United Way for Southeastern Michigan - 2023 Educational Wraparound Services
Request for Proposals
The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is opening a competitive RFP process to fund eligible 501(c)3 nonprofits engaged in educational wraparound services that create thriving children by providing integrated student supports and expanded learning time opportunities, including social emotional learning, expanded learning time, academic supports, basic needs support for youth, and more. The 2023 Education investment process is an open call for applications from both potential and existing funded partners.
Applications are due no later than Friday, March 31, 2023, at 11:59 PM
United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Impact Vision
The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is committed to ensuring that all households are stable and that all children can thrive in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Every child should have access to their basic needs, as well as systems and services that help them learn and grow within their community. Every family should have access to the resources to support a child’s healthy development. We partner with organizations across the region to work toward this reality.
Youth and Families in the Context of ALICE
The number of households unable to afford the cost of living in Southeastern Michigan is growing. The ALICE Report, a study commissioned by the Michigan Association of United Ways in collaboration with a team of researchers, found that 44% of households in Southeastern Michigan cannot meet their basic needs. This population is called ALICE- Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The ALICE Report provides a framework and language for understanding the need in community beyond the Federal Poverty Level. There are 31 cities where 50 percent or more of these households are struggling to meet basic needs.
Of the estimated 680,000 ALICE households in our region, over 165,000 have children. Childhood poverty poses a persistent and significant problem for low-income urban communities. Researchers have found that the effect of impoverished conditions is the most significant factor associated with the academic achievement gap. Poverty affects the achievement gap due to the lack of resources available for student success. Low achievement is closely correlated with lack of resources, and various studies have documented the direct correlation between low socioeconomic status and low achievement (Lacour & Tissington, 2011).
Educational Services Approach
United Way for Southeastern Michigan is committed to “mobilize the caring power of Detroit and southeastern Michigan to improve communities and individual lives in measurable and lasting ways.” To achieve its mission, United Way is focused on driving two key conditions in community: Stable Households and Thriving Children. We aim to ensure that youth have access to quality programs and services designed to support them in meeting key developmental milestones, helping youth feel prepared for success in school, career, and life.
By partnering with community-based organizations, UWSEM endeavors to equip children ages 0-5 and/or in grades K-12 and their families with wraparound supports designed to create stable households and thriving children. Our goal is to reduce the number of households living under the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold – those living in poverty as well as those who are employed but struggling to make ends meet. In Southeastern Michigan, 44% of households qualify as ALICE households. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is part of the educational component of our approach that will improve access to basic needs supports, academic achievement supports, and whole child development supports for youth in Southeastern Michigan through capacity building and programmatic support.
Identifying Strategic Partners Through Educational Service Investments
Attaining our vision of a strong and connected community that promotes stability and the ability to thrive requires a strong network of partner organizations committed to transformation and new collaborations. United Way is seeking organizations that share our vision for the future of our educational system in Southeastern Michigan and work each day to meet the needs of students and families throughout our region. This year, we are opening the call for applications for educational wraparound service investments to both potential and existing partners. Investment decisions will be made based on a variety of criteria, all of which are designed to identify organizations that have the capability to create the most impact both individually and collectively.
Organizations are invited to apply for funding at one of three award levels:
◊ $15,000 (anticipate 5 awards at this level)
◊ $25,000 (anticipate 8 awards at this level)
◊ $40,000 (anticipate 4 awards at this level)
The final number of awards per level may vary depending on the number of qualifying applications received from eligible organizations during the competitive RFP process.
Awards at the $15,000 and $25,000 levels will be paid in a one-time lump payment, within 2 weeks of a fully executed contract. These awards will be required to report at mid-year and at the end of the grant period.
Awards at the $40,000 level will be paid in four (4) installments, at the start of each quarter (July, October, January, and April). These awards will be required to report following each quarter of the grant period.
Organizations should not apply for funding greater than 20% of their annual operating budget.
Programming and Operational costs are permissible expenses for this funding opportunity, but please keep in mind that all costs, programming or operational, should be tied to the stated indicators. Indicators should relate to the stated outcomes, which will inform the intended impact of the funding request. Furthermore, the stated impact should clearly relate to the mission of the organization, which will ultimately contribute to United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s vision of creating stable households and thriving children in Southeastern Michigan.
When making funding recommendations, reviewers carefully review your program’s history and design, program quality, identified outcomes, and the proposed budget.
Funding criteria includes (but is not limited to):
1. Organizations that clearly demonstrate that their student support services are focused within a priority area for United Way for Southeastern Michigan
- Basic Needs Supports
- Academic Achievement Support
- Whole Child Development
2. Organizations that decrease barriers for ALICE households and contribute to an eventual reduction in ALICE households in Southeastern Michigan.
