Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic Request for Proposals Partnership Opportunity for Local Nonprofit Organizations Ilitch Charities will host the inaugural Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic on August 25, 2008 at Oakland Hills Country Club. The event will provide partnership opportunities for three local nonprofit organizations. The following document provides background information about Ilitch Charities and this partnership opportunity. About Ilitch Charities is committed to making improvements, large and small, in the quality of life for the residents of Detroit and surrounding communities. We invest in our region s future by supporting innovative, collaborative and measurable programs in the areas of community and economic development, human services, education and recreation through contributions from the Ilitch companies, our colleagues and the generosity of others. We seek innovative ideas being pursued by creative and entrepreneurial organizations. Affiliates of Ilitch Charities include the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Detroit Red Wings Foundation. The mission of the Detroit Tigers Foundation is to use the game of baseball to enhance the quality of life in our community with a focus on youth, education and recreation. Created in 2005, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation aims to assist and satisfy the unique needs of our community through the sport of hockey. Vision Ilitch Charities envisions a region in which all children and youth have opportunities for positive growth and development and all adults have the resources needed to provide for and strengthen their families. Ilitch Charities believes that all individuals are capable of becoming economically self-sufficient through a continuum of workforce preparedness activities. This continuum involves the development of a broad spectrum of skill sets ranging from those necessary to enter the workforce to those needed for career advancement. It is our belief that these skill sets can be acquired through a wide array of training and learning opportunities, from early childhood through post-secondary education and life-long learning. Simply put, we believe that all people have the right to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to reach economic self-sufficiency, remain active learners, be good parents and effective citizens.
Empowering through Grantmaking and Support Ilitch Charities believes that great talent and great potential exist in the Southeast Michigan region. We seek to foster an environment in which talented individuals develop and refine their abilities. It is our hope that, with our grantmaking and support, we can empower organizations to help individuals take the next step in the continuum of workforce preparedness that will contribute to the growth and prosperity of this region. Organizations selected as partners for the Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic are eligible for a one-time grant of $100,000 to support programming that will enhance workforce preparedness and economic selfsufficiency. Organizations may also benefit from additional promotion and visibility provided by Ilitch Charities and related companies. Selected partner organizations will also be expected to participate in the event, including providing a maximum of 20 volunteers for the event on August 25, 2008. It is anticipated that three partner organizations will be selected. Beyond partner organizations, proceeds from the Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic will be utilized for additional grantmaking by Ilitch Charities. Focus Areas Given the vast nature of workforce preparedness and economic selfsufficiency, Ilitch Charities is interested in supporting organizations that provide the following types of new or expanded programming: Job readiness programs for youth and adults Job creation and retention programs Small business training and development Career development (job coaching/training/resume & interview workshops) Basic skills (adult literacy, basic math skills) Leadership recruitment and development Review Process Decisions will be made within a competitive review process. Reviewers will include representatives of Ilitch Charities and selected independent outside entities. All decisions are at the sole discretion of the board of directors of Ilitch Charities. The competitive review process will include analysis of the following criteria: High quality programming that supports children and/or families High quality programming that leads to measurable results Utilization of innovative and best practice strategies in the areas of workforce preparedness and economic self-sufficiency
Organization s contribution and/or importance to metropolitan Detroit s unique identity and the growth of the region Participation in effective partnerships and collaborations, and Capacity to effectively utilize funding and support from Ilitch Charities to achieve the organization s long-term goals. Who can apply? Applicant organizations must meet the following eligibility criteria: be located in and serve southeast Michigan, including Detroit, Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, or St. Clair County have IRS 501(c)(3) designation, and have a certified independent financial audit. Who cannot apply? The following types of organizations are not eligible to apply: Organizations not located in southeast Michigan For-profit organizations Individuals Schools, including K-12 and higher education institutions, and Government agencies and local municipalities. How may funding be used? Funding may be used for costs such as salaries, wages, or consultant fees; program supplies; program development and programmatic costs; or capital expenditures tied directly to programmatic outcomes. Funding may not be used for general operating support; fundraising events; endowments; political activity; sectarian religious programs; prior year(s) deficits; or payments to individuals. Reporting Requirements If a partnership grant is awarded, the grantee organization will be required to submit an interim report on or before December 1, 2008 and a final report on or before June 1, 2009 in order to demonstrate the results of the project and to show that all funds were spent as intended. Organizations selected as partners for the 2008 Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic may be eligible to re-apply for funding again in 2009. Application Format Ilitch Charities does not require a specific application form for the partnership opportunity with Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic. However, this document, including the eligibility, grant review criteria and application checklist, outlines the items that organizations should consider when preparing a proposal.
We prefer to have you determine your own application format, as we want you to take the space you deem necessary to address issues specific to your application. Most importantly, the proposal should provide the rationale for the proposed project, why the project is important, and how the project will be sustained in the long run. Application Checklist Ilitch Charities does not have a specific application form for the partnership opportunity with the Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic; however, we do ask that your application include the items listed below: Cover letter outlining: Legal name of the organization Dollar amount requested Purpose of the proposed project Description of the population being served Note: The CEO/executive director of the organization should sign the cover letter and indicate some evidence of approval of the request by the organization s board of trustees. Organizational information Name, address, telephone number, website and e-mail address of the applicant organization and main contact person(s) for the application Mission and brief background of the applicant organization. Project description Definition of the issue the application is addressing Description of the need for the proposed project Indication as to whether the proposed activity is new, expanded or an ongoing part of the organization s programming Basic objectives of the proposed project Detailed work plan and the time frame for accomplishing the project s objectives Evaluation plan, including the criteria that will be used for judging the effectiveness of the proposed project, the expected outcome(s), and the impact of the proposed project Geographic boundaries and associated zip codes of the area that will be serviced by your proposed project Relevant qualifications and experience of the organization and the project s principal staff Description of any partnerships that are occurring as a part of the proposed project, including an outline of the roles and responsibilities of each partner
Required financial information Dollar amount of grant support requested Detailed budget and budget narrative for the project, including the proposed use of grant funds and any additional support anticipated or secured from other sources Provisions for future project funding beyond the grant period Organization s operating budget for the current fiscal year Copy of a recent certified financial audit Supporting materials Copy of the most recent Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) federal tax-exemption letter List of current board of directors, with individuals affiliations Letters of support or memoranda of understanding from project partners Résumés of principal staff for proposed project, if applicable Information on the organization s commitment to diversity with regard to staff, board, constituents and program content Copy of the most recent annual report Please include the original plus one copy. We do ask that applicants leave materials unbound (note: binder clips are acceptable). All materials must be mailed or delivered to our office. Electronic or fax submissions are not accepted. How to Apply Completed applications must be postmarked no later than April 23, 2008 and sent to: Ilitch Charities 2211 Woodward Avenue Detroit MI 48201 Applications may not be delivered in person or via electronic mail or fax. Staff members from Ilitch Charities and its affiliates are not available to answer questions prior to application submission. All organizations will receive an electronic mail confirmation of receipt of applications.