2008 Create Our Future Capacity Building Funds

2008 Create Our Future Capacity Building Funds
Request for Proposal

Funding Available

Funds are available for new and innovative projects and programs that help to realize goals of the strategic plan: “Creating Vibrant Communities in Which We All Age Well.”  [http://www.allagewell.com/documents/all_age_well_doc.pdf ]
This funding opportunity is available to the following:

1. Local Senior Advisory Councils in the communities of Allenspark, Boulder, Erie, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, and Niwot; and Senior Services in the communities of Boulder, Erie, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, and Nederland.  A total of $10,000 is available to applicants in this category.  (Any funds not distributed to this pool of applicants may be available for applicants described in number 2, below.)

2. Any qualified non-profit agency (with 501(c)(3) IRS status) serving seniors in Boulder County.  A total of $20,000 is available to applicants in this category.

Typically, projects will be funded between $500 and $5000.

Boulder County Aging Services Division will offer capacity building funds to Local Senior Advisory Councils and/or Senior Services, and non-profit agencies. Our goal is to award funds in November of this year, based on the merit of each proposal.  The purpose of these funds is to:

* Create vibrant communities in which we all age well by contributing to projects that enhance communities for all ages.
* Promote the health and well-being of older adults by building on individual, family, and community strengths.
* Encourage Local Senior Advisory Councils, Senior Services, and local non-profits, representing the diversity of Boulder County, to form alliances that build upon the strengths of older adults and community partners.
* Build capacity in Local Senior Advisory Councils, Senior Services and local non-profits through education and skill-building technical assistance.
* Funding is only available for programs and services that build upon the strengths of older adults and communities and address one of the goals in one of the quadrants of an elder-friendly community. (Refer to Appendix A)  Equipment and capital improvements will not be funded.  Typically, food or meal services will not be funded, though exceptions may be made with qualifying insurance coverage.
* Please note: Certain activities may require indemnification and insurance, depending on the degree of risk involved.  If insurance is going to be required (such as with non-profits) a certificate of insurance should be provided at the time the contract is signed to order to expedite payment. It is possible that automobile and workers compensation insurance may be necessary depending on the organization size and project.
* Local Senior Advisory Councils, Senior Services and non-profit organizations will not receive funding for a project that has already received Create Our Future funds.  However, a new emphasis or iteration of a previously funded program may qualify. Replication of an evidence-based project or successful project in another community is highly encouraged.

* Funds will be awarded: directly to a Local Senior Advisory Council (providing it has a tax identification number) or to an appropriate entity (with a tax identification number) designated by the Council; to local Senior Services; or to a qualified non-profit organization with 501 (c)(3) status from the IRS. 
* Special consideration will be given to projects that replicate an existing evidence-based project or program.  (Evidence-based programs are interventions based on evidence that is generated by scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals.  For more information about Evidence Based programs for older adults, please visit the National Council On Aging’s website: http://www.healthyagingprograms.org/content.asp?sectionid=32 )
* Typically, funds are to be used within one year following their receipt.  Permission to use unexpended funds after this time period may be granted following a written request by the applicant to Boulder County Aging Services Division. 
* Any funds not awarded by the end of the funding period each year will become available for general operations of the Boulder County Aging Services Division.

What are Capacity Building Funds?

Capacity Building Funds provide seed monies to help with program start-up and/or to strengthen your organization’s ability to contribute to communities in which all age well, while also requiring applicants to participate in ongoing Technical Assistance from BCASD staff.  Technical Assistance includes any specialized skill or service that your organization may require to fulfill the goals and objectives of your Create Our Future project.  This assistance may take the form of workshops, one-on-one counseling, telephone or web-based contact, and project-development.   Potential workshops include, but are not limited to: grant writing, meeting facilitation, strategic planning, website development, budgeting, hosting a zero-waste event, and creating goals and objectives. 

Requirements

1.  All projects must address one or more of the following essential elements of a vibrant community (see Appendix A for more detail):

* Addresses Basic Needs 
* Promotes Social and Civic Engagement
* Optimizes Physical and Mental Health and Well-being  
* Maximizes In/dependence and Supports Caregivers

2.  Local Senior Advisory Councils, Senior Services, or non-profit agencies that plan to apply for 2008-09 Create Our Future funds must:

* Identify a project that builds upon the strengths of older adults and the community to Create Vibrant Communities in Which We All Age Well.

* Build a community partnership.  (See explanation under “Community Partners” below.)

