(Friday, Jan. 20, 2012) United Way of Greater Topeka announces the upcoming release of Requests for Proposals (RFP) for funding beginning June 2012.  

Four funding opportunities are available for strategies supporting 10-year community goals. The RFP process is open to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organizations that provide services in Shawnee and Jefferson counties. 

RFPs for funding opportunities will be released for programs meeting specific requirements within the following goals and strategies:  

Early Education Goal: Increase by 50 percent the number of children who have the pre-literacy skills necessary to start Kindergarten.

• Strategy:  To provide children of all abilities, birth to five years of age, the opportunity to gain pre-literacy skills necessary to begin school ready to learn.

On-Grade Achievement Goal:  Reduce the achievement gap by 50% in 3rd grade reading and 6th grade math for low-socioeconomic students.

• Strategy: Support and advocate for continuous learning opportunities throughout the year.

Financial Stability Goal: Cut in half the number of low-income families and individuals who are financially unstable.

• Strategy: Increase the number of families that adequately manage their expenses.

Substance Abuse Goal:  Reduce by 20% the number of 6th through 12th graders that illegally use substances (cigarettes, marijuana and alcohol) 

• Strategies: Families are educated, engaged, and supported in their efforts to raise alcohol, tobacco and drug free youth; youth are educated engaged and supported in their efforts to keep themselves and their peers alcohol, tobacco and drug free.

The Request for Proposals will be posted to the United Way of Greater Topeka web site on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 after an information meeting open to agencies. Click here for more details and to RSVP to the Information Meeting.