Berkshire United Way is seeking proposals to address its Economic Prosperity goals including connecting residents to available work and advancing career opportunities through exposure to various employment opportunities. The Request for Proposal (RFP) is now available on-line at berkshireunitedway.org for funding from November 15, 2017 through June 30, 2020.
There are more than 17,000 individuals unemployed in Berkshire County, with only 2,700 of those collecting unemployment benefits with job placement support. An additional 26,000 were underemployed, not working 35 hours a week for 50 weeks a year. (Source: ACS 2011-2015 / Berkshire Benchmarks)
Job and income growth leads to a stronger local economy by increasing spending and the production of goods and services and stimulating economic activity. Social benefits to the community include reduced social costs related to crime, drugs, family disruption and strengthened security, education, and physical and mental well-being. Job creation further increases economic prosperity for all and promotes higher living standards. (Source: http://www.cfeps.org/pubs/sr-pdf/SpecialReport2004-1.pdf)
Instructions for completing on-line eligibility as well as a complete list of eligibility requirements are included in the RFP. Among the latter – organizations must be financially stable, located in and primarily serving residents of Berkshire County, structured as a not-for-profit, governed by an active, locally based, volunteer board of directors, and deliver programs and outcomes that align with one or both of the strategies: Employment Match Maker (Family Sustaining Employment-Pathways) and/or Adult Work-Based Experiences (includes College Internships).
All applicants must confirm eligibility through survey monkey using the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AgencyEligibility
After submitting the required eligibility documents to jsingley@berkshireunitedway.org , eligible applicants will receive email confirmation with instructions on completing the application and details on registering for the mandatory Bidder’s Conference. Applicants must attend a Bidder’s Conference on October 3rd. All applications are due by MIDNIGHT on October 20.
For technical assistance, email Julie Singley, at jsingley@berkshireunitedway.org NO LATER THAN NOON on October 6. Questions will not be answered after 10/6.