Editor’s note 1/24/25: This blog post has been updated to reflect an extended RFP application deadline of February 13, 2025 at 2:00pm.
We are excited to share that the Best Starts for Kids Stopping the School to Prison Pipeline Strategy Request for Proposals (RFP) is now open! This funding opportunity closes on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 2PM, 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:
Our Stopping the School to Prison Pipeline strategy seeks to intentionally and effectively partner with communities to create school to life success pathways for young people 12 to 24 years old and their families, who are disproportionately impacted by systemic racism and most likely to be pushed into the criminal legal system or are already involved in the criminal legal system.
This RFP is seeking to fund programs that promote:
- Sustainable economic strengthening through workforce and career development and/or
- Positive identity development through experiences, opportunities, education/guidance, relationships, apprenticeship-type programs, and/or reconnection to cultural heritage
Eligibility:
This RFP is open to nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, tribes and tribal organizations, schools and school districts, and public or governmental agencies. Women of color led organizations and young people-led organizations serving in South King County region are encouraged to submit proposals.
Eligible applicants must provide direct services and programs to help create pathways of success for young people 12 to 24 years old currently, previously, or likely to be involved in the criminal legal system. This includes Black and Indigenous young people, especially with low to middle income status.
Eligible applicants must have a federal tax identification number and serve communities in King County.
Attend our information session:
We strongly encourage anyone interested in applying to attend our information session to learn more:
- Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Pacific Time
- Thursday, January 9, 2025, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Pacific Time
Learn more about this funding opportunity and access meeting details for the information session within the full RFP document.
Funding available:
We have budgeted approximately $9 million from July 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027 for this project. Applicants may request up to $940,000 for 30 months.
Timeline:
| RFP Issued | November 19, 2024 |
| Information Session | December 11, 2024, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm January 9, 2025, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm |
| Final day to initiate request for technical assistance | January 15, 2025 |
| Final day to Submit Questions | January 15, 2025 |
| RFP Application Due | February 13, 2025 by 2:00 pm |
| Applications Reviewed | February – March 21, 2025 |
| Interviews with applicants (if applicable) | March 31 – April 4, 2025 |
| Notification of Selected and Non-Selected Applicants | May 1, 2025 |
| Contract Anticipated Start Date | July 1, 2025 |
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about this funding opportunity, you can submit a question before Wednesday, January 15, 2025 to Leslie Miller, RFP Lead at lemiller@kingcounty.gov.
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
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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.
