Youth Program Quality Initiative (YPQI)
Grant Guidelines and Application Procedures
Spokane County - 2013
Background: Research has found that high quality youth programs influence outcomes for youth. While many
factors contribute to quality, skilled staff is essential to creating safe, engaging, youth-centered programs. The
Youth Program Quality Initiative aims to strengthen youth-serving organizations through a process that includes
program quality assessment, data-driven improvement planning, peer learning and intensive professional
development that reflects best practices in youth development.
In 2009, the Raikes Foundation launched its first Youth Program Quality Initiative for organizations serving early
adolescents in King County. These groups have highlighted valuable components of the program, such as:
 Use of an objective assessment tool that provides a standardized way to look at programs, a common
language to discuss quality features, and information not just what to do, but how to do it
 Time away from the office for training, networking, and the opportunity to focus on big picture quality
issues that staff would not otherwise dedicate to these activities
 A concentrated professional development opportunity through trainings and coaching that provide
specific strategies to address organization-identified program weaknesses.
Spokane County United Way is partnering with the Raikes foundation to serve as the hub organization
supporting the implementation of the Youth Quality Program Initiative (YPQI) process in Spokane County.
Youth Program Quality Initiative (YPQI): The YPQI supports youth development programs serving adolescent
youth ages 10-18. The Initiative is designed to engage youth- serving agencies in a focused professional
development process that reflects best practices in the youth development field. The YPQI was developed by
the Raikes Foundation based off the work and approach of the David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program
Quality. The Initiative goals are:
 To strengthen the skill base and practices of staff at the point of service where youth and adults interact
 To build capacity for continuous program quality improvement into youth agency operations, and
 To increase the availability of high quality programs serving adolescents.
The Initiative is a 15-month process for agencies selected through a competitive manner. Grants of $5,000 will
be awarded to selected agencies for participation in the YPQI process that includes: participation in a peer
learning community/cohort; completion of a program quality assessment using both a self-assessment and
external assessors; staff training in youth development best practices from the David P. Weikart Center for
Youth Program Quality; and onsite coaching and technical assistance (based on individual site priorities)
provided by SOWA.
Requirements: Successful applicants will commit to the following during the 15-month grant period:
 Identification of a staff lead for the Initiative (someone in a program supervisory position)
 Participation of the Executive Director (department director for municipalities) in the Initiative Kick-Off
meeting and two additional meetings during the 15-month process
 Participation of the staff lead and at least one additional front-line staff member in peer learning
community meetings and skills-based trainings (approximately 3 full-days and 8 half-days)
 Implementation of the Youth Program Quality Assessment process
 Development of an action plan to enhance program quality
 Participation of the staff lead in approximately monthly 1-2 hour on-site coaching sessions related to
the action plan, involving others staff supervisors and front-line staff as appropriate
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Youth Program Quality Initiative, applicants must:
 Be classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity or a 170(c)(1) government instrumentality by the Internal
Revenue Service
 Provide services in Spokane County
 Provide services to youth ages 10 – 18
 Identify 1 specific program as the focus for the assessment process (in the event that applicant
organizations offer multiple out-of-school time programs serving adolescents)
 The identified program should serve youth at least 9 months of the year and be operating in
March/April of 2013 and 2014 when assessments take place
Selection Priorities
 Programs and activities that serve youth in a group setting (as opposed to homework help and/or
one-to-one mentoring programs)
 Programs/activities that require more than an occasional drop-in commitment from youth participants
Key Dates
Letter of Inquiry Due .......................................................................................September 21, 2012
Full Proposals Invited............................................................................................. October 5, 2012
Full Proposals Due ............................................................................................. November 2, 2012
Grantees Selected............................................................................................. December 20, 2012
Initiative Kick-Off ........................................................................................ February 5 and 6, 2013
Learning Community Gatherings/Training .................. approximately monthly through May 2014
About the Project Partners
The Raikes Foundation, a Seattle-based family foundation established in 2002, is a catalyst for innovative,
collaborative and pragmatic solutions to helping young people reach their potential. The Foundation has
invested in strengthening the quality of Washington State afterschool programs since 2009. The Raikes
Foundation is partnering with local organizations and funders to expand the reach of the YPQI and support
widespread adoption of program quality.
School’s Out Washington (SOWA) is a non-profit intermediary organization established in 1987, whose mission
is to provide services and guidance for organizations to ensure all young people have safe places to learn and
grow when not in school. SOWA is dedicated to building community systems to support quality afterschool and
youth development programs for Washington’s 5-18 year olds through training, advocacy and leadership.
SOWA has partnered with the Raikes Foundation to deliver the YPQI since its inception in 2009.
Spokane County United Way is a non-profit organization that works with individuals, nonprofits, government,
businesses and community partners to improve systems so that individuals have the support they need to
succeed. Our work in education helps children and youth succeed in school and in life. Investing in high quality
afterschool programs is a key strategy of our effort to support youth. As the hub organization for the YPQI
process in Spokane County, we will be responsible for selecting new participants and supporting the local
learning community.
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How to Apply: Initial applications for the 2013 Spokane County YPQI will be accepted through a Letter of Inquiry
and a limited number of applicants will be invited to complete a full proposal. The Letter of Inquiry should
include a cover sheet and a two-page narrative with the information detailed below.
Cover Sheet:
a. Organization’s name, mailing address, and website address
b. Primary Contact name, title, phone number and email
c. Executive Director (or department director for municipalities) name, phone number and email
d. Organization’s Operating Budget for last fiscal year
e. Number of youth served annually by the organization
f. Number of staff who provide programming to youth ages 10 – 18
g. Name of Program identified for the assessment process
h. Number of youth served annually in the identified Program
i. Percentage of youth served in the Program who are ages 10 – 14 and 15 – 18
Narrative (not to exceed two pages):
 Organizational overview: Describe your organization’s programs including major activities and
populations served.
 Program: Describe the specific program identified for this Initiative, including the focus of activities,
demographics of program participants, meeting frequency, and anticipated program outcomes. Please
also describe the program’s staffing structure.
 Professional Development: Describe how your organization approaches training and professional
development for youth-serving staff.
 Assessment: Describe any current evaluation process used to understand the quality or impact of your
programs.
 Interest: Explain why your organization wants to take part in the Youth Program Quality Initiative.
Please forward one document (Word or PDF file) that includes the cover sheet and narrative to
lcrane@unitedwayspokane.org by 5:00 pm on September 21, 2012. Please do not send any additional
attachments or duplicate copy in the mail. Spokane County United Way will acknowledge all submissions.
Questions about this Initiative should be directed to Leslie Crane at (509) 838-6581 or
lcrane@unitedwayspokane.org
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