3. Organizations with experience serving people living in municipalities with higher-than-average concentrations of ALICE households, and organizations with experience providing programming or services at sites in municipalities with higher-than-average concentrations of ALICE households.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan prioritizes programming in communities with more than 40% of families living below the ALICE threshold. Organizations serving one of our four community schools cities will receive a slight advantage in review scoring. Those cities include Hazel Park, Pontiac, River Rouge, and Southfield.
- Centerline
- Clinton
- Dearborn
- Dearborn Heights
- Detroit
- Eastpointe
- Flat Rock
- Garden City
- Hamtramck
- Harper Woods
- Hazel Park
- Highland Park
- Holly
- Inkster
- Keego Harbor
- Madison Heights
- Mount Clemens
- Oak Park
- Pontiac
- Redford
- River Rouge
- Romulus
- Roseville
- Royal Oak Township
- Southfield
- Southgate
- Taylor
- Utica
- Van Buren
- Walled Lake
- Warren
- Waterford
- Wayne-Westland
- Wixom
4. Organizations that place an emphasis on equity in decision making and youth program delivery. Organizations that are working to decrease barriers and increase access in educational wraparound services and support.
5. Organizations with clearly defined outcomes that support the narrative descriptions of the proposed programs and services.
6. Organizations that operate high-quality programs.
7. Organizations that are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. An organization must be in good standing with the State of Michigan and the Internal Revenue Service and will be required to upload a copy of their IRS designation letter, 990 form, W-9, and financial statements. Organizations may apply via a fiduciary if applicable.
Questions will be answered during a webinar to take place on March 14, 2023, at 3:00 PM. Please register here for the webinar. If you are unable to attend the webinar, please email your questions to EducationPartners@unitedwaysem.org. A recording of the webinar will be available by March 15th at 9:00am.
Applicants are also invited to participate in a drop-in coffee hour on Monday, March 20, 2023, from 2:30 PM until 3:30 PM with any questions that arise during your application. Please register here to receive a reminder email and a calendar invite for the drop-in coffee hour. You may join at any time during the meeting to ask questions.
Proposal Review Guidelines
1. Program Eligibility – (5%) 10 points available
Note: failure to meet program eligibility requirements may result in disqualification from this funding opportunity.
a. Experience working in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb County
b. Serves youth in early childhood (ages 0-5) and/or grades K-12
c. Serves ALICE households or communities.
d. Program has been in operation for at least a year.
2. Program Narrative (20%) 40 points available
a. Program/Service contributes to decrease in ALICE households and addresses participation barriers in targeted communities with high ALICE populations
b. Program/Service aligns with youth wraparound supports
3. Program History (10%) 20 points available
a. Organization has experience and a track record of success in providing similar programs/services
b. Organization has established programs/services in Wayne, Oakland, and/or Macomb counties.
4. Demographics and Service Area (10%) 20 points available
a. Program/service is offered in locations within ALICE communities.
b. Program/service offers programming to participants living in ALICE communities.
c. Priority given for programming offered in Community Schools locations (Hazel Park, Pontiac, River Rouge, Southfield)
5. Program Quality (20%) 40 points available
a. Programs/services are safe, accessible and inclusive.
b. Program leadership and staff is high quality.
c. Participants are engaged in program quality.
6. Program Goals (20%) 40 points available
a. Defined outcomes demonstrate program success and significant impact.
b. Outcomes are SMART and poised to support thriving children in Southeastern Michigan
c. Programs are evaluated and measured against outcomes and progress.
7. Budget (15%) 30 points available
a. Budget items are related to proposed supports and services.
b. Proposed funding usage aligned with goals and outcomes.
Applications are due no later than Friday, March 31, 2023, at 11:59 PM
Grant Timeline
Activity | Date |
Application Opens | Monday, March 13, 2023 – 8 AM |
Grant Webinar
| Tuesday, March 14th at 3PM Click HERE to register. |
Application Closes | Friday, March 31, 2023, 11:59PM |
Funding Determination Notifications | Monday, June 12, 2023 |
How to Apply and Grant Resources
All applications will be completed and submitted through United Way's online grants management platform SurveyMonkey Apply.
- A copy of the 2023 Education Wraparound Services Scoring Rubric will be available and posted on the Grants and Partner Hub Website under Active Opportunities.
