[EDIT: We have updated this post to reflect an extension on our deadline. Proposals are now due by 11:59 pm Monday, August 22.] We are excited to share that the Best Starts for Kids Youth Healing Project request for proposal (RFP) is now open! This funding opportunity closes on August 22 at 11:59 PM, please submit your application by then.
Click here to view the full funding opportunity details and apply.
Note: please create a log-in to view details and access the ZoomGrants webpage.
About this opportunity
At Best Starts we strive to share power with young leaders because we know young people are experts on the challenges and opportunities their communities face today. That’s why we’re excited to announce the Youth Healing Project Request for Proposal (RFP), which will directly fund young people to work on projects that aim to improve the mental health, connection, and well-being of youth.
We welcome creative ideas that center young people and address the negative impacts of COVID-19. Projects should empower young people as leaders. Funding is flexible and can be used for staffing, youth stipends or incentives, technology, materials, and events. The funded projects will take place during the 2022-23 school year.
Here are a few examples of projects young people from the first Youth Healing Project accomplished:
- A project that created gathering spaces for BIPOC youth to discuss mental health and self-care.
- A community retreat at a farm that focused on mental health, culture, intergenerational trauma, and resilience.
- A mini documentary that documented East African youth speaking about their experiences with mental health.
- Pop up gathering spaces that supported BIPOC families in learning about mental health, yoga, mindfulness, arts, and other activities.
While the above examples can highlight the types of projects young people can propose, we encourage applicants to use their creativity, and not feel limited. More examples are featured in the full RFP here!
How to apply:
You can find the application and all relevant information here. Read it closely and follow the instructions. Reach out to us if you have any questions. We are eager to help.
Feel free to be creative. You can submit your responses in writing, but we will also accept applications in the form of a video.
Eligibility:
Are you a young person (between the ages of 14 and 24-years-old) living in King County? Do you want to create mental health supports for young people, or are you already doing work to support youth mental health? You are eligible!
Young people will need to identify a nonprofit organization (501c3) to be their fiscal sponsor during or after the application process. Young people can work with organizations they trust and are connected to. But if applicants need support connecting to an organization, they can contact Best Starts. We can connect young people to organizations.
Read the eligibility information closely in the RFP and reach out to us if you have any questions.
Funding Available:
We have budgeted $9,999 per proposal, for this project. Proposals that request more than $9,999 will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated. Applicants can propose less than $9,999.
Our total funding for the Youth Healing project is $110,000 so we expect to fund about 11 projects led by young people.
Attend our information sessions
We strongly encourage anyone interested in applying to attend one of the two information sessions to join us to learn more:
- August 3, 2022, 1-2:30 pm, Pacific Time
- August 16, 2022, 1-2:30 pm, Pacific Time
Learn more about this funding opportunity and access meeting details for the information session within the full RFP document here.
Timeline
| RFP Issued | July 25 2022 |
| Information Sessions | August 3, 2022, 1:00 – 2:30 PM August 16, 2022 1:00 – 2:30 PM |
| Final day to submit questions via ZoomGrants | August 21, 2022 |
| Final day for to initiate request for technical assistance | August 19, 2022 |
| Proposals due | August 22, 2022 by 11:59 p.m. |
| Responses reviewed | August 23, 2022 through August 30, 2022 |
| | |
| Notification of selected and non-selected proposers | September 2022 |
| Anticipated program/contract start date | September – October 2022 |
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about this funding opportunity, you can submit a question before August 21, 2022, through the Contact Admin tab in ZoomGrants. The response to all questions received will be posted as an RFP amendment on ZoomGrants.
If potential proposers experience technical difficulties with ZoomGrants leading up to the due date, please email PhiThompson@KingCounty.gov with questions to avoid a late submission.
Would you like support? Access Best Starts technical assistance!
Free application support is available for organizations interested in applying for this Best Starts funding opportunity! Best Starts partnered consultants can support by: helping to determine appropriate fit between your work and this funding opportunity, providing guidance on how best to answer application questions, supporting your application development (including editing and reviewing), and supporting you in explaining your qualifications in the most clear and concise way.
If you are interested in partnering with a technical assistance consultant, learn more here.
1. Check out our funding calendar here
This calendar shares upcoming funding opportunities staggered throughout the year. Subscribe to our blog and newsletter to the right of the calendar to receive notices whenever we post a new funding opportunity.
2. Watch our latest recorded info sessions
If you were unable to make it to the info session for an open funding opportunity, check out the recordings and slideshows here.
3. Save the date for our next open house!
Mark September 28, 2022 on your calendars for our next Best Starts virtual open house! More information about our sessions and how to register to come.