UNITED WAY OF GREATER PORTLAND
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – FINANCIAL STABILITY
I.
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
United Way of Greater Portland (United Way) advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better
life for all. Our focus is on Education, Financial Stability and Health—the building blocks for a good quality of
life. Central to this work is partnering with community agencies to provide direct services and effect systems
change, both of which create measurable improvement in the lives of our most vulnerable residents.
United Way provides support for a safety net of critical needs services in the community and also recognizes the
value in providing supports to better position individuals and families to improve their situation over time.
United Way has developed a master framework to guide its work to promote financial stability, from providing
the critical needs services to supporting asset development efforts for low income individuals and families.
United Way has identified the following outcomes and target areas to guide its investments focused on building
long term financial stability:
Goal: Everyone achieves long term financial stability.
Community Outcomes and Metrics:
 Safe, affordable housing: Individuals and families spend less than 30% of their income on housing
 Stable adequate income: Individuals and families earn a livable wage
 Adequate savings and assets: Individuals and families have savings equal to at least 3 months of
income
Target Areas:
 Provide supports to secure and maintain safe, affordable housing
 Maximize income/work supports and public programs
 Build education and skills for the workforce
 Increase basic financial skills
II.
PURPOSE
United Way seeks to fund one collaborative project in Cumberland County (with the exception of Brunswick and
Harpswell, which are outside our service area) to increase the financial stability of low income individuals and
families. United Way recognizes that achieving long term improvement in financial stability is complex and
requires flexible and coordinated approaches to meet the wide range of potential client needs. United Way also
recognizes that streamlined access to services and sustained intervention are critical elements for achieving
positive outcomes. Finally, United Way believes that population level change requires changes to systems or
adoption of innovative, new approaches.
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Proposals should include strategies that address one or more of the Target Areas outlined in section VII to help
individuals and families attain the long term outcomes of 1) safe, affordable housing, 2) stable, adequate income
and 3) adequate savings and assets.
III.
FUNDING
Funding is $50,000 for one year with the possibility of renewed funding. Generally, funding may be used to
support the development of new services, to expand the reach and capacity of existing services, to develop
systems to improve the coordination of services, and to develop and implement systems change strategies that
may include changes to practices and policies.
IV.
BASIC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
United Way will consider proposals from currently or previously funded agencies and programs, as well as from
agencies and programs not previously funded by United Way.
Proposals must focus efforts on one of the following populations within United Way’s service area:
 Low income families with children
 Low income single parents
 Ethnically diverse communities
 Neighborhoods with high concentrations of the above populations
United Way values the ability and willingness of community partners to work with other organizations and
across sectors in order to achieve positive, lasting change in our community. We strongly believe that collective
impact creates stronger communities than does the isolated impact of individual organizations alone. As such,
only those proposals that demonstrate a formal collaboration as it relates to the proposal will be considered.
United Way defines formal collaboration as a structured, mutually beneficial relationship between two or more
organizations that work toward a common goal by sharing resources, responsibility, authority, and
accountability for achieving results. It is more than agencies cooperating, responding to requests or referring
clients. Collaborations demonstrate a jointly developed structure and process for shared decision-making,
problem solving, communication, planning, allocation of resources, and monitoring and evaluating outcomes
and deliverables of the project. Collaborative proposals should address issues in creative ways that provide
results that may not have been possible without the collaboration. One organization should submit the
proposal as the fiscal sponsor/lead agency on behalf of the collaboration.
The collaboration must agree to:
 Coordinate client entry and assessment
 Share a database and an evaluation plan
 Mutually align activities to result in the eventual change to practices/policies
All applicants must meet the following basic eligibility criteria:
 Applicants operate on a non-discriminatory basis with regard to age, sex, race, religion, national origin,
disability and sexual orientation
 Applicants comply with the Patriot Act
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Additionally, the Lead Organization must meet the following criteria:
 Is a non-profit 501(c)(3) federal tax exempt organization, public school, municipal entity, or Indian Tribal
government.
 Has a Board of Directors with local representation.
 Has a professional staff person responsible to the Board of Directors for the agency's administration and
operations.
 Has at least a two-year history of service to residents of the geographic area covered by United Way
(Cumberland County with the exception of Brunswick and Harpswell) prior to the fiscal year of
application for funding.