- Organization and Financial Information Questions
- SurveyMonkey Apply Manual
United Way for Southeastern Michigan Contact Information
For questions on the Education Wraparound Services grant, please contact:
- Sara Sanders, Manager, Expanded Learning Time General Education
educationpartners@unitedwaysem.org
For questions on navigating SurveyMonkey Apply, please contact:
Educational Wraparound Services FY 2023-2024
United Way for Southeastern Michigan - 2023 Educational Wraparound Services
Request for Proposals
The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is opening a competitive RFP process to fund eligible 501(c)3 nonprofits engaged in educational wraparound services that create thriving children by providing integrated student supports and expanded learning time opportunities, including social emotional learning, expanded learning time, academic supports, basic needs support for youth, and more. The 2023 Education investment process is an open call for applications from both potential and existing funded partners.
Applications are due no later than Friday, March 31, 2023, at 11:59 PM
United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Impact Vision
The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is committed to ensuring that all households are stable and that all children can thrive in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Every child should have access to their basic needs, as well as systems and services that help them learn and grow within their community. Every family should have access to the resources to support a child’s healthy development. We partner with organizations across the region to work toward this reality.
Youth and Families in the Context of ALICE
The number of households unable to afford the cost of living in Southeastern Michigan is growing. The ALICE Report, a study commissioned by the Michigan Association of United Ways in collaboration with a team of researchers, found that 44% of households in Southeastern Michigan cannot meet their basic needs. This population is called ALICE- Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The ALICE Report provides a framework and language for understanding the need in community beyond the Federal Poverty Level. There are 31 cities where 50 percent or more of these households are struggling to meet basic needs.
Of the estimated 680,000 ALICE households in our region, over 165,000 have children. Childhood poverty poses a persistent and significant problem for low-income urban communities. Researchers have found that the effect of impoverished conditions is the most significant factor associated with the academic achievement gap. Poverty affects the achievement gap due to the lack of resources available for student success. Low achievement is closely correlated with lack of resources, and various studies have documented the direct correlation between low socioeconomic status and low achievement (Lacour & Tissington, 2011).
Educational Services Approach
United Way for Southeastern Michigan is committed to “mobilize the caring power of Detroit and southeastern Michigan to improve communities and individual lives in measurable and lasting ways.” To achieve its mission, United Way is focused on driving two key conditions in community: Stable Households and Thriving Children. We aim to ensure that youth have access to quality programs and services designed to support them in meeting key developmental milestones, helping youth feel prepared for success in school, career, and life.
By partnering with community-based organizations, UWSEM endeavors to equip children ages 0-5 and/or in grades K-12 and their families with wraparound supports designed to create stable households and thriving children. Our goal is to reduce the number of households living under the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold – those living in poverty as well as those who are employed but struggling to make ends meet. In Southeastern Michigan, 44% of households qualify as ALICE households. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is part of the educational component of our approach that will improve access to basic needs supports, academic achievement supports, and whole child development supports for youth in Southeastern Michigan through capacity building and programmatic support.
Identifying Strategic Partners Through Educational Service Investments
Attaining our vision of a strong and connected community that promotes stability and the ability to thrive requires a strong network of partner organizations committed to transformation and new collaborations. United Way is seeking organizations that share our vision for the future of our educational system in Southeastern Michigan and work each day to meet the needs of students and families throughout our region. This year, we are opening the call for applications for educational wraparound service investments to both potential and existing partners. Investment decisions will be made based on a variety of criteria, all of which are designed to identify organizations that have the capability to create the most impact both individually and collectively.
Organizations are invited to apply for funding at one of three award levels:
◊ $15,000 (anticipate 5 awards at this level)
◊ $25,000 (anticipate 8 awards at this level)
◊ $40,000 (anticipate 4 awards at this level)
The final number of awards per level may vary depending on the number of qualifying applications received from eligible organizations during the competitive RFP process.
Awards at the $15,000 and $25,000 levels will be paid in a one-time lump payment, within 2 weeks of a fully executed contract. These awards will be required to report at mid-year and at the end of the grant period.
Awards at the $40,000 level will be paid in four (4) installments, at the start of each quarter (July, October, January, and April). These awards will be required to report following each quarter of the grant period.
Organizations should not apply for funding greater than 20% of their annual operating budget.
Programming and Operational costs are permissible expenses for this funding opportunity, but please keep in mind that all costs, programming or operational, should be tied to the stated indicators. Indicators should relate to the stated outcomes, which will inform the intended impact of the funding request. Furthermore, the stated impact should clearly relate to the mission of the organization, which will ultimately contribute to United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s vision of creating stable households and thriving children in Southeastern Michigan.
When making funding recommendations, reviewers carefully review your program’s history and design, program quality, identified outcomes, and the proposed budget.
Funding criteria includes (but is not limited to):
1. Organizations that clearly demonstrate that their student support services are focused within a priority area for United Way for Southeastern Michigan
- Basic Needs Supports
- Academic Achievement Support
- Whole Child Development
2. Organizations that decrease barriers for ALICE households and contribute to an eventual reduction in ALICE households in Southeastern Michigan.
