St. Louis Community Foundation- Economic Mobility RFP

Overview

Work Force Development Funding Cycle 2025

The St. Louis Community Foundation (Community Foundation) is dedicated to inspiring purposeful philanthropy that connects community and donors to build and preserve a more equitable and vibrant region.

As part of the Community Foundation’s 2024-2028 strategic framework, we established two strategic priority areas to which we will direct our discretionary grant funds: Economic Mobility and Youth Connections. The Economic Mobility priority includes grantmaking in the areas of housing, financial health, and job access and creation; these sub priority areas were identified as areas of community need and partnership opportunities, as well as high interest areas of our community stakeholders.

Grant Purpose

The St. Louis Community Foundation’s Economic Mobility Fund is launching its first workforce development grant cycle under the “Job Access and Creation” sub priority area. The outcomes for this grant cycle directly align with the short-term, intermediate, and long-term outcomes identified in our Theory of Change (please see Appendix A)

This grant is targeted to organizations, programs, or projects that focus on adults seeking employment or advancement in the workplace and that address barriers to employment, retention, and/or advancement. The St. Louis Community Foundation is specifically interested in funding support for people living in the 22 zip codes in Missouri and 3 zip codes in Illinois identified as those with the highest need. (Please see Appendix B for these zip codes.)

With the everchanging landscape, including federal cuts and the devastating tornados, special attention will be paid to organizations that are providing workforce development services to people who have lost jobs due to these circumstances, as well as those who have been unemployed, underemployed, or job unstable for some time.

Outcomes for this grant cycle include:

* _Organizations use best, promising, or innovative practices_ to address structural barriers to employment, retention, and/or advancement.
* _Job placements result in sustained employment at a living wage,_ defined by the MIT Living Wage Calculator specific to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, (MO), and/or St. Clair County, Illinois
* (For reference: The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates the hourly rate an individual must earn to support themselves and/or their family based on typical expenses in the region— This standard exceeds minimum wage and represents what’s needed for basic economic mobility.)
* _Employees remain in positions for at least 12 months,_ with organizations that embrace their responsibility to foster the supportive conditions (e.g., inclusive culture, benefits, skill alignment, flexibility) that enable sustained retention.
* _Organizations provide clear pathways for professional growth_, with supports that empower individuals to envision and pursue next steps in their careers, including but not limited to mentorship and promotion pipelines.
* _Workers report high levels of engagement, belonging, and fulfillment in their workplaces_, Workplace culture metrics should reflect psychological safety, respect, purpose, and alignment with individual values—not just “satisfaction” feedback

