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BOOST Grant

What is the BOOST Request for Proposal (RFP)?

The Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Request for Proposal (RFP) is an opportunity for Out 2 Learn to expand its reach and support of out-of-school time (OST) programming. This opportunity is seeking to fund agencies that will positively affect youth attendance, retention, or youth engagement within OST programs. OST providers can submit one (1) proposal, not to exceed $15,000 total.

There will be two virtual info sessions to provide details about the grant process.

  • Info Session 1 is Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 10am via Zoom. Click here to Register.
  • Info Session 2 is Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 10am via Zoom. Click here to Register.

Who can apply?

  • Any free or fee-based OST provider with a 501c3 status (minimum of 2 years) and serving youthin grades K-12 during out-of-school time hours (before school, after school, weekends, and/or holiday breaks).  
  • Must serve within one of the four county service areas: Harris County, Waller County, Fort Bend County, or Montgomery County
  • Any OST provider with an organizational operating budget of $500,000 or less.

What are qualifying BOOST requests?

There are many areas that impact OST providers’ ability to provide programming. Impact areas are unique to each community and to the population of students served. OST providers are the experts in their communities and best understand their own challenges. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions, but some common impact areas are:

  • Access to OST programs (tuition/fees, scholarships)
  • Technology for youth (upgrade or additional)
  • Food/snacks
  • Curriculum
  • New materials/equipment
  • Transportation (funds can be used for rentals not purchasing to own)
  • Improve Academic Success
  • College and Career Readiness
  • Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
  • Physical/Nutritional Health (curriculum/activities)
  • 21st Century Skills, Leadership Skills, and/or Life Empowerment Skills
  • Financial Literacy
  • Other

These are only suggestions, we want you tell us what impact areas are true to your program, your students, and your community!  

Priority will be given to requests that directly use funds to provide service.

Programs can be delivered in person, virtually (synchronous), or as a hybrid as long as the agency is actively engaging with youth during OST hours.

Qualifying requests will:

  • Make an impact within the Fall 2023 and/or Spring 2024 semester
  • Occur during OST program hours (before school, after school, weekends, and/or holiday break
  • Occur during the project grant term of October 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024
  • Clearly identify at least one impact area
  • Provide a clear rationale for how your project will positively affect youth attendance, retention, or youth engagement within OST programs.
  • Describe how your project is unique to the program in the proposed community. 
  • Provide a clear description for use of BOOST funds requested for the proposed project
    • NOTE: This funding opportunity is NOT intended to pay for salaries. Applications related to staff salaries will not be considered.
  • Submit a single application for collaborative projects.
  • Not exceed $15,000 per agency.

Note: Funds cannot be used to cover previous expenditures or losses.

What are the Requirements?

  1. Application: Applicants must answer all application questions and submit a program budget by 12pm cst on Friday, August 25, 2023. Applications must be submitted on e-Cimpact. Download a copy of the Application Questions here.
  1. Project Budget: Please provide a minimum of one price quote for program purchases over $500. Project Budget should be specific and itemized: 
  • Project Revenue (all items with associated costs for project, include all associated donations, i.e. cash and in-kind) 
  • Project Expenses (all items with associated costs; indicate which expenses will be paid for with O2L BOOST funds.) 
  1. Supporting Documents: Applicants must also submit an IRS 501(c)(3) designation letter (minimum of 2-year status) and the most recently completed IRS Form 990 Income Tax Return (filed within the last 2 years).  
  1. Fall Quality Cohort: Applicants must be registered to participate in the O2L Fall Quality Cohort by 12p on August 25, 2023. Agencies who do not register for the Fall Quality Cohort by the deadline will be disqualified. Awarded agencies are required to fully complete the Fall Quality Cohort process including but not limited to trainings, self-assessment, and submit an improvement plan. Please contact Genesis Rivas-Ponce at gponce@unitedwayhouston.org for additional information about this process.  
  1. Letter(s) of Support: Applicants must submit at least one letter of support from the project stakeholder such as a principal, board member, parent, civic leader, etc. United Way and/or Out 2 Learn contacts cannot be used for a letter of support for this grant.  

All applications and supporting documents must be submitted through the e-Cimpact portal. Final Reports for grantees will also be on e-Cimpact. 

What are the Grantee Requirements?

If awarded BOOST funds, grantees are expected to complete the following: 

  1. Agree to, sign, and return the Service Provider Agreement (SPA) via email by the due date assigned. 
  1. Use BOOST funds in accordance with the Service Provider Agreement and set timeline. 
  1. Attend at least three (3) professional development (PD) opportunities provided by Out 2 Learn.  
  • Grantees are required to attend at least two (2) Out 2 Learn Quarterly Meetings.  
  • Professional Development opportunities can include trainings provided by Harris County Department of Education CASE for Kids. 
  1. Attend mandatory Grantee Orientations 
  1. Actively participate in and complete Fall Quality Cohort series and Spring Follow-up sessions as applicable to each organization 
  1. Submit BOOST Final Report by the due date at the end of the program period, including but not limited to attendance numbers, demographics, project summary detailing accomplishments and challenges, success stories, photo documentation, etc. 
  1. Comply with evaluations which may include site visits, focus groups, surveys, etc. 
  1. Deliver services funded by BOOST grant during grant term dates (October 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024). 

You can find a copy of the 2023-2024 BOOST Grant Timeline here.* 

*Dates/times are subject to change.

Questions

For questions about the BOOST Grant process, email Teri Wilson at teriw@unitedwayhouston.org. For questions about e-Cimpact please email e-Cimpact@unitedwayhouston.org.