3. Organizations with experience serving people living in municipalities with higher-than-average concentrations of ALICE households, and organizations with experience providing programming or services at sites in municipalities with higher-than-average concentrations of ALICE households.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan prioritizes programming in communities with more than 40% of families living below the ALICE threshold. Organizations serving one of our four community schools cities will receive a slight advantage in review scoring. Those cities include Hazel Park, Pontiac, River Rouge, and Southfield.
- Centerline
- Clinton
- Dearborn
- Dearborn Heights
- Detroit
- Eastpointe
- Flat Rock
- Garden City
- Hamtramck
- Harper Woods
- Hazel Park
- Highland Park
- Holly
- Inkster
- Keego Harbor
- Madison Heights
- Mount Clemens
- Oak Park
- Pontiac
- Redford
- River Rouge
- Romulus
- Roseville
- Royal Oak Township
- Southfield
- Southgate
- Taylor
- Utica
- Van Buren
- Walled Lake
- Warren
- Waterford
- Wayne-Westland
- Wixom
4. Organizations that place an emphasis on equity in decision making and youth program delivery. Organizations that are working to decrease barriers and increase access in educational wraparound services and support.
5. Organizations with clearly defined outcomes that support the narrative descriptions of the proposed programs and services.
6. Organizations that operate high-quality programs.
7. Organizations that are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. An organization must be in good standing with the State of Michigan and the Internal Revenue Service and will be required to upload a copy of their IRS designation letter, 990 form, W-9, and financial statements. Organizations may apply via a fiduciary if applicable.
Questions will be answered during a webinar to take place on March 14, 2023, at 3:00 PM. Please register here for the webinar. If you are unable to attend the webinar, please email your questions to EducationPartners@unitedwaysem.org. A recording of the webinar will be available by March 15th at 9:00am.
Applicants are also invited to participate in a drop-in coffee hour on Monday, March 20, 2023, from 2:30 PM until 3:30 PM with any questions that arise during your application. Please register here to receive a reminder email and a calendar invite for the drop-in coffee hour. You may join at any time during the meeting to ask questions.
Proposal Review Guidelines
1. Program Eligibility – (5%) 10 points available
Note: failure to meet program eligibility requirements may result in disqualification from this funding opportunity.
a. Experience working in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb County
b. Serves youth in early childhood (ages 0-5) and/or grades K-12
c. Serves ALICE households or communities.
d. Program has been in operation for at least a year.
2. Program Narrative (20%) 40 points available
a. Program/Service contributes to decrease in ALICE households and addresses participation barriers in targeted communities with high ALICE populations
b. Program/Service aligns with youth wraparound supports
3. Program History (10%) 20 points available
a. Organization has experience and a track record of success in providing similar programs/services
b. Organization has established programs/services in Wayne, Oakland, and/or Macomb counties.
4. Demographics and Service Area (10%) 20 points available
a. Program/service is offered in locations within ALICE communities.
b. Program/service offers programming to participants living in ALICE communities.
c. Priority given for programming offered in Community Schools locations (Hazel Park, Pontiac, River Rouge, Southfield)
5. Program Quality (20%) 40 points available
a. Programs/services are safe, accessible and inclusive.
b. Program leadership and staff is high quality.
c. Participants are engaged in program quality.
6. Program Goals (20%) 40 points available
a. Defined outcomes demonstrate program success and significant impact.
b. Outcomes are SMART and poised to support thriving children in Southeastern Michigan
c. Programs are evaluated and measured against outcomes and progress.
7. Budget (15%) 30 points available
a. Budget items are related to proposed supports and services.
b. Proposed funding usage aligned with goals and outcomes.
Applications are due no later than Friday, March 31, 2023, at 11:59 PM
Grant Timeline
Activity | Date |
Application Opens | Monday, March 13, 2023 – 8 AM |
Grant Webinar
| Tuesday, March 14th at 3PM Click HERE to register. |
Application Closes | Friday, March 31, 2023, 11:59PM |
Funding Determination Notifications | Monday, June 12, 2023 |
How to Apply and Grant Resources
All applications will be completed and submitted through United Way's online grants management platform SurveyMonkey Apply.
- A copy of the 2023 Education Wraparound Services Scoring Rubric will be available and posted on the Grants and Partner Hub Website under Active Opportunities.
- Organization and Financial Information Questions
- SurveyMonkey Apply Manual
United Way for Southeastern Michigan Contact Information
For questions on the Education Wraparound Services grant, please contact:
- Sara Sanders, Manager, Expanded Learning Time General Education
educationpartners@unitedwaysem.org
For questions on navigating SurveyMonkey Apply, please contact: