The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County Capacity Building through Technology Program Guidelines RFP opens: Monday, November 9, 2015 Application deadline: Friday, December 4, 2015 APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Applications Due Date: December 4, 2015 Applications must be submitted online using the following link: www.cfwestmoreland.org/capacitybuilding Using the online application portal, applicants must upload all supporting documents. Only one application per organization can be submitted. If your organization is unable to submit the application online because of organizational constraints, please contact Phil Koch, CFWC Executive Director at pkoch@cfwestmoreland.org or 724-836-4400 ex. 125. WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE BELIEVE The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County was founded in 1995 by local leaders of Westmoreland County to encourage philanthropy, to build a sense of place, and to embrace the spirit of community. Having merged with The Pittsburgh Foundation in 2010, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County continues to work with county residents to encourage that spirit of giving and investment in community organizations and residents. OVERVIEW Effective nonprofits are vital to the healthy development and quality of life in any community. Often the term effective is used as a quality indicator measuring the positive impact of an organization's direct influence upon its service recipients. However, while effective programs and services are the most visible aspect of an organization, what provides the impetus to produce these desired results is the quality of the structural core that supports the organization. Capacity Building is a process of implementing activities critical to the long-term viability and support of an organization. While there are many models, information, and definitions of capacity building, a common thread throughout all of them is that it is about intentional, coordinated, and mission-driven efforts aimed at strengthening the management and governance of nonprofits to improve organizational performance and impact. This often occurs through targeted activities focusing on improving core skills and capabilities. There are many methods to address capacity building within organizations. We believe that one strategy to strengthen a nonprofit s capacity is to use technology as a tool to improve in business functionalities such as board development, organizational efficiency, strategic partnerships/merger/restructure, and effective communication. Applicants are asked to first identify an Capacity Building through Technology - Program Guidelines Page 1
area of focus that needs improvement and to then identify a technology strategy that will assist in improving that competency. We believe that: Technology is a force multiplier : something that makes a nonprofit organization more effective than it would be otherwise. Today s technological needs are exponentially greater than they were even a decade ago. It s important to be deliberate about what technology an organization needs to best advance its work. Technology affects all aspects of an organization s ability to achieve its mission. Grants ranging from $2,500 and $15,000 will be awarded. Projects should be completed/implemented during the 2016 calendar year. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS Eligible applicants are: located in Westmoreland County 501(c)(3) organizations willing to use a third party consultant approved by the Community Foundation to guide the project where required GOALS The goal of the Capacity Building through Technology grants is to strengthen organizations to better carry out their core mission through the use of technology. ELIGIBLE PROJECTS To be eligible, projects must demonstrate that the project will impact organizational capacity in one of the areas of focus by using one or more of the technology strategies listed in in the program guidelines below; Capacity Area of Focus Board Moving toward more effective board leadership and governance allowing your organization to operate to its fullest capacity. Operational Efficiency Improving the ratio between the input to run an organization and the output gained from the organization. Strategic Partnerships/Merger/Restructure Creating an alliance in which an organization improves its efficiency, impact and/or sustainability. /Fundraising Capacity Building through Technology - Program Guidelines Page 2
Evaluating and implementing a strategy to connect with existing and potential donors, taking into account the timing, methods, and tools to accomplish greater revenue. Effective Creating avenues for an organization to clearly communicate its mission, while also demonstrating an ability to receive and acknowledge feedback. Technology Strategies Computer Hardware Physical components needed to implement a technology strategy. Computer Software Programs and other operating information systems used to carry out a technology strategy. Data Tracking and Analytics Examining raw data with the purpose of drawing conclusions about that information. The process of analyzing the behavior of visitors to a website or social media platform. Website Web design, web content, client-side/server-side scripting and network security configuration. Can include optimized landing pages/websites/mobile design and content in order to increase website visibility and utilization. Technology The ability of a nonprofit to share their mission with the greater community. Strategy may include videos, images, infographics, testimonials and blogs through the platforms of an e-newsletter, website, social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Example 1: Remote Access Hardware Board Organizational Efficiency Strategic Partnerships / Fundraising Effective Software Data Tracking/ Analytics Website Technology General overview: Create a platform to allow for remote access to the organization s server. Provide flexibility to staff, secure documents and proprietary or confidential information by eliminating the need to save documents external to server. Capacity Area of Focus: Operational Efficiency Technology Strategy: Computer Hardware AND Computer Software Capacity Building through Technology - Program Guidelines Page 3
Example 2: Improving Online Fundraising Hardware Board Organizational Efficiency Strategic Partnerships / Fundraising Effective Software Data Tracking/ Analytics Website Technology General overview: Purchase data tracking capabilities to evaluate website usage. As an outcome of the evaluation, improve website flow to increase online giving and promotion via social media. Capacity Area of Focus: /Fundraising Technology Strategy: Data Tracking and Analytics AND Website TECHNOLOGY REVIEW Organizations must be willing to undergo a technology review by an independent consultant who may assess the viability, practicality and capability of their organization to support the proposed project if required. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS All applications will be reviewed by the Capacity Building Grantmaking Committee of The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County. Applications will be reviewed based on their responses in the following areas: Project Timeline Description of Project Project Outcomes Short Term and Long Term Capacity Goals Organizations Technology Strategy Executive Overview Uploaded documents including: budget for the proposed project, list of board of directors, most current operations budget and any other documentation to strengthen your proposal. GRANT MANAGEMENT Projects may begin only upon the execution of a signed grant agreement between The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County and the applying organization. The grant agreement will set forth all reporting and monitoring requirements and required conditions. Capacity Building through Technology - Program Guidelines Page 4
Organizations will be required to submit a comprehensive final project report. All applicant organizations must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. QUESTIONS Capacity Building through Technology is a program of The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County. Technical assistance will be available to answer questions about the development of possible proposals or the completion of the application. Direct inquires to Caleb Crousey, and Program Officer, 724-836-4400 or ccrousey@cfwestmoreland.org. Capacity Building through Technology - Program Guidelines Page 5