PIKES PEAK UNITED WAY
2016 Request for Proposal Guide
Contents
Mission, Vision, and Values....................................................................................................................... 2
Pikes Peak United Way Impact Areas ....................................................................................................... 2
Eligibility Checklist..................................................................................................................................... 3
Application Checklist ................................................................................................................................. 4
Overview ................................................................................................................................................... 5
Funding Priorities .................................................................................................................................. 5
Current Partner Agencies ...................................................................................................................... 5
Legacy Fund........................................................................................................................................... 5
New Program Funding Requests ........................................................................................................... 6
Faith Based Organizations..................................................................................................................... 6
Outcomes Reporting ............................................................................................................................. 6
Logic Model ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Programs for which Shared Outcomes Do Not Apply ........................................................................... 7
Collaborative Funding Proposals .......................................................................................................... 7
Multiple Program Requests .................................................................................................................. 7
Funding Timeframe ............................................................................................................................... 7
Proposal Review Interviews .................................................................................................................. 7
Program Review Criteria ........................................................................................................................... 9
2016 Community Investment Timeline................................................................................................... 12
Staff Contacts .......................................................................................................................................... 13
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Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission: To improve the quality of life in our community.
Vision: Through strengthened collaboration, we will achieve measurable improvements in education,
income stability, and health for the residents of El Paso and Teller Counties.
Values: Community focused. Inclusive. Collaborative.
Pikes Peak United Way Impact Areas
Pikes Peak United Way has established funding priorities that represent a comprehensive range of
health and human services. Programs seeking United Way funds must demonstrate their alignment with
one of the United Way impact areas—Education, Income, or Health and related strategies from the
identified funding priority areas. To assist you in your application process please review the outcomes
below and check the box next to the outcome(s) and that your organization plans to align with.
Education: Help children and youth succeed in life
 Children are ready to learn and thrive in kindergarten and beyond
 Parents/Caregivers are informed, involved and engaged in their students’ learning
Income: Promote financial stability for families with young children and at-risk young adults
 Youth, ages 14-19, develop, refine, progress along and complete an informed path toward
career
 Youth, ages 14-24, have opportunities and support needed to earn a life sustaining wage
 Households increase employment stability
Health: Improve family stability and well-being
 Individuals and families obtain and maintain safe and stable housing.
 Individuals and families obtain and maintain financial health.
 Individuals and families have access to essential life sustaining needs, such as financial aid, food,
and clothing during crises.
Programs serving children and families will be given highest priority during the allocations process.
Legacy Fund:
 Current partner agencies that are no longer eligible to apply for funding from the Community
Investment Fund due to the newly defined shared outcomes
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Eligibility Checklist
In order for an organization to be eligible to be considered for a grant, it must meet certain standard
eligibility criteria.
Please use the checklist below to determine if your organization is eligible for consideration.
 Qualify under the IRS Code as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization or be a legally established public
entity
 Be governed or advised by a volunteer Board
 Provide a direct service program in El Paso or Teller Counties that fits within one of the funding
priorities identified in the 2016 Pikes Peak United Way 2016 RFP
 If organization has an affiliation with a religious institution, participation in religious
programming or services is not a requirement to receive assistance.
 Have an annual independent audit or review completed by an independent Certified Public
Accountant. (If the operating budget is under $250,000, certified year-end financials approved
by Board Chair and Executive Director may be substituted. If the organization is a public entity,
year-end program financial statements, certified by Board Chair, Program Director and/or
Department Director, or equivalent, may be substituted)
 Have overhead expenses under 25% of total agency or program budget
 Have accounting and financial reporting standards that are relevant Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) or Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements
 Have a non-discrimination policy in place
 Certify that organization complies with the USA Patriot Act
 Have a system for measuring client outcomes, which reflects the program’s effectiveness in
achieving its stated objectives
After being approved for a grant, the organization must agree to the following:
 Submit signed contracts by deadline date or face possible loss of grant funding
 Complete and submit quarterly and year-end outcome reports by required dates
 Provide copies of independent audit, review, and management letter, and IRS Form 990 by
required dates
 Participate in periodic planning and goal-setting with Pikes Peak United Way Community
Investment grantees or collaborating organizations
 Conduct a United Way employee solicitation campaign in your agency’s workplace
 Encourage the organization’s employees to make undesignated contributions to PPUW’s
Community Investment Fund
 Support PPUW’s volunteer engagement efforts, including identification and support of ongoing
corporate, affinity group and other donor volunteer opportunities
 Provide meaningful volunteer project(s) throughout the calendar year
 Agree to acknowledge and identify PPUW as a funder in all published materials, on website and
any other places where funders are listed
 Agree to include PPUW’s logo and follow PPUW’s branding guidelines in all appropriate
materials related to programs and activities funded by the grant
 Agree to participate in a shared measurement system
Pikes Peak United Way reserves the right to make exceptions to these requirements, if necessary.
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Application Checklist
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Complete Agency Eligibility Checklist.
Review the shared outcomes for the program category and determine which of the identified
outcomes apply to your agency’s program(s).
Participate in an Applicant Workshop either in person or online.
Determine a grant amount to request. This amount should be reflected in the Program
Narrative section of the proposal.
Write a cover letter.
Complete the application using the Microsoft Word template provided by Pikes Peak United
Way– including the program narrative and required attachments. Limit the length of your
response to each question to the designated word limit.
Submit the funding proposal to Pikes Peak United Way by 5:00 PM Thursday January 28, 2016
via email (electronic submissions are appreciated) to lara@ppunitedway.org or you may hand
deliver or send via USPS to Pikes Peak United Way Attention: Lara Milton 518 North Nevada
Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1106.
 Remember to include:
o Most recent Audit
o Agency Budget
o Program Budget
o IRS Business Determination Letter
o Program Logic Model
Applications must be received (not postmarked) no later than 5:00 PM on Thursday, January 28, 2016
Grant seekers are encouraged to contact Lara Milton (Lara@ppunitedway.org or 719-457-1316) with
any questions.
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Overview
Organizations providing health and human service programming in El Paso and Teller Counties are
invited to submit proposals for funding consideration by Pikes Peak United Way. All requests must be
consistent with the mission, vision, and guidelines of Pikes Peak United Way. Programs must also align
with one or more of the identified priorities to be eligible for consideration. We anticipate the number
of proposals received and dollars requested will exceed our available resources. We thank grant seekers
in advance for the work put into the proposals. We learn from each one, regardless of our ability to
fund.
Funding Priorities
Pikes Peak United Way awards community impact grants through the Community Investment Fund. The
priorities for this fund are:
Education: Help children and youth succeed in life
• Children are ready to learn and thrive in kindergarten and beyond
• Parents/Caregivers are informed, involved and engaged in their students’ learning
Income: Promote financial stability for families with young children and at-risk young adults
• Youth, ages 14-19, develop, refine, and progress along and complete an informed path toward
career
• Youth, ages 14-24, have opportunities and support needed to earn a life sustaining wage
• Households increase employment stability
Health: Improve family stability and well-being
• Individuals and families obtain and maintain safe and stable housing.
• Individuals and families obtain and maintain financial health.
• Individuals and families have access to essential life sustaining needs, such as financial aid, food,
and clothing during crises.
Programs serving children and families will be given highest priority during the allocations process.
Legacy Fund: Current partner agencies that are no longer eligible to apply for funding from the
Community Investment Fund due to the newly defined shared outcomes
Current Partner Agencies
While all previously funded programs are eligible to apply for funding in 2016, grant funding is not
guaranteed. All programs will be involved in a competitive review process that uses standard criteria,
including applicant programs’ alignment with the funding priorities and the ability to measure
outcomes.
Legacy Fund
Current partner agencies that are no longer eligible to apply for funding from the Community
Investment Fund due to the shared outcomes that are defined above are eligible to apply for funding
from the Legacy Fund. The Legacy Fund has been created to help ease the transition to shared
outcomes for partner agencies and to ensure continued program success during a two-four year time of
transition. Legacy Fund applicants will be held to the same rigorous and competitive review process as
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other applicants and must continue to meet Pikes Peak United Way guidelines. Those who apply for
Legacy Funds may not apply for Community Investment Fund grants. The Legacy Fund will be reduced in
incremental amounts each year/funding cycle.
New Program Funding Requests
Pikes Peak United Way will accept proposals from entities that do not currently receive a United Way
grant and that align with one or more of the funding priorities. Agencies who choose to apply must
meet all of the criteria listed on the eligibility checklist and must meet Pikes Peak United Way guidelines
to be considered for funding.
Faith Based Organizations
Faith based organizations are welcome to apply for Community Investment Funds, but participation in
religious programming or services must not be a requirement to receive assistance.
Outcomes Reporting
Applicant programs must demonstrate how they are positioned to contribute to the achievement of
community outcomes identified within the funding priorities. Applicant programs are required to report
on shared outcomes that are relevant to the program’s services and objectives. When an applicant
agency’s program is unable to collect and report specific shared outcomes data relevant to the program,
it is encouraged to discuss the matter with United Way staff. The lack of relevant shared outcomes data
could negatively impact the review of the program funding proposal.
Shared outcomes data collection will inform United Way’s future community impact planning. During
the upcoming two-year cycle, as data are collected and analyzed, refinement of outcomes performance
measures may occur. Funded programs may be required to make adjustments to the data in
subsequent reporting periods. While no changes will take place with respect to program grants during
the two-year cycle, refinement of outcomes measures will serve as a foundation for future program
investment planning.
Programs are not limited to reporting on the shared outcomes identified by United Way. They are
encouraged to report on additional outcomes for which data are available and which are important to
the participants in the program.
Logic Model
All organizations who wish to apply for funding must submit a logic model. Applicants may use their
own format or the template provided by Pikes Peak United, but must include resources/inputs,
activities, outputs, and outcomes. The logic model should be a visual representation of your grant
request. If needed, you can refer to the following resources for support in creating your logic model:
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The Logic Model Workbook from Innovation Network
Logic Model Development Guide from W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The Center for Civic Partnership in Sacramento has an excellent overview and links to other
resources.
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Programs for which Shared Outcomes Do Not Apply
In a limited number of instances, programs fit a program funding category but do not align with the
specific shared outcomes identified by United Way. These programs may still be eligible to seek funding
and may be exempt from the shared outcomes reporting requirement because of the unique mission of
the program. Applicant agencies with a program that may fall within this group should contact United
Way staff to discuss the program’s alignment with United Way shared outcomes prior to submitting a
funding proposal.
Collaborative Funding Proposals
Pikes Peak United Way encourages the submission of collaborative proposals to the Community
Investment Fund. Such proposals are particularly encouraged when collaboration in the delivery of a
program leads to increased administrative efficiencies and effective service to the target population. In
preparing such a collaborative funding proposal, agencies should consider the following guidance:
1. Consideration will be given to collaborative proposals in which two or more agencies share joint
responsibility for delivering a program.
2. Preference will be given to collaborative programs that are better positioned to achieve
participant outcomes; more effectively address the needs of the target population, and which
leverage greater resources than if operated by a single organization.
3. Collaborative proposals should identify a lead agency, which has responsibility for submitting
the funding proposal, receiving the grant (if awarded) and dividing the funds among the
collaborating agencies as outlined in the proposal.
4. The budget narrative section of the PPUW funding proposal should specify the portion of the
funds requested to be used by each participating agency.
5. The proposal should include a single budget that reflects the combined program income and
expenses of the collaborating agencies.
Multiple Program Requests
Organizations seeking funding for multiple programs will need to submit a funding proposal for each
program. This would include the proposal overview, narrative, program budget, and logic model.
Financial information, which includes the most recent audit, agency budget, and IRS determination
letter only needs to be submitted once.
Funding Timeframe
The Pikes Peak United Way funding cycle will last for 2 years, but will require quarterly data reporting
and an annual outcomes report. The funding cycle will last from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018.
Payments will be disbursed monthly through direct deposit.
Proposal Review Interviews
Thirty-minute in-person meetings will be held between representative(s) of applicant organizations and
Pikes Peak United Way review teams. The purpose of the meeting is to answer questions about the
funding proposal and does not include time for a formal presentation (other than five minutes of
opening remarks by an agency representative). Organizations seeking funding for multiple programs
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should expect to participate in multiple meetings, unless the programs are under review by a single
Pikes Peak United Way review team. In this case, the programs will be discussed at a single meeting and
the length of the meeting may be extended as needed. Proposal review interviews will take place in
February and March 2016. Applicant organizations will be contacted in February regarding the
scheduling of the proposal interview.
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Program Review Criteria
All applicant programs will be reviewed on the extent to which they adhere to the following criteria.
Fit with Pikes Peak United Way Community Investment Focus Areas
 The program provides a health or human service that aligns with one or more of the program
categories in the Pikes Peak United Way Community Investment focus areas.
 The program meets the criteria outlined in the request for proposals for PPUW funding focus
areas.
 Program objectives and client outcomes align with Pikes Peak United Way shared outcomes
defined for the program category that the program aligns with.
Program Design
 The program is designed to prevent, eliminate or mitigate a clearly defined problem. The
program’s methodology represents an evidenced-based or promising approach to achieving the
program objectives and participant outcomes.
 To the extent needed, the program includes specific strategies to address the unique needs of
the target population served, or subsets of the target population, including potential barriers to
successful outcomes. Such barriers may be cultural, economic, geographic, or related to
physical or other disabilities.
 The program strives for quality in the delivery of services by employing best practices or
promising approaches. The program adheres to industry standards in the delivery of services,
including, if applicable, by obtaining accreditation or certification by a third party.
 The program has an appropriate outreach mechanism and/or relationship with appropriate
referral sources.
 The agency operating the program demonstrates an understanding of the community need the
program addresses. The agency is familiar with the service delivery system of which it is a part,
including, but not limited to, a working relationship with other providers of the same service,
collaborative action with those providers and other institutions when appropriate.
 The organization takes appropriate steps to ensure the safety and protection of program clients
in its care.
Program Outcomes
 The program has clearly articulated outcomes that represent a meaningful benefit for program
participants related to the problem that the program is intended to address. The outcomes
reflect a combination of an increase in knowledge, a positive change of attitude or belief system,
or a positive impact on the participants’ behavior, condition or status with regard to the defined
problem.
 The program reports data collected for Pikes Peak United Way’s shared outcomes
 The agency has established an effective system for measuring outcome achievement, including
indicators and data collection methods that provide a valid and reliable way of measuring
outcome achievement.
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If program participants are too numerous for outcome measurement to be feasible for all
participants, the agency identifies a sample that is representative of the program participant
group.
The program sets targets for outcome achievement and achieves those targets, or makes
progress over time toward achieving the targets.
The agency makes use of outcomes data to draw conclusions about the target population,
program design, and other factors to consider for program improvements.
When possible, the agency compares outcome achievement data for its program participants
with data information known about the broader population or populations served by other
similar programs.
Program Capacity:
 The program has sufficient capacity to ensure the effective delivery of services.
 The program has ongoing and consistent revenue sources other than Pikes Peak United Way.
Pikes Peak United Way funding is not a disproportionate share of total revenue.
 The program avoids continuing operating deficits, except to the extent that planned deficits are
balanced by other agency programs that experience a surplus or other revenue sources are
available to the agency to cover the program’s operating deficits.
 Conversely, the program avoids continuing operating surpluses that could otherwise be used to
expand service delivery.
 The program has sufficient staffing to operate the program, including staff with appropriate
credentials and experience. The agency is able to retain qualified staff to ensure consistent
delivery of service.
 For facility-based programs, the program services are delivered in facilities that are safe,
accessible and appropriate, and of a sufficient size.
 The program has sufficient materials that are needed to serve the program participants. The
program has sufficient overall capacity to serve a substantial number of people within the
program’s target population.
 Fee-based programs do not exclude people unable to afford the cost of fees and have a fair and
equitable mechanism in place for making accommodations to those unable to pay the program
fees. Pikes Peak United Way funding supports the program’s ability to provide a significant level
of services to those unable to afford the program fees.
 The program delivers services in a cost-efficient manner, in which the cost per participant or
other unit costs are not excessive for the type of service provided.
Proposal Quality and Agency Response
 The proposal narrative is complete and information contained in the proposal is accurate.
 The agency has responded promptly and fully to requests for follow-up information.
 Data provided in each section of the proposal are consistent with data in other sections of the
proposal. For example, outcomes data reflects a number of people served that is consistent
with the number reported in the program participants section (or a clarifying explanation
provided for any apparent inconsistency).
 The proposal includes a budget form with accurate year-end and current/proposed budget
figures, which are consistent with the agency’s internal budget and financial statements.
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The agency provides complete answers to all quantitative sections of the report, including
program participants by county, cost per participant, at least one unit measure, and at least one
outcome.
To the extent that multiple units of service measures and outcome measures are available and
useful to a full understanding of the program, this information is provided.
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2016 Community Investment Timeline
December 14, 2015
December 17, 2015
January 7, 2016
January 28, 2016
February-March 2016
April 2016
May 2016
July 1, 2016
Request for Proposals Issued to Partner Agencies
Request for Proposals Issued to Community
Proposal Workshop
In-person 2:30 PM at PPUW (518 North Nevada Avenue)
Web-based orientation will be available at www.ppunitedway.org on
January 7, 2016
Proposal Submission Deadline
Applications must be received (not postmarked) no later than 5:00 PM
Proposal Interviews
Volunteer review boards will meet with selected candidate agencies
Decision Making
Pikes Peak United Way review teams meet to discuss funding proposals
and prepare recommendations for the Pikes Peak United Way Board of
Trustees.
Funding Notifications
Determination letters and funding agreements will be mailed to applicants
Funding Begins
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Staff Contacts
Lara Milton, Director of Community Investment
lara@ppunitedway.org
(719)457-1316
Deana Hunt, Senior Vice President of Community Impact
deana@ppunitedway.org
(719)955-0762
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