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/apply-funding 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 are
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. 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).
We invite interested non-profit organizations to
submit an Agency Eligibility through survey monkey using the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AgencyEligibility
Together, we can build a stronger community.
Julie
Program Manager, Community Impact
