United Way asks for strategies

By Edward Marshall/ Journal staff writer

MARTINSBURG - The United Way of the Eastern Panhandle has issued a request for proposals for strategies that reduce violence, neglect and abuse within families as part of a $17,000 grant made available by the agency.

Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative and collaborative approaches to improve results, decrease service fragmentation and duplication, streamline services and fully utilize community resources, according to a news release.

Applicants are also encouraged to demonstrate the capacity to implement plans, meet goals and target the issues in an effective and efficient manner, as well as demonstrate the ability to use available resources.

Applicants should be able to use research-based practices or approaches that have proven to be successful, the news release stated.

One hard copy and one electronic copy of the proposal and attachments must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on July 31 to the UWEP. No fax submissions will be accepted.

The United Way can fund only those partners that are an organized tax-exempt body with 501(c)(3) or equivalent status. However, the UWEP encourages collaborative approaches to achieving its goals and all types of organizations may be part of the collaborative strategy. All applicants receiving UWEP funding must submit a completed UWEP self-certification that has been reviewed and approved by the organization's board of directors.

All complete funding proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by a Community Solutions Council, which is comprised of community volunteers. All applicants will have the opportunity to meet briefly with the council to address any questions or concerns. The Community Solutions Council will then consult with the Community Investment Committee to make funding recommendations.

The UWEP Board is the final reviewer and decision-making authority for all grant awards. It reserves the right to fund strategies that are determined to best achieve the target issues set forth in the request for proposals. Final funding decisions will be made by the UWEP Board of Directors. Grant Awards will be made by Oct. 1. All applicants will be notified in writing of funding decisions. Recommendations for funding will be based on various selection criteria available from the UWEP.

A separate grant application must be submitted for each program for which funding is requested. Proposals must follow the UWEP funding request format and checklist available from the UWEP.

Each application must include a proposal narrative limited to five pages.

Pages must be numbered and include a header with the name of the applicant on each page. Letters of commitment from collaborative partners with a specific role are required. Applicants are asked not to submit general letters of support. Unreadable proposals are not acceptable.

Questions regarding the request for proposals or the application process should be addressed to Trina Bartlett, UWEP director of community impact, at (304) 263-0603, ext. 224, or uwepdci@comcast.net.

- Staff writer Edward Marshall can be reached at (304) 263-8931, ext. 182, or emarshall@journal-news.net