 If annual revenues exceed $250,000, the lead organization has an annual independent audit performed
and financial statements prepared in conformance with the Standards of Accounting and Financial
Reporting for Voluntary Health and Welfare Organizations. Applicants with revenues below $150,000
may submit a 990 form in lieu of an audit.
 Agree to work with United Way in evaluating the project and in disseminating and sharing public
recognition of the project.
V.
TIMELINE
Submission Deadline: April 1, 2015
Submission Information:
 Send to Jeri Chapman, United Way of Greater Portland, P.O. Box 15200, Portland, ME 04112-5200
 Provide 10 copies of proposal and 3 copies of agency audit/990
 Email 1 electronic version (PDF) of the proposal to Jeri Chapman at jchapman@unitedwaygp.org
Final Selection: by June 30, 2015
VI.
PROCESS
Proposal selection is a two-step process:
Step One: Proposals that pass an initial screen (completeness, eligibility and verification that proposals meet
basic requirements) will be reviewed and scored by the United Way Community Investment Team, composed of
community volunteers, and United Way staff. The team will comparatively rank the proposals according to the
criteria set forth in the RFP and select proposals to move on to Step 2.
Step Two: In this stage, applicants will be asked to participate in an in-person meeting with the Investment
Team. Additional documentation related to eligibility criteria, limited supplemental information and site visits
may be requested as part of this process as the review team deems necessary.
Funding recommendations will be presented to United Way’s Community Impact Steering Committee and Board
of Directors for review and final approval. All funding decisions are final.
VII.
TARGET AREAS AND OUTCOMES
Proposals should include strategies that address one or more of the following Target Areas to help individuals
and families reach the long term outcomes of 1) safe, affordable housing, 2) stable, adequate income, and 3)
adequate savings and assets.
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a)
Target Area: Supports to secure safe, affordable housing
Why this is important:
 Nationally, more than 4 million working families pay more than half of their income for rent and/or
mortgages, leaving them particularly vulnerable to eviction or foreclosure if their income is interrupted.
In Maine, 27% of households are renters. Twenty-six percent of renter households (42,612) are
extremely low income: income between 0-30% ($14,350 to $23,850 in income) of the Area Median
Income (AMI).1
 59% of residents in Cumberland County (69,866) are unable to afford the median home price.
 56.1% of households in Cumberland County (21,158) are unable to afford the average 2 bedroom
rental.2
 Loss of housing impacts job status, school success and level of community connections and informal
supports.
b) Target Area: Maximizing income/work supports and public programs
Why this is important:
 Low income families are often unaware that they are eligible for state and federal income support
benefits, resulting in nearly $65 billion in unclaimed benefits each year.
 Many people drop out of the benefit enrollment process due to administrative and procedural barriers.
 Locally, the participation rate for a key tax credit such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is
approximately 80%.
 Income supports can create the capacity for low incomes individuals and families to not only meet basic
needs, but to significantly boost their financial resources and begin to develop savings, a vital element of
stability.
c)
Target Area: Building education and skills for the workforce
Why this is important: (http://www.workingpoorfamilies.org/pdfs/Overlooked_Dec2011.pdf)
 In 2010, the national unemployment rate for those without a high school diploma was 14.9 percent,
compared with 5.4 percent unemployment among those with a bachelor’s degree. The median weekly
earnings for college graduates ($1,038) were more than double those of high school dropouts ($444).

A recent national study forecasts that approximately 35% of all job openings occurring by 2022 will
require workers to have some level of postsecondary education. Maine job growth is projected in
occupations requiring technical or post-secondary education.


49% of Cumberland County residents have an associate’s degree or higher.3
In 2010, three in 10 low income working families had at least one parent without a high school diploma.
In more than half of low income working families, no parent had any education beyond high school,
putting them at a severe disadvantage in terms of job security, earnings, and potential economic
mobility. Individuals in Cumberland County without a high school diploma are 2.5 times more likely to
be in poverty than those with a diploma.
