Accelerating Community Connections

Accelerating Community Connections is sponsored by Spokane Workforce Council. Funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce's Community Reinvestment Project, this grant aims to address historical injustices by connecting Black, Latine, and Indigenous communities with workforce development resources.

Accelerating Community Connections – Spokane Workforce Council Accelerating Community Connections Accelerating Community Connections Funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project, the Accelerating Community Connections grant aims to rectify historical injustices, including those from the “War on Drugs” by working with “By-and-For” organizations to help us connect the local Black, Latine, and Indigenous communities with workforce development resources.

We are committed to creating equity for Spokane Businesses within our community. This commitment begins here with you. We will provide funds to organizations that provide services to individuals from Black, tribal, and Latine communities to rectify the injustices stemming from the historical implementation and enforcement of state and federal criminal laws and penalties for drug possession, also known as the “War on Drugs.

” These organizations are defined as “By-and-For” organizations by Washington’s Office of Equity . Click here for more information about “By-and-For” organizations. Accelerating Community Connection Partners If your question is not listed here, please feel free to submit it to us at programteam@spokaneworkforce.

org . We update our FAQ section weekly with all questions and answers received. The Accelerating Community Connections grant opportunity is for organizations that provide services to one or more of these groups (Black, Indigenous, or Latine) to increase access of these focus populations to workforce system resources, specifically the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives.

Additionally, our goal is to foster stronger relationships, include voice of the customer in program design, provide more culturally specific services, and increase cultural competence in line with our equity mission. Eligible organizations must: Provide services in Spokane County (there is not a requirement to be headquartered in Spokane County, as long as services are provided in Spokane County).

Be registered as a By-and-For organization with the Washington State Department of Commerce or Be a federally recognized tribe in Washington or Have the ability to become registered as a By-and-For organization. The official registration application to designate new by-and-for organizations has closed. However, new applications can be approved on a case by case basis.

If you believe your organization qualifies based on the criteria listed in the above section under “Eligibility Criteria for Applicants,” you may submit an application, and we will analyze eligibility when your application is scored. What can the grant funds be used for?

Expand Grant funds can be used broadly and creatively for this project, including covering personnel costs, occupancy costs, outreach activities, travel and training, supplies, and more. How can I apply for the grant? Expand Applications must be made online, at the link provided above under “Application Information.

” The application is a JotForm questionnaire. You can also find the detailed instructions on how to complete and submit your application in the section above. What documents are required for the application?

Expand The application requires basic organizational information, a description of the proposed activities, a budget detailing how the grant funds will be used, and any additional documentation relevant to your proposed project. We will also require a valid business license, IRS Form W-9 and budget document to be uploaded into the application. We will accept State/Local Tribal documents.

How are grant applications evaluated and scored? Expand Grant applications are evaluated based on several criteria including ownership representation, alignment with grant purpose, impact and sustainability, community benefit and engagement, and completeness of the application. Each criterion is assigned a specific point value, and applications are scored accordingly.

Scoring criteria can be downloaded/viewed here . When will applicants be notified of the decision on their grant applications? Expand Our goal is for notifications to go out to awardees on June 20, 2024.

All applicants will be notified about the status of their application before July 1, 2024. Will there be any application assistance offered? Expand Yes.

We will have two application assistance webinars and they will be offered on Zoom on May 23 and on June 3. Zoom links are available under “Application Assistance” in the section above on this web page. If you are in need of other application assistance or an accommodation for completing the application, please email us at programteam@spokaneworkforce.

org Is there anything else I should know before applying for the grant? Expand We recommend carefully reviewing the grant guidelines and application instructions before submitting your application. Additionally, please ensure that your proposed activities align with the grant priorities and that all required documentation is provided to facilitate the review process.

Can I contact someone if I have questions or need assistance with my application? Expand Yes, we encourage applicants to reach out if they have any questions or need assistance with their applications. Please submit all questions to us at programteam@spokaneworkforce.

org and we will update this Q&A document weekly with all questions and answers received. You may also request a phone call by email, and a member of our team will call you back within two (2) business days. Bidders may contact SWC staff with questions by emailing ProgramTeam@spokaneworkforce.

org . Andrea Hixson or Jessica Clayton will respond within two (2) business days. If you prefer a phone call, please email the same address to request one, and a staff member will return your call within two (2) business days.

All questions are considered public record. Questions and responses will be posted in the FAQ section of this website at least once per week. Please note that questions submitted after the deadline or through other formats may not receive a response.

All inquiries must be sent to ProgramTeam@spokaneworkforce. org . Program & Operations Associate Director Division Executive of Programs & Development Never Miss A Funding Opportunity!

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