Eligibility

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Application Details

Work Force Development
Funding Cycle 2025
The St. Louis Community Foundation (Community Foundation) is dedicated to
inspiring purposeful philanthropy that connects community and donors to
build and preserve a more equitable and vibrant region.
As part of the Community Foundation’s 2024-2028 strategic framework, we
established two strategic priority areas to which we will direct our
discretionary grant funds: Economic Mobility and Youth Connections.
The Economic Mobility priority includes grantmaking in the areas of housing,
financial health, and job access and creation; these sub priority areas were
identified as areas of community need and partnership opportunities, as well
as high interest areas of our community stakeholders.
Grant Purpose
The St. Louis Community Foundation’s Economic Mobility Fund is launching its
first workforce development grant cycle under the “Job Access and Creation”
sub priority area. The outcomes for this grant cycle directly align with the
short-term, intermediate, and long-term outcomes identified in our Theory of
Change (please see Appendix A)
This grant is targeted to organizations, programs, or projects that focus on
adults seeking employment or advancement in the workplace and that
address barriers to employment, retention, and/or advancement. The St. Louis
Community Foundation is specifically interested in funding support for
people living in the 22 zip codes in Missouri and 3 zip codes in Illinois identified
as those with the highest need. (Please see Appendix B for these zip codes.)
With the everchanging landscape, including federal cuts and the devastating
tornados, special attention will be paid to organizations that are providing
workforce development services to people who have lost jobs due to these
circumstances, as well as those who have been unemployed, underemployed,
or job unstable for some time.
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Outcomes for this grant cycle include:
• Organizations use best, promising, or innovative practices to address
structural barriers to employment, retention, and/or advancement.
• Job placements result in sustained employment at a living wage, defined
by the MIT Living Wage Calculator specific to St. Louis City, St. Louis Coun-
ty, (MO), and/or St. Clair County, Illinois (For reference: The MIT Living Wage
Calculator estimates the hourly rate an individual must earn to support
themselves and/or their family based on typical expenses in the region—
This standard exceeds minimum wage and represents what’s needed for
basic economic mobility.)
• Employees remain in positions for at least 12 months, with organizations
that embrace their responsibility to foster the supportive conditions (e.g.,
inclusive culture, benefits, skill alignment, flexibility) that enable sustained
retention.
• Organizations provide clear pathways for professional growth, with
supports that empower individuals to envision and pursue next steps in
their careers, including but not limited to mentorship and promotion
pipelines.
• Workers report high levels of engagement, belonging, and fulfillment in their
workplaces, Workplace culture metrics should reflect psychological safety,
respect, purpose, and alignment with individual values—not just
“satisfaction” feedback
Grant Process
The St. Louis Community Foundation is offering this as a one-time opportunity
for funding. The Foundation has allocated $150,000 for this grant cycle and
grants will range from $25,000 - $50,000. It is anticipated that 4 to 6 proposals
will be funded.
This funding cycle will begin with an initial letter of interest (LOI). Selected
organizations will be invited to complete a full application for funding.
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What the Grant Will Fund:
Strong applications will include:
• Direct service organizations, programs, or projects that are employing
best practices in work force development. One example of best practices
is outlined in Appendix C
• Wrap-around services provided through collaborations and/or
internal programs. These may include but are not limited to mental health
services, financial coaching, child care, transportation, basic need
support such as rental assistance, mentoring/job coaching, leadership
training, networking opportunities, and support for participants facing
the “financial cliff” that may come with pay increases/additional revenue
• Provide funding (stipends or salaries) for individuals in their programs,
particularly those that include a work component or for which
participants must purchase work supplies
• Methods for decreasing barriers to employment and/or advancement
in the workplace
• Community partnerships that align services across the continuum
of workforce development needs. This may include the services listed
above
• Partnerships with employers that allow for long-term work/success
of program participants in their employment
General operating support is available for organizations that specialize in
workforce development. Program operating support is available for work force
development programs/projects within multi-service organizations.
What the Grant Will Not Fund:
• Research initiatives
• Infrastructure building or intermediaries
• Capital improvements
• Debt reduction
• Political campaigns or to support attempts to influence legislation of any
