Workforce Development Challenge

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Workforce Development Challenge Process

 

To support NIB’s mission of creating employment opportunities for people who are blind and to reduce the 70 percent unemployment among this population, we invite organizations to join NIB through a new program called the Workforce Development Challenge (WDC).  The WDC program’s purpose is to increase economic independence for people who are blind through sponsored collaborations with organizations outside of NIB’s network of associated nonprofit agencies. 

 

Here is how it works: 

 

NIB is offering grants to organizations that would like to meet the Workforce Development Challenge. We welcome organizations to submit original, creative and mutually beneficial grant applications for consideration. Here are some examples of project outcomes that align with NIB’s mission:  

  • Increasing awareness about the capabilities of professionals who are blind among targeted audiences who can help increase employment opportunities
  • Discovering professionals who are blind seeking employment opportunities
  • Matching professionals who are blind to organizations with employment opportunities 

While NIB associated nonprofit agencies and NIB employees are not eligible to apply for this grant program, theyare encouraged to refer other organizations to apply. 

 

To apply for WDC grants, follow the steps below and submit your application by one of following deadlines at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time: 

  • December 30, 2011 (If awarded a WDC grant, complete project work by September 1, 2012)
  • April 30, 2012 (If awarded a WDC grant, complete project work by September 1, 2012)
  • August 31, 2012 (If awarded a WDC grant, complete project work by September 1, 2013)  

Step 1:  Understand the funding and timing parameters for awards 

Grant funds available for each application are typically between $2,500 and $10,000.  NIB will award grants in three cycles throughout the fiscal year, which ends September 30.  Work on the project funded by the NIB Workforce Development Challenge grant must be completed by September 1 in the same fiscal year the grant is awarded (see dates above).

 

It is strongly recommended to submit a larger proposal at the earliest deadline (August) to allow the most time in the fiscal year to complete the proposal.  It is at the discretion of the review committee whether a proposal may be extended beyond the current fiscal year or broken into multiple proposals that can be executed within multiple fiscal years.

 

Given the cost and time constraints, each application must indicate clear timelines, milestones and outcomes NIB can track.  The timelines are critical because they will dictate fund distribution and how a “successful” application is determined.

 

NIB will distribute half of the award funding at the identified halfway point of an application timeline, then provide the remainder of the grant award at the successful completion of the proposal.  NIB may hold or stop fund distribution if projected outcomes are not on time or cannot be delivered.   

 

Step 2: Develop an original, creative and NIB mission-relevant application

We welcome all original and creative application submissions.  We want the work your organization does to be performed during the timeline indicated in the application.  Projects already completed during an earlier timeframe will not be eligible for a grant award.  Proposals containing requests for advertisements or attribution at an event should not be submitted through this process. 

 

Step 3: Download and complete the application

Click here to download the application formand make sure to complete all sections of the application.  All applications must be written in English.  Please only use the downloaded application.  If a different document is required, you will be contacted by a member of the NIB review committee.  Please note the application contains example replies as a guide for what is expected.  These areas are labeled with an “Ex:” and should be replaced with your information.

 

Step 4: Submit the application form

Submit your completed application to Brian Hurley, NIB External Affairs Program Director, at bhurley@nib.orgby one of the three deadlines posted above.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 

 

NIB will review completed applications and announce award decisions via email within 30 days after the application deadline.  Please do not contact NIB regarding your proposal during the review time period.