 • SRI FUND DEVELOPMENT RFQ
• SCHOOL READINESS INITIATIVE
• REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
• INFORMATION SESSION
• HOW TO APPLY
• IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
• CONTACT US SRI - FUND DEVELOPMENT RFQ
In September of 2007, the School Readiness Initiative launched the implementation of First 5 LA's Sustainability Project tailored specifically for School Readiness Grantees to support their efforts of developing and implementing plans to sustain high-quality outcomes for children ages 0 to 5. Through a structured eight-month, team-based curriculum, School Readiness Grantees were able to assess funding needs as well as develop comprehensive short- and long-term sustainability plans. Through this RFQ First 5 LA will offer fund development resources to SR Grantees that do not have the internal capacity to implement their sustainability plans due to staff being occupied with the day-to-day responsibilities of operating their programs. SCHOOL READINESS INITIATIVE
Launched in 2001, the School Readiness Initiative (SRI) is a joint funding partnership between First 5 California and the 58 County Commissions. SRI engages families, community members, and educators in the important work of preparing children, birth to age five, for kindergarten. First 5 LA currently funds 41 School Readiness (SR) Programs throughout Los Angeles County that are each comprised of a lead agency and multiple collaborative partners. SR Programs work to achieve outcomes in the following four Result Areas: Improved Family Functioning - Adult education, parenting classes, and job training conducted in partnership with adult schools and community colleges
Improved Child Development - Access to quality preschools, early care and education centers
- Home visitation programs for children not enrolled in early education centers
Improved Health - Enrollment in free and low cost health insurance programs
- Care/case management to ensure that children receive preventative health services
Improved Systems of Care - Facilitation of children's transition from home and preschool to kindergarten
- Articulation of kindergarten standards between kindergarten teachers and early education providers
- Funding streams that support school readiness efforts
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
First 5 LA is seeking one or more Contractors with expertise in non-profit and/or school funding to provide fund development and grant writing services to multiple School Readiness Programs. Under the direction of, and in coordination with First 5 LA staff, selected Contractors will provide the following services: 1. Assessment of agency's 0 to 5 funding streams
Review agency's current funding streams across the four Result Areas (i.e., Improved Family Functioning, Improved Child Development, Improved Health and Improved Systems of Care). 2. Research funding opportunities to support 0 to 5 efforts
Research funding opportunities from city, county, state and federal departments, including ARRA funding. 3. Develop a schedule of future funding opportunities
Develop a funding calendar that will help position agencies to better mobilize the resources required to respond to opportunities when they arise. This is particularly important for agencies that do not have in-house fund development staff. 4. Grant Writing
Many agencies are unable to afford in-house fund development staff. Likewise, staff are often too busy with day-to-day program management to respond to funding opportunities. Contractors are expected to be able to do direct grant writing for agencies that do not have internal capacity. • School Readiness Initiative - Fund Development RFQ Cover Letter
• School Readiness Initiative - Fund Development RFQ
• School Readiness Initiative - Fund Development RFQ Local Agreement
• School Readiness Initiative - Fund Development RFQ Review Tool All questions and requests for additional information regarding this RFQ must be received in writing by First 5 LA via mail, fax, or email before 5 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 2010. First 5 LA reserves the sole right to determine the timing and content of the responses to all questions and requests for additional information. Questions and information requests may be submitted to mellis@first5la.org. INFORMATION SESSION
An information teleconference for the School Readiness Initiative - Fund Development RFQ will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon. Participation in the information session is highly recommended but is not required in order to apply for this opportunity. To RSVP and receive access instructions for the teleconference, please contact mellis@first5la.org no later than Friday, June 11, 2010. HOW TO APPLY
To provide a response to this RFQ, applicants are requested to submit a complete application online as well as one (1) complete application packet with original signatures via U.S. Mail to First 5 LA no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2010. For online application and instructions, please click here. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Appendix A: Applicant Reference Form
Appendix B: Hourly Budget Summary
Appendix C: Agency Involvement in Litigation and/or Contract Compliance Difficulties
Appendix D: Signature Authorization Form
Appendix E: List of School Readiness Programs
Appendix F: Qualification Review Tool
Appendix G: Sample Contract CONTACT US
For additional information or further questions, please contact Marsha Ellis, Senior Program Officer, at (213) 482-7547 or mellis@first5la.org
|