governmental body other than through making available the results of
non-partisan analysis, study, and research.
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Eligibility:
Any nonprofit that is a 501(c)3 in good standing or has a fiscal sponsor and
meets the requirements outlined in this RFP may apply for this funding. The
nonprofit does not have to be physically located in zip codes outlined in the
RFP, though preference will be given to programs, projects, or initiatives with a
majority of participants from these zip codes.
Timeline
June 18, 2025 Request for Proposals released
June 26, 2025 Virtual Information Session
July 9, 2025 Letters of Interest close at 3 pm
July 30, 2025 Invitations extended for applications
August 22, 2025 Applications close at 3 pm
September 24, 2025 Grant decisions announced
Information Session / Office Hours
The St. Louis Community Foundation will hold a virtual information session for
nonprofits interested in applying to answer your questions. Logistics are listed
below.
Date: June 26, 2025
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
To Register: Workforce Development RFP Info Session
The session will be recorded and available on the St. Louis Community
Foundation’s website.
For a potential applicant’s specific questions regarding their proposal, STLCF
staff will be available for office hours at the following times:
Tuesday, June 24: 9am- 12pm
Wednesday, June 25 1pm-3:30pm
Thursday, June 26: 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Friday, June 27: 8:30 am – 11:00 am
Tuesday, July 1: 1 pm – 4 pm
To secure an appointment during these hours, please email grants@stlgives.
org with “work force development RFP” in the subject line. Please offer two or
three times to meet in case your first choice time has already been filled.
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Proposal Submission
Proposals for the Work Force Development grants will be accepted through
the St. Louis Community Foundation’s grant portal at https://www.grantinter-
face.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=stlgives. If your organization has not registered
in the St. Louis Community Foundation portal previously, you will need to do so
before starting an application. Once registered or if already registered, login
and then click on the ”apply” button in the top left corner of the page to access
this grant application.
LOI questions and evaluation criteria can be found in Appendix D.
Required Attachments
For this Letter of Interest, you will be asked to upload your two most recent
audits or, if you do not have an audit, your three most recent IRS Form 990s.
You also have the option of uploading program information (annual reports,
program impact reports, other marketing materials) not to exceed three
pages.
If invited to the Application stage, you will be required to submit a program/
project budget using the template provided.
Questions
If you have questions about this Request for Proposals, please contact the
Community Foundation team at grants@stlgives.org. Please include
“Workforce Development Grant” in the subject line. If there are questions that
the Foundation receives more than once, we will share that question and
answer with all those that have expressed interest in this grant.
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APPENDIX A
St. Louis Community Foundation
Job Access and Creation
Theory of Change
For the purposes of this RFP, the portion of the theory of change that
applies to this grantmaking is outlined below:
STRATEGIES Target workforce
development programs*
Short Term Outcomes Increased funding for
(start - 3 years) workforce development
programs
Interim Term Outcomes
Identify pool of workforce
(3-5 years)
development programs fol-
lowing best practices
Long Term Outcomes
(5-10 years) Increased number of
people earning a livable
wage in the St. Louis
Region
*Workforce development programs implementing best practices.
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APPENDIX B
St. Louis Community Foundation target zip codes include:
Missouri Zip Codes
63101 63114 63135
63102 63115 63136
63103 63118 63137
63104 63120 63138
63106 63121 63140
63107 63133 63147
63112 63134 63155
63113
Illinois Zip Codes
62201 62203 62204
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APPENDIX C
Below is a sample list of best practices pulled from U.S. Economic Development
Administration:
When addressing workforce development … ensure any efforts:
• Are employer led to ensure skilled workers are connected to quality job
opportunities
• Are guided by multiple community partners ie. educational institutions,
labor unions, community-based orgs, and economic development
organizations
• Include wrap-around services to support community needs
• Prioritize proven earn and learn models like Registered Apprenticeships
• Lead to stackable, industry-recognized credentials and ensure information
about credentials is publicly accessible through use of open data formats.
• Measure and evaluate outcomes such as workers employment and earnings.
Ensure data is transparent and actionable linked back to those executing
programs.
• Build sustainable systems and partnerships that endure to serve employers
and workers beyond the “federal investment”
• Connect workforce development to economic development (ie. through a
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) or CEDS
committee)
• Encourage use of other governments and private funding
• Are coordinated across all levels of government. … It is particularly important
to make sure that the public sector players are aligned in their approaches.
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APPENDIX D
Letter of Interest Questions and Scoring Information
LOI Question Rating Criteria
Section: Design and Alignment with Point Value: 30
Strategic Priorities
8. How does your proposed program/ This question is worth 15 points and will be
project/project fit within the stated evaluated on the following criteria:
purpose of the request for proposals • Organization demonstrates understanding
(RFP) and the overarching strategic of the goals of the funding.
priorities of the Foundation? Describe • Best Practices: The program references
why you are well-positioned to carry it best practices used in the development and
out. implementation of the program/project.
Scoring notes:
Please include any best practices your Does not meet expectations: what is
organization employs in this program proposed does not fit programmatically
and cite your sources. or geographically with the purpose of the
grant
Meets expectations: proposal understands
the purpose of the grant and is able to cite
best practices in the programming.
Exceed expectations: proposal ties best
practices in their service delivery to the
outcomes described in the request for
proposals
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LOI Question Rating Criteria
Section: Design and Alignment with Point Value: 30
Strategic Priorities
9. Please check all outcomes addressed: This question is worth 5 points and will be
• Organization uses best, promising, or evaluated on the outcomes outlined in the
innovative practices to address barriers proposal.
to employment Scoring notes:
• Job placements result in sustained Does not meet expectations: The project
employment at a living wage. does not address any of the outcomes
• Employees remain in positions for at outlined in the request for proposals
least 12 months Meets expectations: The program/project
• Organizations provide clear pathways addresses 1-3 of the outcomes outlined in
for professional growth the request for proposals
• Workers report high levels of Exceeds expectations: The program/project
engagement, belonging, and fulfillment addresses 4-5 of the outcomes outlined in
in their workplaces the request for proposals
10. Please provide a brief description of This question is worth 10 points and will be
the program/project for which you are evaluated on the following criteria:
seeking funding. If applying for • The proposal provides a clear and concise
General Operating Support, please description of the program
provide a brief overview of your • The reader can understand the basic
organization and its program(s). program design and structure
Scoring notes:
Does not meet expectations: The program
design is unclear. Reader cannot determine
the basic structure of the program and its
activities
Meets expectations: The reader has a basic
understanding of the program and its activ-
ities
Exceeds expectations: The reader knows
how the program is structured and what the
basic program activities are
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Section: Partnership Point Value: 30
Summary
11. Define the people and/ This question is worth 20 points and will be evaluated on
or community you serve two sets of criteria.
and describe how they
have partnered to Criteria – Relationship with people served (10 points)
contribute to the • The proposal shows an in-depth understanding and
program/ project you are knowledge of the community served
proposing. • The proposal indicates culturally competent outreach to
program participants
Per the RFP, please
describe outreach to those Scoring notes:
impacted by federal cuts Does not meet expectations: proposal does not indicate a
or the St. Louis tornados strong understanding of the program participants; program
does not appear to include participants’ input in program
design
Meets expectations: proposal clearly describes program
participants; program uses surveys and other evaluation
mechanisms to solicit participant feedback
Exceeds expectations: proposal indicates thorough
knowledge of culturally relevant strategies and metrics
aligned to realities of participants, and commitment to
participants and to inclusive program design.
Criteria – Program participants (10 points)
Scoring notes:
Does not meet expectations: Program participants are from
a wide geographic range with those from the targeted
geography not a priority. No apparent outreach to those
who lost jobs due to federal cuts or the tornado.
Meets expectations: More than 50% of program participants
are from the targeted ge targeted geography with some
outreach to those who lost jobs due to federal cuts or the
tornado
Exceeds expectations: A high majority of program
participants are from the targeted geography. Outreach to
those who lost jobs due to federal cuts or the tornado built
into program recruitment
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Section: Partnership Point Value: 30
Summary
12. Briefly describe your This question is worth 10 points and will be evaluated on
partnership(s). Please the following criteria.
include history, expertise,
and past success with • Proposal demonstrates history and past success with
these partners. If appropri- listed partners, including history of partnership, expertise,
ate, how have they collab- and past success
orated on this proposal • Partnerships are cross-sector to provide holistic support to
job seekers.
Recognizing that • Employers are listed as partners (bonus)
partnerships with
community organizations Scoring Notes:
and/or employers may Does not meet expectations: No partnerships are described;
be key to success, please partnerships described have not yet been established
elaborate in this response Meets expectations: Partnerships have been established
with some history and some success
Exceeds expectations: Partnerships have been successful
over time. Employer partnerships go beyond hiring and
periodic touchpoints
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Section: Expected Point Value: 30
Impact and Execution
13. What is your This questions is worth 15 points and will be evaluated on
organizational (if GOS) or two sets of criteria.
program/project impact Criteria – Expected Impact (10 points)
and how are you • Proposal clearly defines how the organization directly
measuring that impact? addresses participant needs
How did you choose • Proposal clearly outlines the change expected for
those measurements? participants as a result of the program/project
• The proposed approach is practical and feasible within
Please ensure that your the organization’s scope and resources.
evaluation and metrics Scoring Notes:
refer to best practices Does not meet expectations: Proposal does not clearly
and address the outline how participant needs are addressed nor how
outcomes outlined in the outcomes will be achieved for a participant
RFP Meets expectations: Proposal addresses participant needs
and achieving planned outcomes; metrics appear
achievable
Exceeds expectations: Proposal clearly outlines the
relationship between participant needs and impact.
Metrics appear doable with a stretch
Criteria: Measurement (5 points)
• Metrics are clearly defined and tied to outcomes
• Measurement process is clearly defined
Scoring Notes:
Does not meet expectations: No metrics are given or mea-
surement process outlined.
Meets expectations: Metrics tie to program outcomes; mea-
surement process is clear and tested
Exceeds expectations: Metrics are clearly defined and
tie to program outcomes; measurement process is evi-
dence-based and/or community driven.
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Section: Expected Point Value: 30
Impact and Execution
14. Define success for how This questions is worth 15 points and will be evaluated on
you plan to use these two sets of criteria.
grant dollars. Criteria – Expected Impact
• Organization has a clear definition of success
Please include your • Organization includes completion/retention rate as one
program’s of its measures of success
completion/retention Scoring Notes:
rate. Does not meet expectations: Proposal does not clearly
define success nor identify specific metrics
(including completion/retention rates) for measuring
success or metrics are not achievable.
Meets expectations: Proposal defines success and identifies
specific metrics of success; metrics appear achievable
Exceeds expectations: Proposal clearly defines success and
ties in program outcomes within metrics of success; metrices
are evidence-based and/or community driven.
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Section: Preliminary Point Value: 10
Financial Review
15. Please attach your These attachments are worth 10 points and will be
two most recent audits. evaluated on the following criteria.
If your organization does • Financial statements (audit or IRS Form 990) are available
not have audits to attach, • Revenues have exceeded expenses for two of the past
please include the three years
previous three 990 forms • Balance sheet (Statement of Financial Position) does not
(either Form 990, Form indicate a high level of unexplained debt
990- EZ, Form 990-PF, or
Form 990-N (e-Postcard)). Scoring Notes:
Does not meet expectations: No financial statements
a. If there are any provided; organization’s expenses outstrip revenues two
anomalies or things you or more of the past three years; or organization has a high
would like to add level of unexplained debt
further information Meets expectations: Financial statements show revenues
about, please include cover or exceed expenses two or more of the past three
them in the box below. years; organization has an appropriate amount of debt
b. If you have a fiscal Exceeds expectations: Financial statements show an
sponsor please specify in improvement in revenues and net surplus year-over-year;
the box below and also organization carries no debt
attach your organization those who lost jobs due to federal cuts or the tornado built
budget. into program recruitment
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LOI Scoring Overview
Section Points
Design and Alignment with 30
Strategic Priorities
Partnership Summary 30
Expected Impact and 30
Execution
Financial Review 10
Total 100
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Application Questions and Scoring Information
Section: Design and Point Value: 30
Alignment with
Strategic Priorities
1. Describe your This question is worth 30 points and will be evaluated on the
program/ project following criteria:
• The program/project plan is well-defined, realistic, and
design, what
feasible within the timeline.
actionable steps you
• The program/project plan clearly outlines how the activities will
will take to
achieve the stated objectives
implement it, and
• Staff are in place and roles and responsibilities are aligned with
when you expect to
program/project goals
take them.
Scoring Notes: This question will be scored on three factors, each
Please be sure to worth 10 points
highlight key staff
Definition: The project’s goals, methods, and expected
and their roles and
outcomes are clearly outlined.
with as much
Does not meet expectations: The proposal does not clearly define
specificity as
goals, methods, and outcomes
possible
Meets expectations: The proposal defines goals, activities, and
(ie. please disclose if
outcomes
the program/project Exceeds Expectations: The proposal defines goals, activities, and
requires new hires outcomes are clearly defined and tied to a cohesive program plan
etc.)
Realistic: The program/project’s goals, activities, and timeline are
practical and achievable given the resources, constraints, and
circumstances in which the project will be implemented.
Does not meet expectations: The proposal’s goals, activities, and
timeline do not appear achievable
Meets expectations: The proposal’s goals, activities, and timeline
appear achievable
Exceeds expectations: The proposal’s goals, activities, and timeline
have been implemented previously with success; proposal
identifies a plans for addressing anticipated constraints or
circumstantial changes that could prevent goals from being
achieved.
Staff Capacity: The roles and responsibilities of project staff are
clearly defined and aligned with the project’s goals.
Does not meet expectations: Staff roles are not clear; staff are not
currently in place
Meets expectations: Staff roles are clear and staff are in place
Exceeds expectations: Staff roles are clear, staff have experience
with the program and/or population; staff are in place
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Section: Partnership Point Value: 30
Summary
2. How do you define This question is worth 20 points and will be
collaboration and with whom evaluated on the following criteria.
do you collaborate? How do you • The proposal clearly outlines the roles and
contributions of key stakeholders involved in
collaborate with these partners
its implementation.
to accomplish your
• The proposal demonstrates successful
organization’s mission?
collaboration with stakeholders in the past,
showing a history of effective partnerships.
The proposal clearly outlines how key
stakeholders will contribute meaningfully to
the project’s design, execution, and outcomes.
Scoring Notes:
Does not meet expectations: Proposal does
not indicate a history of strong partnerships
with clear roles
Meets expectations: Proposal provides an
understanding of partners, past work together,
partners’ roles, and what partners contribute
to the program/project
Exceeds expectations: Proposal clearly outlines
the history and success of partnerships,
including roles each partner plays and
importance to the program/project success
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Section: Partnership Point Value: 30
Summary
3. The Foundation values This question is worth 10 points and will be
innovation without evaluated on the following criteria.
duplication. What other • The program/project addresses a gap in the
stakeholders are doing workforce development landscape?
similar work in the region, • The program/project significantly impacts
and how is your program/ the workforce development field in the
project different or St. Louis region and targeted geography
innovative in comparison?
Scoring Notes:
Does not meet expectations: Program/project
is duplicative of other programs in the region;
the proposal does not differentiate the
program/project from other programs in the
region and targeted geography
Meets expectations: Program/project has a
niche in work force development services in the
St. Louis region and targeted geography
Exceeds expectations: Program/project has
distinguished itself as providing critical
services that are not found elsewhere in the
St. Louis region and targeted geography
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Section: Expected Impact Point Value: 30
and Execution
4. What are your existing This question is worth 10 points and will be
evaluation models/tools? evaluated on the following criteria.
• Proposal shows clear methodology and
Please ensure that your metrics for evaluating success of the program/
project
evaluation and metrics refer to
• Program/project highlights evaluation
best practices and address the
techniques or practices that are grounded in
outcomes outlined in the RFP
research or evidence that supports its
strategies and expected outcomes
• Evaluation approach is practical and
feasible with the program/project’s scope and
resources
Scoring Notes:
Does not meet expectations: Evaluation
methodology and metrics are poorly
described and/or do not tie to expected
outcomes
Meets expectations: Evaluation methodology
and metrics are appropriate for the program/
project and measure outcomes
Exceeds expectations: Evaluation
methodology and metrics are evidence-based
and provide a clear picture of individual and
programmatic success
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