“The Trust is seeking to do more to help local organizations increase their technological capabilities to better serve the community”
Project Overview
The Poor and Needy Division of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust (“the Trust”) is announcing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Non-Profit Technology “Reboot” Initiative (Reboot Initiative). The Poor and Needy Division has periodically made grants to non-profit organizations for capacity building. As part of the Trust’s strategic direction focused on long-term impact, the Trust is seeking to do more to help local organizations increase their technological capabilities to better serve the community and foster collaboration with other organizations in the county.
Project Description
The application process for the Reboot Initiative will run from May 5 to June 2, 2015. Applications are due June 2, 2015 at 5:00 pm. Funding decisions will be announced by the Trust in July. The total amount allocated for this initiative will be approximately $500,000. All grants will be for one year and the maximum grant amount will be $50,000. Though the maximum grant amount is $50,000, the Trust anticipates funding few grants at this level. This level of grant funding will only be considered for what the Trust determines to be a “high-impact” technology improvement. We ask organizations to consider funding requests specific to their organization’s individual needs. The Trust’s goal for this project is to address the technology needs of as many organizations as possible that are eligible under the Poor and Needy Division’s funding interests in order to create a stronger non-profit network and increase the impact of non-profit organizations for residents of Forsyth County.
Examples of technological improvements that might be proposed include:
Desktop, laptop, or tablet computers
Printers appropriate for required job activities (inkjet, laser, multifunction and color)
Upgrades of existing hardware
Non-recurring charges for web-based software, data conversion expenses, website upgrade expenses, and increasing band width
Phone systems, including installation costs of dedicated lines, or devices
Communications software and voice mail systems
Software and software upgrades for accounting, word processing, etc.
Training in the use of particular hardware and/or software
Video cameras and video display technology
Donor relations or contact management software, as well as email outreach and client engagement tools
Consulting fees for evaluation of system needs
Important note: These are simply examples. If you have other technology needs that might improve your organization’s capacity to make an impact in Forsyth County, please share those ideas with us in your application.
Examples of technological improvements that are not eligible for funding include:
Reimbursement for technology that is already in place
Staff positions or salaries
Ongoing technical or maintenance support unless it is included as a “one-time” fee in the price for the purchase for items listed above
Application Overview
Only non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations currently operating in Forsyth County, North Carolina that are consistent with the Poor and Needy Division’s eligibility and funding interests can apply for a technology improvement grant through this RFP. Governmental entities, including colleges and universities, grantmaking organizations, and faith-based organizations without a separate 501(c)(3) entity are not eligible to apply for this funding opportunity.
Organizations must primarily serve “financially disadvantaged” populations, defined as: individuals or families living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, the uninsured, and those eligible for Medicaid and/or the free/reduced school lunch program. Organizations must also be doing work or offering services in one of the Division’s four issue areas: (1) community assets, (2) education, (3) health, and (4) safety net. For further details about the Division’s issue areas and funding interests, please visit http://kbr.org/content/poor-and-needy-division-grantseekers.
To apply for the Reboot Initiative, organizations will complete the online small grants application where you will be directed to attach a separate document containing the answers to questions (below) relative to your request that should highlight the impact and need for this funding in order to enhance organizational capacity.
Proposals must be three pages or fewer (not including attachments) and should include numbered answers to the following questions:
What is your organization’s mission, and how does this request align with and further that mission?
What technology improvements or consulting fees are being requested (include a budget for all hardware, software, installation, and maintenance costs, as well as vendor quotes if applicable)
How will this funding improve your organization’s capacity (cost savings, service delivery and/or increased productivity, impact) and organizational reach (number of individuals served, etc.)? How will you know?
What planning has been conducted prior to this funding opportunity to evaluate the organization’s existing technological capacity and future needs?
What, if any, organizational processes are impacted by this project, and have the cost or resource requirements needed for any process changes been figured into the scope of the project?
How will the organization train staff in the use of the technology and for its maintenance?
Application Timeline
Eligible organizations should take note of the following information:
Proposals can be submitted between May 5, 2015 and June 2, 2015, through our online small grants application only. Applications will not be accepted other than through our online application submission process. Applications are due by June 2, 2015 at 5:00 pm.
Applicants may be called for follow-up questions via phone conference, in-person meeting or site visits throughout June 2015.
Decisions will be finalized by the end of July.
If you have any questions, please contact Joe Crocker, director of the Trust’s Poor and Needy Division, at joe@kbr.org or 336-397-5503.
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