St. Louis Community Foundation- Economic Mobility RFP

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

_ You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's [website]().pdf).

Application Details

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.
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
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
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.
A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 1

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
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.
A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 2

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.
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 3

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.
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.
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.

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
answer with all those that have expressed interest in this grant.

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.
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 6

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
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 7

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.
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 8

Strategic Priorities

1. 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
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 9

Strategic Priorities

1. 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

1. 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
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 10

Summary

1. 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
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
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
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 11

Summary

1. 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.
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
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 12

Impact and Execution

1. 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.
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 13

Impact and Execution

1. Define success for how This questions is worth 15 points and will be evaluated on

you plan to use these two sets of criteria.
• 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.
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 14

Financial Review

1. 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

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
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 17

Summary

1. 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
collaborate with these partners
its implementation.
• The proposal demonstrates successful
organization’s mission?
collaboration with stakeholders in the past,
showing a history of effective partnerships.
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
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 18

Summary

1. 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
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 19

and Execution

1. 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/
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
• A Foundation for the Future | stlgives.org 20

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.