaluation: Provide specific examples of your organization s commitment to and capacity for collecting and reporting data on Program Impact and the Self- Sufficiency Matrix. 8) Key Staff: Please provide brief biographies of up to 3 key program staff at your organization who will be involved in the Income Collaborative. 9) Income Collaborative: UWSGC will participate in the collaborative as a member of the team and as a co-facilitator. What is the ideal relationship for United Way (staff and Board of Directors) and the funded partners? How would you like us to work with you? 10) Future Sharing: Explain your agency s participation in local forums or groups where sharing insights from the Self-Sufficiency Matrix could benefit other professionals in the community. 11) Optional: Other important information: What else would you like UWSGC to know about your program or agency? Instructions to Submit a Proposal All required documents as well as the full proposal will be submitted only through the e- CImpact website for this funding opportunity. Organizations planning to submit a proposal must contact Matt Fedak for access to the e-cimpact website by noon (12:00pm) on Monday, March 19 th, 2018 to have an e-cimpact account created or updated. Proposal and all required documentation must be submitted via the e-cimpact system by 2:00pm on Friday, April 13, Late documentation will be rejected and not considered. For questions on the RFP or implementing the Self-Sufficiency Matrix, please contact: Monica Bricker-Thompson, Community Impact Manager mthompson@uws.org or For questions on submitting the RFP, the use of e-cimpact, or the reporting tool to be used for Self-Sufficiency Matrix data, please contact: Matt Fedak, Data Analyst mfedak@unitedwaycleveland.org or Page 7 of 8

8 Key Dates: Proposal Submission and Review March 5, 2018 March 13, 2018 March 19, 2018 April 13, 2018 May 1-3, 2018 June 8, 2018 Request For Proposal Forms Open on e-cimpact RFP Technical Assistance Session 9am-10:30am Geauga County Library Administration Center Ravenwood Dr., Chardon Any agency interested in submitting a proposal must contact Matt Fedak by 12:00 Noon to have an account created/updated in e-cimpact Full Proposals are DUE by 2:00 pm via e-cimpact only Agency interviews scheduled as Agency notifications and grant agreements sent Grantee Reporting Requirements Reporting Period 7/1/ /31/2018 1/1/2019-3/31/2019 4/1/2019-6/30/2019 7/1/ /31/2019 1/1/2020-3/31/2020 4/1/2020-6/30/2020 Report Due Type of Report 1/31/2019 FY 2019 Interim Required Information on Report Program Outcome Indicators Client demographic data* 4/15/2019 Success story, including signed release 7/31/2019 FY 2019 Annual 1/31/2020 FY 2020 Interim Program Outcome Indicators Program Outcome Indicators Client demographic data* Client demographic data* 4/15/2020 Success story, including signed release 7/31/2020 FY 2020 Final Program Outcome Indicators Client demographic data* Self Sufficiency Matrix Self Sufficiency Matrix Self Sufficiency Matrix Self Sufficiency Matrix *Programs will be required to submit household size and income for all program participants. Page 8 of 8

9 UNITED WAY ALICE REPORT CORE STATISTIC 25 % of Households in Geauga are within Poverty and ALICE thresholds which means 1/4 of this county s households struggle to afford the basics of housing, food, health care, child care, and transportation. WHY UNDERTAKE THE ALICE STUDY? The federal poverty rate is commonly regarded as inadequate for measuring the true scope of financial need in the country. United Way believes in a research-based model to fully understand and best respond to the needs of our communities. We wanted to understand the causes of the problems, not just the end results. We sought to provide objective, comprehensive data that can be used for serious planning in every arena. WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE ALICE STUDY? There is significantly greater need than the typical portrait painted of Ohio. ALICE is a vital part of our community. We are all interconnected and our success depends on ALICE s ability to reach his or her potential. ALICE is not going away, he/she is here to stay. There is a systemic problem that will not be solved with 1 magic bullet policymakers, academics, business and social service agencies need to work together to address long-term systemic change. WHAT IS UNITED WAY DOING FOR ALICE? We have long been aware that public assistance is inadequate for many of our households who, as they work to improve their lives, lose benefits and struggle to fulfill basic needs such as housing, food and childcare. Some call this the Benefits Cliff. United Way is focused on bringing this issue out of the shadows and igniting a grassroots movement to give ALICE a chance to become financially stable. We are raising awareness that ALICE exists in our community and that we need to address ALICE for the economic well-being of all residents. We are shedding light on the underlying causes keeping ALICE from succeeding. United Way Services of Geauga County currently works to provide some short- and medium-term solutions for ALICE, such as scholarships to access quality child care, free tax preparation and through support of agencies that work toward the financial stability of our community members. We are advocating for wide-ranging and long-term solutions that get beyond the traditional partisan debates and we are engaging with businesses, government agencies, other nonprofits, the faith-based community and residents to create solutions for a stronger Geauga County. And finally, we are taking an active role in the long-term financial stability and self-sufficiency of individuals and families in our community through programs such as Bridges@Work and Bridges2Work, and connecting our community with direct services through and our Aging and Disability Resource Center.

