Request for ApplicationsReady for K Funding Opportunity

RFP A:
Mini Grants

  • Funding requests for $5,000 to $10,000
  • Funding is for projects focused on children and families from prenatal to kindergarten entry
  • Proposals must align with the Ready for K Alliance’s vision, all children enter kindergarten ready to thrive, and at least one outcome area, Healthy Development, Access & Quality, or Family & Caregiver Engagement
  • All funded activities must take place in Jefferson County
  • Funded activities must be completed within one year of funding awards
  • Funding will be a one-time award
  • Organizations can apply for both RFP opportunities so long as all requests meet the funding requirements outlined in the RFP

RFP B:
Collaboration

  • Funding requests up to $75,000 *any request below $10,000 should be submitted to RFP A
  • Funding is for projects focused on children and families from prenatal to kindergarten entry
  • Proposals must align with the Ready for K Alliance’s vision, all children enter kindergarten ready to thrive, and at least one outcome area, Healthy Development, Access & Quality, or Family & Caregiver Engagement
  • All activities must take place in Jefferson County
  • Funding will be a one-time award
  • Funded activities must be completed within one year of funding awards
  • Priority will be given to proposals with two or more organizations engaged in the project
  • An organization can be a partner in more than one proposal so long as all requests meet the funding requirements outlined in the RFP
  • Organizations can apply for both RFP opportunities so long as all requests meet the funding requirements outlined in the RFP

Funding Application Process

 

Proposal Timelines:

  • RFP A & B Open: Monday, July 7, 2025
  • RFP A & B Close: Friday, August 1, 2025
  • All funded proposals will be notified by Tuesday, September 30, 2025
  • Funds will be paid out by Metro United Way in a lump sum upon notice of funding approval and a signed agreement with Metro United Way

Proposal Scoring:

Post Award Process

 

Reporting Process RFP A:

  • Six months and one year post funding partners will provide a written update to Metro United Way including but not limited to:
    • Updates on progress made towards completing the activities in their proposal
    • Updates on progress towards meeting the 2-3 goals outlined in their proposal
    • How the project has supported or made progress towards meeting R4K’s vison and outcome areas
    • What have the funded partner(s) learned from the project?
  • Funded partners will be added to R4K’s listserv and encouraged to engage with the Ready for K Alliance during and after funding

 

Reporting Process RFP B:

  • The funded partner(s) will be required to share informal updates on the project, including a financial update, to Metro United Way staff monthly or as requested
  • Funded partner(s) will be required to present a project update, including a financial update, to Ready for K’s Guiding Team six months and one year following the funding award including but not limited to:
    • Updates on progress made towards completing the activities in their proposal
    • Updates on progress towards meeting the 2-3 goals outlined in their proposal
    • How the project has supported or made progress towards meeting R4K’s vison and outcome areas
    • What have the funded partner(s) learned from the project?
    • What are next steps for this project including plans for ongoing funding if applicable.
  • Funded partner(s) will be required to present a project update to the Ready for K Alliance at a Quarterly Ready for K Meeting within a year of the funding award

Requesting Credentials

If your organization is interested in submitting a proposal complete the form at the link below to request RFP login credentials. Within one business day of requesting credentials you will receive an email with a link to the RFP application. Please note separate credentials are required for each proposal submission so credentials will need to be requested multiple times if an organization plans to submit more than one proposal

Please contact Ashley Brandt, ashley.brandt@metrounitedway.org with questions or requests for additional information.

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