* Attend at least one meeting of the Countywide Leadership Council (CLC) and/or a quadrant workgroup to gain a better understanding of their work and how your project will help accomplish one or more goals of the strategic plan for aging well in Boulder County.

* Involve older adults in the development, planning, oversight, and evaluation of the proposed project. 

* Consider the sustainability of the proposed project.  How will your project save energy, reduce waste, conserve resources, create less pollution and contribute to a strong community and healthy economy? 

* Consider the steps necessary to continue this project in future years.  What other funding sources will you pursue?  What other community partners will you engage to help carry-out this project in the future?

* Agree to participate in on-going technical assistance provided by Boulder County Aging Services Division. 

* Complete semi-annual and year-end progress reports discussing project outcomes and accounting for the use of the funds.

* Submit a Concept Letter to BCASD, no later than Thursday, May 15th, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.

3.  Building Successful Community Partnerships:

A successful Create Our Future project is dependent upon building community partnerships.  Local Advisory Councils, Senior Services, and non-profit agencies are the leaders in this process. Your partners may include other local service agencies, health care providers, service organizations and clubs, schools, quadrant workgroups of the CLC, home owners associations, local businesses, and citizens.

While forming community partnerships, your goals will be to:

* Review the quadrants of an elder-friendly community and identify areas in which you can work together to create vibrant communities in which we all age well. 
* Develop a project that uses the strengths of older adults and your community to create a vibrant community in which we all age well.

**The perspectives, resources, and experiences of a wide range of community groups provide a broad base from which to create vibrant communities in which we all age well.**

4.  Please consider the following Strategic Design Principles when designing your project.  (See Appendix B for a helpful worksheet):

1. Strengths:  Programs and services build upon individual, family, and community strengths. Programs and services build strengths in those who use them.

2.  Access: Access to programs and services is seamless, barrier-free, affordable, and welcoming. Information about, and assistance to secure services is accurate, comprehensive, and readily available.

3. Diversity and Inclusion: Differences are valued as strengths.  Individual differences are honored and celebrated.  We respect and include persons of all ages, races, cultures, backgrounds, genders, gender expressions, gender identities, sexual orientations, lifestyles, religions, physical and mental abilities, and incomes.

4. Participation: Older adults contribute to the community in meaningful ways. The community recognizes and appreciates the contributions of older adults and caregivers. Those who participate in programs and services have the opportunity to both give and receive. Opportunities exist for meaningful paid and volunteer work. Programs and services incorporate all ages, when possible.

5. Implementation and Evaluation: Programs and services are designed, delivered, funded, and evaluated in consultation with those who use them -- older adults, caregivers, and community members. Programs and services reflect evidence-based need, incorporate measurable outcomes, and are regularly evaluated. Existing services are enhanced rather than duplicated.

6. Leadership:  Leaders hold the vision of vibrant communities in which we all age well. Leaders educate, motivate, communicate, and collaborate to achieve this vision. They model courage and caring. They make program, policy, and funding decisions that create vibrant communities in which we all age well.

7. Partnerships and Relationships:  The public and private sectors collaborate to optimize the use of resources, minimize duplication, and reduce administrative overhead.

8. Resource Allocation: Resources are allocated in an equitable manner, in proportion to community demographics and demonstrated need. Programs and services demonstrate the efficient and effective use of resources.

Application Process

1. Potential applicants are required to submit a Concept Letter by May 15th, to the Boulder County Aging Services Division office. 

Concept Letters should be 3 pages or less and should answer the following questions:

* What is your organization’s name and contact information?
* What is the title (or proposed title) of your project?
* What amount of money are you requesting for this project?
* Briefly describe what the project will accomplish.  What are the goals and objectives of the project?
* What community partners will you invite to be involved in this project?

Email or Mail one copy of the concept letter no later than May 15th at 4:00 p.m. to:
   lmathews@bouldercounty.org

          Laura Mathews
          BCASD
            P.O. Box 471
          Boulder, CO  80306

2. Upon review of the Concept Letters, BCASD will invite selected organizations to apply for 2008-09 Create Our Future Funds through a formal application process.

3. Applications will be due by July 15th and will be reviewed within six weeks. The review committee may schedule oral presentations with the applicants as part of the review process. The committee may also request revisions to proposals.  Typically, funding decisions will be finalized by the end of October.

4. Funds will be distributed after the proposal has been reviewed, approved, and a contract is signed by both the applicant and Boulder County.