10 ALICE IN GEAUGA COUNTY 2015 Point-in-Time Data Population: 94,102 Number of Households: 34,486 Median Household Income: $75,895 (state average: $51,075) Unemployment Rate: 2.9% (state average: 6.4%) Gini Coefficient (zero = equality; one = inequality): 0.50 (state average: 0.46) How many households are struggling? ALICE, an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, are households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for the county (the ALICE Threshold, or AT). Combined, the number of poverty and ALICE households equals the total population struggling to afford basic needs. What are the economic conditions? The Economic Viability Dashboard evaluates community conditions for ALICE in three core areas. Each is an index with a scale of 1 (worse) to 100 (better). 75% 6% % Poverty ALICE Above AT County Subdivisions Geauga, 2015 Total HH % ALICE & Poverty Auburn Township 2,285 16% Bainbridge Township 4,445 16% Burton Township 1,675 38% Chardon City 2,238 35% Chardon Township 1,770 23% Chester Township 4,148 23% Claridon Township 1,199 38% Hambden Township 1,702 23% Huntsburg Township % Middlefield Township 1,210 51% Middlefield Village 1,195 48% Montville Township % Munson Township 2,419 20% Newbury Township 2,171 31% Parkman Township 1,048 44% Russell Township 2,126 17% South Russell Village 1,490 14% Thompson Township % Troy Township % Housing Job Community Affordability Opportunities Resources What does it cost to afford the basic necessities? This bare-minimum budget does not allow for any savings, leaving a household vulnerable to unexpected expenses. Affording only a very modest living in each community, this budget is still significantly more than the Federal Poverty Level of $11,770 for a single adult and $24,250 for a family of four. Household Survival Budget, Geauga County SINGLE ADULT 2 ADULTS, 1 INFANT, 1 PRESCHOOLER Housing $502 $764 Child Care $ $1,635 Food $184 $609 Transportation $349 $697 Health Care $184 $707 Miscellaneous $140 $495 Taxes $180 $537 Monthly Total $1,539 $5,444 ANNUAL TOTAL $18,468 $65,328 Hourly Wage $9.23 $32.66 Source: American Community Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U.S. Census, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Ohio Department of Taxation, and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Note: Municipal-level data on this page is for County Subdivisions. Totals will not match county-level data; municipal-level data relies on 5-year averages and is not available for the smallest towns that do not report income. 202 UNITED WAY ALICE REPORT OHIO

11 Self-Sufficiency Matrix 1. Matrix Summary Date / / Staff Name/Initials: 2. Client Information First Name Last Name 3. Self-Sufficiency Matrix Instructions for using the Self Sufficiency Matrix Agency staff should complete this form for all clients at: 1) Entry, 2) Interim: every 6 months while in the program and 3) Exit Select one and only one level in each of the 10 areas below by marking the box next to the appropriate level Level categories: 1 = In Crisis, 2 = Vulnerable, 3 = Safe, 4 = Stable, 5 = Thriving Assessment Type (Point in Time - select one): Entry Interim Exit 1. Income 1. No Income 2. Inadequate income and/or spontaneous 3. Can meet basic needs with subsidy 4. Can meet basic needs and manage debt without assistance 5. Income is sufficient, well managed; has discretionary income and is able to save 2. Employment 0. N/A Retired or unable to work (disabled) 1. Unemployed; may or may not be receiving unemployment compensation. 2. Temporary, part-time or seasonal; no benefits 3. Employed full-time; no benefits 4. Employed full-time with adequate pay and with some employer benefits 5. Maintains permanent, stable employment with adequate income and employer benefits 3. Shelter 1. Homeless or threatened with eviction 2. In transitional, temporary or substandard housing; and/or current rent/mortgage payment is unaffordable 3. In stable housing though not adequate 4. Household is safe, adequate, subsidized housing 5. Household is safe, adequate, unsubsidized housing 4. Food 1. No food or means to prepare it. Relies to a significant degree on food pantries, free or low-cost meals 2. Household is on SNAP 3. Can meet basic food needs but requires occasional assistance 4. Can meet basic food needs without assistance 5. Can choose to purchase any food meeting household nutritional needs 5. Transportation 1. No access to transportation, public or private; may have car that is inoperable 2. Transportation is available but unreliable, unpredictable, unaffordable; may have car but no insurance, license, etc. 3. Transportation is available and reliable but limited and/or inconvenient; drivers are licensed and minimally insured 4. Transportation is generally accessible to meet basic travel needs 5. Transportation is readily available and affordable; car is adequately insured Revised 2/23/18

