Notice of Funds Available (RFP)
2024.3.1a: NC Advocacy Leaders Network
Specifications
| Posted | Applications Due | Start Date | End Date | Amount | Match | Poverty Match | Council Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 10, 2023 | Oct 01, 2023 | Sep 30, 2024 | $90,000.00 | $30,000.00 | $0.00 | Melissa Swartz |
General Information
NCCDD Five-Year State Plan for 2022-2026
Goal 3: By 2026, increase advocacy for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
Objective 3.1 Increase support to a statewide self-advocacy organization(s) through leadership development and coalition participation by: (I) establishing or strengthening a program for the direct funding of a statewide self-advocacy organization(s) led by individuals with I/DD, (II) supporting opportunities for individuals with I/DD who are considered leaders to provide leadership training to individuals with I/DD who may become leaders, and (III) participation in cross-disability and culturally diverse leadership coalitions.
This initiative, "NC Advocacy Leaders Network" will help the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities achieve the goals outlined in its Five-Year State Plan. NCCDD 5 Year State Plan 2022-2026
A Request for Applications (RFA) is the way the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities asks for proposals for initiatives that will help the Council achieve the goals outlined in its five-year State Plan. (https://www.nccdd.org/the-council/five-year-plan.html) The Council has given you an outcome for the initiative and you will need to submit a proposal using a web-based system called DD Suite. (http://www.ddsuite.org)
Staff Contact
If you have any questions about completing the NC Advocacy Leaders Network application or using DD Suite, please contact Melissa Swartz, Systems Change Manager, at (984) 920-8200 or e-mail at melissa.swartz@dhhs.nc.gov.
Bidders' Workshop and Informational Zoom Meeting
The Bidders' Workshop and informational Zoom meeting will occur on June 7th, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (EST). Anyone interested in attending should RSVP by e-mail at RFAinfo@nccdd.org by June 5th, 2023.
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend the Bidders' Workshop. The Bidders' Workshop will occur via Zoom video/audio platform. If you are unable to attend via video, you may connect via Zoom telephone by dialing:
Meeting Telephone: 1 646 828 7666
Meeting ID: 160 560 1704
Council Staff will review the process of how to submit a proposal using DD Suite. Interested applicants may submit questions in writing prior to the call. Any questions submitted in writing by June 1st, 23 will be answered during the Bidders' Workshop on June 7th, 2020. Answers will be posted in DD Suite and the website by June 13th, 2023.
All questions will be compiled along with a response and posted on the website. If you submit an Intent to Apply form via email, the questions and responses will be e-mailed to you.
There are some things interested parties can do before the Bidders' Workshop and informational Zoom call:
1. Complete an Intent to Apply via e-mail or fax: e-mail: RFAinfo@nccdd.org or FAX: (984) 920-8201. The Intent to Apply is used to gauge interest and determine outreach and marketing for Council initiatives. While it is strongly encouraged that organizations complete an Intent to Apply, it is not required. Also completing an Intent to Apply does not obligate you to submit a completed application should you determine that your organization cannot carry out the goals of the RFA.
2. Get an account in DD Suite. Go to the DD Suite website at (https://www.ddsuite.org/users/register). Provide the basic information on the registration page and click the submit button. If you have trouble or have questions, please contact Melissa Swartz, Systems Change Manager, at 984-920-8200.
3. Submit any questions you have about this RFA in writing no later than June 1st, 2023 to RFAinfo@nccdd.org or FAX: (984) 920-8200. Please use the subject headline, "RFA Question – NC Advocacy Leaders Network."
If you need information in an alternate format, or require an accommodation, please notify the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities office at least one week in advance.
The Deadline for Proposal Submissions is July 10th, 2023 at 5:00 PM (EST).
Description
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) seeks to make an important investment in establishing and maintaining an organized network of developmental disabilities advocacy leaders made up of North Carolinians that are graduates from state and nationally recognized advocacy and leadership development programs*. This initiative will identify, track, further train, and keep informed the graduates from NC I/DD advocacy training programs, so that as members of the NC Advocacy Leaders Network they can be informed and organized to educate others about I/DD issues important to them and/or all North Carolinians. *Programs include Partners in Policymaking©, Advancing Strong Leadership, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Related Disabilities, Steps Toward Independence and Responsibility, Ability Leadership Project of NC, and NC IDD Peer Mentor Training. Other non-disability specific innovative leadership training programs (e.g., The Council on Quality and Leadership professional leadership) will be considered.
Budget
In addition to submitting a proposal for this RFA, you must complete the budget form in DD Suite for the first year of your initiative. This initiative is funded in the amount of $90,000. A 25% non-Federal match in the amount of $30,000 is required for this initiative. This matching requirement means that 25% of the total initiative budget (Council funds + Match Funds) must come from non-Federal funds (e.g. state, local, agency, and/or private funds). If you need assistance calculating the amount required for the federal grant match, please download this Excel tool.
Who May Apply
Applications are welcomed that demonstrate qualified and responsible capacity for conducting the activities described. Eligible entities include any organizations, agencies, or businesses demonstrating an expertise in the focus area of this initiative. To be eligible, non-profit private entities must submit proof of 501(c)3 status with a
current IRS determination letter. The Council will not consider applications submitted by agencies that do not meet eligibility to apply for funding.
Applicants must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State to conduct business in North Carolina, or be willing to complete the registration process in conjunction with the execution of the contract documents at:
http://www.sosnc.gov/corporations.
Recommendation
It is recommended that all work be done in a different format such as Word. Once each section is completed, copy and paste it into DDSuite.org. The DDSuite.org program has a time out feature to protect information. The potential to be timed out and lose information while working online is possible.