1
www.nlihc.org State Housing profile
http://scorecard.assetsandopportunity.org/2014/report/state-profile
3
http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_12_5YR_S1501
2
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
“Increasing access to postsecondary education alone is not enough to keep up with the demand for
middle skills workers (although it is an important piece of the puzzle). Additional efforts need to be
made to educate and train a middle skills workforce, including creating education/sector partnerships
and clearly articulated career pathways.”4
d) Target Area: Increasing basic financial capability
Why this is important:
 According to a 2013 National Financial Capability survey, 15% of Maine people spend more than their
income, and 60% of individuals find it somewhat or very difficult to cover expenses and pay bills. 5
 The more individuals and families know about credit, banking services, and budgeting, the more likely
they are to save, gain assets, and improve their financial well-being.
 Low income consumers remain outside the financial mainstream, which means they pay more for basic
financial services such as banking services, credit cards and personal loans, lessening the amount of
money available for daily needs, to pay down debt or put into savings.
 Research by the Consumer Federation of America 2013 study shows that 49% of families have a
traditional savings account with a median balance of $2,400. Thirty-seven percent of families had
accounts with a median balance of $800. These accounts help low to middle income families with
unexpected expenses such as car repairs and medical and dental bills.6
 Children who have a savings account in their name – no matter the size – are seven times more likely to
attend college than youth with no account. Those with a savings account opened for them as a child are
twice as likely as their peers without savings to have graduated or be on course to graduate from a 2- or
4-year post-secondary degree program by age 23.7
VIII.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
a) Outcome Measures and Learning Organization
The collaboration utilizes evidence-based practices, including participant-focused outcome measurement (see
RFP Instructions Packet for more information about outcome measures). Proposals should include strategies
that address at least one of the four identified Target Areas to help individuals and families to achieve the long
term Community Outcomes of 1) safe, affordable housing, 2) stable, adequate income, and 3) adequate savings
and assets. There will be an opportunity for the grant recipient to work with United Way staff to finalize client
outcomes and meet the expectations set out in the outcome measures document.
b) Whole Client Approach
4
http://www.achieve.org/files/MiddleSkillsJobs.pdf
http://www.usfinancialcapability.org/results.php?region=ME
6
http://www.consumerfed.org/news/681
7
http://save4ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Full-Report.pdf , pg. 68-76
5
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The collaboration successfully incorporates a range of connected strategies in a coordinated fashion. The
collaboration provides “wrap around” services that reinforce the core financial stability services and considers
access issues that make participation in financial stability services possible (e.g., transportation, childcare). The
collaboration strives for sustained engagement with clients, where appropriate, to achieve and measure long
term financial stability goals. Where appropriate, the collaboration also seeks to initiate population level and
systems-wide change.
c) Sustainable and Replicable Model That Demonstrates Promise for Long Term Community Level Impact
The project demonstrates a plan for sustainability beyond United Way funding. The collaborative model has the
potential to be scaled and replicated in other locations/populations. The project proposes to implement a
framework for long term community level impacts with the target population.
d) Agency/Program Experience
The collaborative partners have a proven track record of success in their relevant area of expertise. The partners
have a track record of data collection, analysis and use of data to inform organizational practice. Together the
partners utilize evidence-based best practices in the area of financial stability.
e) Fiscal accountability and management
The lead organization is well managed and fiscally sound, and demonstrates efficient and effective use of
resources.
f)
Diverse Populations
The program takes action to reach out to and serve diverse populations.
g) Priority Consideration
Priority consideration will be given to applications that:
1) Tie to United Way’s other work, such as the Westbrook Children’s Project and CA$H;
2) Propose to effect systems change; and/or
3) Propose to address two or more of the identified target areas.
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UNITED WAY OF GREATER PORTLAND
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – FINANCIAL STABILITY
APPLICATION FORM
LEAD ORGANIZATION:
PROPOSED PROJECT:
MAILING ADDRESS:
PHONE:
E-MAIL:
_______________________________
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
BOARD PRESIDENT:
COMPLETED BY:
DATE:
SECTION A: Organization and Program Information
1. Organization Description. Provide a list of each partner organization within the collaboration and a brief
overview of each, including its mission, target population and types of services offered. Current United Way
Partner Agencies do not need to provide an overview. (150 words or less per organization)
2. Collaboration Structure and Staffing. Please attach the following (no narrative answer requested).
 Organizational chart and Board member list with length of service and professional expertise and
affiliation for lead organization.
 Organization Chart depicting staff from each collaborative partner and their role in the project.
 Signed MOU indicating formal collaboration among applicant organizations.
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3. Community Goals and Target Areas. Indicate with an (X) the Community Goals and Target Area(s) this
project intends to impact.
Community Goal
Safe, affordable housing:
Individuals and families spend
less than 30% of their income
on housing
Stable adequate income:
Individuals and families earn a
livable wage
Target Area
Provide supports to secure
and maintain safe, affordable
housing
Maximize income/work
supports and public programs
Build education and skills for
the workforce
Adequate savings and assets:
Individuals and families have
savings equal to at least 3
months of income
Increase basic financial skills
4. Approach to Increasing Financial Stability. Provide a description of the range of services to be provided in
the project, and specifically address how the project will address the Community Outcomes and Target Area(s)
selected above. Topics to be covered should include: the project goal statement, target populations served,
eligibility criteria, types of services offered, how and where services are delivered, how participant input is
obtained, use of volunteers, the partners’ history of providing services, the value of the proposed project in
effecting systems and/or population level change, and anything else of importance you think we should know
about your proposal. (500 words or less)
5. Evidence-Based Programming. Describe the research or evidence basis for the strategies included in the
project’s service model. (250 words or less)
6. Data collection tracking and use of data. Describe how your organization will collect, analyze and use data
from the project for continuous program improvement. Describe how you will use the data to ensure long term
community level change. (250 words or less)
7. Collaboration and Coordination. Discuss how this specific collaborative project will help increase
coordination and efficiency of services, and result in improved client experience, participation and outcomes.
Include a description of the communication and coordination that will occur among partners to ensure
coordinated service delivery and/or advance systems change. (200 words or less)
8. Client Outreach and Engagement Strategies. Discuss the strategies that will be used to ensure the identified
target populations are aware of and able to access services and are encouraged and supported in their efforts to
remain engaged at the appropriate level and for the appropriate length of time to achieve identified financial
stability goals. (200 words or less)
9. Whole Client Approach and Comprehensive Strategy. Describe how this project proposes to consider and
address the complete range of a typical participant’s needs, beyond core financial stability activities. What
ancillary services will be incorporated to ensure accessibility of core services and promote ongoing engagement
in services? (150 words or less)
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10. Diverse Populations and Client Needs. Describe the diversity of the client population served by your project
including any specific or unique client needs. Describe how your project will conduct outreach to and serve the
unique needs of this population. (150 words or less)
11. Sustainable and Replicable Model. Please describe sustainability plans for the project beyond the term of
United Way funding. Describe how your project will create the framework for long term, community level
changes for the target population. Please discuss the potential to replicate your service model (e.g., potential
expansion to other locations, target populations or adoption by other collaborations). (200 words or less)
SECTION B: Proposed Participant Outcomes
1. List the key participant-focused strategies, outcomes, and indicators of success below:
Key Strategies
(Program activities designed to
achieve the identified outcomes and
indicators)
EXAMPLE: One-on-one financial
coaching
Participant Outcomes
(Benefits to Participant during or after
involvement in the program. Includes
changes in Participant’s knowledge,
behavior and/or condition.)
- Participants create and follow a
household budget
-Participants who were previously
unbanked open a personal bank account
-Participants prepare an action plan to
improve their credit
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Indicator of Success
(Information or data (specific and
regularly measured) that demonstrates
the Participant is achieving the
outcome)
-# and % who maintain household
budget for more than 1 year
-# and % who open bank accounts and
maintain for more than 1 year
-# and % who reduce use of predatory
lending services
-# and % who improve their credit score
SECTION C: Budget Information
1. Agency Audit or 990. Submit the Lead Organization’s most recent audit or 990 (if revenue is less than
$250,000). Submission via PDF is preferred. If submitting paper versions, please provide 3 copies of each.
2. Program Finances. Describe why United Way funding is important for this program and the specific
purposes for which funding will be used. Please describe other support (cash or in-kind) secured or being
sought for this project. (150 words or less)
3. Budget. Please complete the budget forms (Tabs 1 and 2 of Excel spreadsheet).
 Program Budget
 Program Unit Cost
4. Legal Actions. Do you have any pending legal actions or other issues that would affect your reputation or
ability to pursue your mission? (100 words or less)
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