2012 Request for Proposal: Credit Counseling Services
Background
The United Way of Passaic County currently works to address community needs in the areas of Health, Income and Education. It is the long-term goal of UWPC to, increase the number of individuals who are healthy and avoid “risky behavior”; increase the number of individuals who are financially self sufficient; as well as increase the high school graduation rates for the county.
To meet agency goals related to Income UWPC implemented the Financial Empowerment Zone (FEZ) in January, 2011. FEZ is an initiative of UWPC that strives to lift low-income individuals in Passaic County out of poverty by helping them to increase their income. Through FEZ low-income individuals are able to access: free income tax preparation, benefits screening & enrollment, as well as Financial Literacy Workshops. Since the program inception, a year and a half ago, FEZ has served approximately 800 households, prepared 600 tax returns, and provided a dozen financial education classes, with an estimated $ 750,000 economic impact on Passaic County.
Purpose and Description of Request
In order to complement and enhance the current work of the Financial Empowerment Zone, UWPC is seeking proposals for a non-profit agency to provide licensed Credit Counseling Service a minimum of one day a week on site at UWPC’s offices in Paterson, NJ.
This grant program will provide a combination of grant funding and in-kind support to the selected credit counseling partner. UWPC will provide one selected agency with funding, along with the space and administrative infrastructure (private office, internet connectivity, and printing/copying facilities) needed to deliver credit counseling services. UWPC will also work in partnership with the selected agency to provide community outreach and identify consumers in need of credit counseling services.
A funded agency will be expected to assign a certified agency employee to UWPC offices a minimum of one day a week for a minimum of 46 weeks to provide licensed credit counseling services; maintain client records; provide outcome data to UWPC; and conduct program outreach activities as a representative partner of the Financial Empowerment Zone. Grant funding may be applied to program costs associated with staff salary, fringe benefits, staff training and travel.
Eligibility Criteria
• Non-profit Organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Organizations must be licensed by the New Jersey Division of Banking to provide credit counseling services
Total Awards:
One award of $10,000 -$20,000 cash; plus in-kind support resources
Key Dates and Deadlines
• June 18, 2012 - Application Due to United Way of Passaic County
• July 23, 2012 – Notification of Award
• August, 2012 – Execution of Funding Agreement
• September 1, 2010 – Commencement of Funding Contract
Applicant Conference Call:
A technical assistance call for interested applicants will be held on May 31st at 1:00pm
Call in phone number: 866-316-1519 Passcode: 44270673
To Apply
Click Here to download Full Application Packet
One Complete Electronic Copy of the application package and supporting documents
must be submitted to United Way of Passaic County
by 4pm on June 18, 2012 via Luciana@Unitedwaypassaic.org
Inquires should be directed to
Luciana Rufolo, Program Grants Manager
E-mail: Luciana@unitedwaypassaic.org
Phone: 973-279-8900 ext 201
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