12 Self-Sufficiency Matrix 6. Childcare 0. N/A: No children under the age of 12 in the home 1. Needs childcare, but none is available/accessible and/or child is not eligible 2. Childcare is unreliable or unaffordable; inadequate supervision is a problem for childcare that is available 3. Affordable subsidized childcare is available but limited 4. Reliable, affordable childcare is available; no need for subsidies 5. Able to select quality childcare of choice 7. Adult Education 1. Literacy problems/english as a second language and/or no high school diploma/ged are serious barriers to employment 2. Enrolled in literacy and/or GED program and/or has sufficient command of English to where language is not a barrier to employment 3. Has high school diploma/ged 4. Needs additional education/training to improve employment situation and/or to resolve literacy problems to where they are able to function effectively in society 5. Has completed education/training to gain employment. No literacy problems 8. Health Care 1. No medical coverage with immediate need 2. No medical coverage and great difficulty accessing medical care when or for chronic conditions. 3. Some members of family on Medicaid or Medicare 4. All members can get medical care when but may strain budget 5. All members are covered by affordable, adequate health insurance 9. Mental Health (Only required if ) 1. Danger to self or others; recurring suicidal ideation; experiencing severe difficulty in day-to-day life due to psychological problems 2. Recurrent mental health symptoms that may affect behavior but not a danger to self/others; persistent problems with functioning due to mental health symptoms 3. Mild symptoms may be present but are transient; only moderate difficulty in functioning due to mental health problems 4. Minimal symptoms that are expectable responses to life stressors; only slight impairment in functioning 5. Symptoms are absent or rare; good or superior functioning in wide range of activities; no more than every day problems or concerns 10. Substance Abuse (Only required if ) 1. Meets criteria for severe abuse/dependence; resulting problems so severe that institutional living or hospitalization may be necessary 2. Meets criteria for dependence; preoccupation with use and/or obtaining drugs/alcohol; withdrawal or withdrawal avoidance behaviors evident; use results in avoidance or neglect of essential life activities 3. Use within last 6 months; evidence of persistent or recurrent social, occupational, emotional or physical problems related to use (such as disruptive behavior or housing problems); problems that have persisted for at least one month 4. Client has used during last 6 months but no evidence of persistent or recurrent social, occupational, emotional, or physical problems related to use; no evidence of recurrent dangerous use 5. No drug use/alcohol abuse in last 6 months Revised 2/23/18

13 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL SCORING RUBRIC ORGANIZATION NAME: PROGRAM NAME: Select one score for each category below: Category Questions for Organization 1) Program Description and Impact Does not describe program goals or outcome indicators Measurable program goals are described, but more information is Adequately describes measurable program goals and outcome indicators 2) Target population 3) Self- Sufficiency Matrix Does not explain target population Agency does not describe how it will implement the Self- Sufficiency Matrix More information Agency only partially describes its plan to implement the Self-Sufficiency Matrix, does not provide enough information Adequately describes target population Agency describes impact, process and implementation of Self- Sufficiency Matrix and identifies goals and milestones 4) Participant Success Description not provided &/or not adequate More information Provides detailed description of a successful program participant & impact for hypothetical client s selfsufficiency after a period of two years 5) Integration of Partners 6) Track Record of Success Does not provide any information requested None of the information requested is provided or is inadequate 7) Evaluation No methods for collecting and reporting data are provided or methods provided are not sufficient 8) Key Staff None of the information on key staff is provided Provides only some of the information requested More information is Proposed methods are somewhat adequate, better methods should be used or more info is Describes some staff, but more information is Provides detailed descriptions of collaborations with other community services, referrals, opportunities & challenges, involvement with other systems, and provides an example of collaboration Agency uses facts, anecdotes and data to describe detailed descriptions of historic & current achievements as well as specific examples of success Agency provides specific examples of quantitative methods for collecting and reporting data on program impact and self-sufficiency Agency provides brief, relevant biographies of at least three key program staff 9) Income Collaborative 10) Future Sharing Agency provides none or insufficient description of an ideal working relationship with UW No suggestions provided for future sharing More information is Agency proposes forums, groups, marketing strategies etc.; yet more information is Agency provides an ideal collaborative relationship with UW that respects UW as a co-facilitator and involves staff and Board of Directors Agency describes productive ways in which it can market and share information about the Income Collaborative and the Self- Sufficiency Matrix Bonus: Does the agency provide any additional information that is interesting or relevant? If so, reward them with 1-3 extra bonus points for ingenuity! /30 Bonus: /3 TOTAL: /30 February 23, 2018