ATCO Legacy Fund
Request For Proposal (RFP)
Fall 2023
Introduction
The Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD), in partnership with the Athens County Foundation, is proud to announce the 2023 Fall Request for Proposals (RFP) for the ATCO Legacy Fund.
ATCO, which was the ACBDD’s adult services program for nearly 50 years, was a much-beloved program that prioritized advocacy and inclusion for all enrollees in the program. In order to comply with a federal rule, ATCO closed in December 2018 after a three-year transition plan. The ATCO Legacy Fund is designed to allow the ACBDD to carry on the compassion and philosophy developed at ATCO Inc. well into the future. As part of that process, stakeholders helped the ACBDD to identify certain elements from ATCO that could be sustained and enhanced while still remaining in compliance. Those conversations led to the creation of this fund in 2018.
This RFP is designed to offer financial assistance to providers (agency and independent), organizations, and community partners in Athens County interested in working towards integration and inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD).
The Athens County Foundation, charged with assisting in the administration of the RFP process, will convene a committee to review all proposals. The committee will then present selection recommendations – based on the criteria outlined below – to the ACBDD’s Superintendent. A more detailed timeline of events is also listed below.
Eligibility
This program is open to any provider of service, community group, organization, or community partner that has the intent to support integration and inclusion for individuals with I/DD in Athens County.
Funding Priorities
These funds can be used for anything creative, so long as it enhances the quality of life AND promotes inclusion/integration for people with I/DD. Examples could be (but not limited to): adapted equipment, transportation needs, technology, innovative programming, and educational material. The structure and funding priorities are intentionally left broad and open-ended to promote creativity and innovation.
Funding Availability
The ACBDD has allocated $20,000.00 for this cycle. Historically, the average award amount has been approximately $3,000, ranging from $900 to $7,500. However, there is no minimum or maximum funding level per request.
RFP Application Requirements
Applicants must provide all information outlined below to the Athens County Foundation by the deadline. The committee may request additional information to help its determination.
Please make sure you include the following information in your proposal:
- Organization’s name and address
- Brief description of your organization, if applicable (max of 200 words)
- Applicant’s name, phone number, email, mailing address
- Proposed use of funds (max of 1,000 words)
- Total amount requested, along with itemized budget
- Supporting documentation justifying funding request
- Other information to help the committee make a determination, including the demonstrated need for the funds
Applications must be completed online using the Athens County Foundation’s online grant application portal.
Proposal Deadline: October 13, 2023, 5:00 PM
For questions and other assistance, please feel free to reach out to the Athens County Foundation’s Grants Team.
Meet our Grants Team
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Eleni Zulia Director of Programs and Engagement eleni@athensfoundation.org (schedule a meeting) |
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Shayne Lopez Manager of Operations and Special Projects shayne@athensfoundation.org (schedule a meeting) |