Call for Proposals

Merced County Community Action Agency

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding 2009-2010

ARRA

Community Action, Helping People and Changing Lives

The American Recovery and Re-Investment Act focuses on long-term job creation, economic recovery, sustaining people during economic downturns, and long-term solutions to the problems of healthcare, energy, and unemployment. Across America Community Action Agency’s are working to help the frailest populations sustain themselves during tough economic times through innovative programs that will make them self-sufficient. Programs include job training, internships, educational scholarships, and safety net programs for those who have been devastated by the economy. We are interested in funding expanded or new resources that will provide relief for the low-income with concrete measurable outcomes highlighting how the person/families living situation has improved as a result of the service received.

We are calling for non-profit organizations based in Merced County that are helping low-income people through economic hardships to submit proposals to expand the services currently provided and/or to sustain the current level of services. For this proposal we are focusing on safety nets.

Areas of focus are:

Food Security

Shelter

Clothing

One-time purchases that help the non-profit sustain long-term accessibility

All service recipients must not exceed 200% of poverty level income and grantees will be monitored to ensure participants meet income guidelines. The focus of these monies should be economic recovery and re-investment in our community by providing tools and resources to needy families.

How to apply

A proposal that includes the name of the non-profit organization, years of service to the community, mission of the organization, a financial balance sheet, a draft budget (including cost per unit of service), and no more than 2 typed pages explaining the program they would like to have funded, the measureable outcomes that will be accomplished and how it mirrors the priorities of the ARRA. Proposals are limited to $20,000 with a cap of 10% for administration. Letters are due no later than October 15, 2009 at 5pm and must be hand delivered to MCCAA, 1748 Miles Court, Suite B. Merced, CA.

On or before October 30, 2009, up to 3 applicants will be invited to present an oral presentation on their program to a selection panel. Applicants will be notified of selection in November 2009. The Agency anticipates funding 1 applicants.

Examples of successful programs may include:

Expanded food delivery

Establishment of a hot meal program

Scholarships for basic needs such as clothing, school supplies, health-related issues

Stipends for vocational licenses or accreditation

Garden projects

Tax preparation assistance

Individual grants for school books, tuition, college registration etc.

Medical services for transient populations

Questions about the call for proposals or letters of interest may be directed to brenda@mercedcaa.org through October 12, 2009, after which the call for questions will be closed.