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A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Raising a Generation of Leaders

Trinity Wall Street has made a commitment to raising a generation of leaders through its faith-in-action ministries. Scripture and tradition teach that social transformation becomes possible when tools for change are embodied within the practices of young leaders and the communities that nurture them.

The Trinity Grants Program will provide funding to support the launch of new young adult service programs, sponsored by Episcopal congregations, dioceses, or organizations affiliated with the Episcopal Church that offer vocational discernment and opportunities for service through intentional community.

"Inspired Lives:" The Impact of Young Adult Service Programs

Research by the Lilly Endowment and others demonstrates the positive and transformative impact that young-adult programs can have by providing an intentional residential community and focused opportunities for service. The Trinity Grants Program commissioned Criterion Ventures to produce a white paper, "Inspired Lives," that outlines the current state of the field. With the white paper completed we now have an additional tool to help existing programs improve their approach and to allow new initiatives to identify sustainable models for their pilot program phases.

Presently there are seven young adult programs within the Episcopal Church. With support from the Fund for Theological Education, these initiatives have organized into the Episcopal Service Corps and in 2008 began collectively handling shared activities like recruitment and advocacy.

Request for Proposals: "Year 0" Funding

The Trinity Grants Program will fund up to five proposals for $25,000 each for new sites to develop programs in their congregations and dioceses that can then accept program participants for the 2010-2011 program year. Most current programs took time to launch -- to build support in the host congregation, identify placement sites for participants, begin recruitment, and hire program staff. These "Year 0" activities determined the success for "Year 1" participants. Trinity will also consider renewal applications in the spring of 2010 for pilot grant recipients to begin their first program year. Thus, proposals for "Year 0" grants will be due June 26 with grant decisions made by July 17 .

Renewal "Year 1" grant proposals to for the 2010-2011 program year will be solicited for early 2010.

Basic Eligibility Parameters

*Programs should conform to the basic model of a year of full-time service within a residential spiritual community.

*Programs must be sponsored by an Episcopal Diocese, Episcopal congregation(s), or other organizations affiliated with or run through The Episcopal Church (i.e. Episcopal charities, non-profits, or para-church organizations).

*Program exploration must have the endorsement of the diocesan bishop, the parish vestry, or the board of the sponsoring Episcopal organization.

*Programs should include an intentional “rule of life” and a plan for participants’ regular participation in the life of the parish/diocese.

*Programs should demonstrate to the Trinity Grants Program that they are in contact with the Episcopal Service Corps network prior to applying for "Year 0" funds. Connecting with the Episcopal Service Corp prior to applying can provide valuable information and experience and help shape the proposal. Additionally, programs should coordinate recruitment of potential interns in consultation with the Episcopal Service Corps.

*There can be no fee for participation.

"Year 0" Pilot Grant Basics

*Sites may apply for up to $25,000 for one year.

*Trinity funds can support staff time and initial program costs for program preparation.

*Trinity grant funds cannot pay for capital construction costs. If the program anticipates expenses for capital construction, then the application should include information about likely sources of revenue.

*Programs should prepare to begin recruitment in December 2009 for the 2010-2011 program year, again, in consultation with the Episcopal Service Corps.

*Pilot programs are required to attend an Episcopal Service Corps directors’ gathering and the 2010 Trinity Consultation on Young Adult Service, with travel funds pulled from the pilot grant.

*Programs will be eligible to apply for a “Year 1” grant in February 2010.

Applications Should Include

Cover letter and Program Description – Tell us how the program will combine various elements of service, intentional community, spiritual formation, and discernment. Include background and history of the project and the context (social, historical, local and global) in which the project will take place. Describe the focus of the program, mission, and goals; plan for long-term sustainability of the project; and
proposed timeline from launch to sustainability with key events noted along the way (this timeline can provide grantees with valuable feedback about progress made toward their own goals and objectives).

*Biographical information – Include résumés for key project members such as directors, board members, and other key participants.

*Support – Note potential financial support and financial model.

*Supporting documents – Attach letters of support from bishop and/or vestries, and any existing commitments from agencies or programs that would be potential participant service sites.

For More Information

The “Inspired Lives” white paper gives background on every aspect of young adult service program’s launch and implementation, including a model budget. Young adult service program directors are also available to consult based on their own experience.

Trinity Grants Program staff will host a conference call on Thursday, June 16 at 4 PM EDT/ 1 PM PDT to discuss the request for proposals. Please RSVP to receive the call-in information.

The Reverend Deacon Matthew Heyd
MHeyd@trinitywallstreet.org
212-602-0711

The Reverend Deacon Jered Weber Johnson
Jweberjohnson@gts.edu

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