Request for Proposals
Due April 7, 2008

Issued by UNI American Humanics to search for a
one-year service partnership with a local nonprofit

 

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 Overview

• UNI American Humanics is asking organizations to submit proposals for projects that can be completed by UNI students (in partnership with your agency) over the 2008- 2009 academic year.
• After reviewing all proposals, UNI American Humanics’ students will choose one organization to form a partnership with for the upcoming academic year.
• This project will be managed by students.  Angela Gorsuch is the American Humanics Graduate Advisor and will help to oversee the project, but the main leadership will come from students.
• This project should be something that your organization wants to accomplish but are unable to undertake with your resources.
• UNI American Humanics will sign a contract with the agency as to specific outcomes agreed upon.   

Application process:

• Complete the questions found at the end of this document. 

• Proposals are due to agorsuch@uni.edu by 5pm April 7.  The partner organization will be selected by a group of American Humanics’ students, and the partnership will be announced at the Nonprofit Awards Luncheon on April 17.
• E-mail agorsuch@uni.edu with questions.

What is UNI American Humanics?

• UNI American Humanics’ mission is to transform today’s students into tomorrow’s nonprofit leaders by helping them gain experience, skills, professionalism and certification.
• UNI American Humanics is a program in the Division of Leisure, Youth, and Human Services that helps students to earn a national certificate in nonprofit management. About 15 students per year earn the certification.
• One requirement of certification is that the American Humanics Student Association assist local nonprofit organizations.

What does UNI American Humanics have to offer your organization?

• A group of students willing to give a total of 500 hours of time between September 2008 and April 2009.
• The students bring several assets to your organization:
• They are currently enrolled in nonprofit management classes (evaluation, fundraising, volunteer management, etc.)
• They have experience with nonprofits throughout Iowa.
• They are hard-working and reliable.
• Project co-chairs are assigned to the project.  They will maintain consistent communication with your organization.

What are we asking of your organization?

• If selected, commit to a one-year partnership between UNI American Humanics and your organization.  The project must begin after September 4, 2008 and conclude by April 9, 2009.
• Provide an experience where students are leaders and manage the project from start to finish, and where the project has high but realistic goal for college students.
• Provide a project that will help students gain the following competencies:
• Communication skills
• Professional network
• Management and leadership skills
• Provide a unique project.  (Students would prefer that the project not be a fundraising project as they also undertake fundraising for their own development.)
• Provide an experience in which many students can be used to administer the project. (There are about 30 active students per semester.  These students will be managed by their peers).
• Provide a project that involves collaboration with other agencies, if possible.
• Provide one person who is willing to be the point of contact between your organization and the AH student representative.  We request that this person meet with AH students at least one hour every two weeks, and respond promptly to other communication between meetings.
• Provide students with a timeline of each part of the project as it is to be completed.
• Provide students with an interview with the executive director(s) of your organization and a tour of the organizational facility as part of the RFP process.
• Provide specific feedback to students so that they can learn and gain skills.
• Provide recognition of UNI American Humanics involvement with your organization.

Application (Please keep proposals to two pages or less)

1. Please include the following information:
1. Organization name
2. Point of contact for organization, address, phone and e-mail
3. Organization mission and brief description
4. Project title
5. Description of proposed project that American Humanics’ will help to lead and manage.  Please be as specific as possible.  (Goal, timeframe, likely tasks, etc.)
6. Costs associated with AH participation (would we need to purchase program supplies, or provide our own transportation?)
7. Describe how this project will help students gain nonprofit management skills and competencies.
8. Describe the resources or networking that will be available to students for this project from your organization.  (Human Resources, Funding, etc.)
9. Affirmation of the criteria noted above

1. Who would be the point of contact willing to meet with students for one hour every two weeks, and respond promptly between meetings?
2. How will your organization provide feedback and information for student learning?
3. How will you recognize American Humanics’ involvement?
4. Is your organization willing to allow students to lead and manage the project?
5. Is this project likely to take about 500 hours of volunteer time?