The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for Self-Advocacy Group Mini-Grants (RFA 2020-04). Through these grants, local self-advocacy groups will build their organizational capacity and expand their impact. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2020.
Background
TCDD is dedicated to supporting self-advocacy in Texas. However, some self-advocacy groups in the state are small and/or in the early stages of development. These smaller or newer groups may need greater organizational structure in order to have a greater impact in the community and support their members to live independent and productive lives. This structure may include:
- administrative support
- partnership development
- developing training programs, or
- advocacy work.
As these local groups build activities and partnerships, they may be in a better position to apply for larger grants or projects.
About the RFA
Through these grants, local self-advocacy groups will build their organizational capacity to become more established in their communities, create partnerships, and conduct formal activities. As a result of project activities, organizations will be able to expand their role and impact.
Example 1: New Group
If a group meets on a semi-regular basis but has not been formalized in any way, the group could take steps to become a formal organization with a mission, a governing body, and members.
Example 2: Expanding Impact
If a self-advocacy organization already exists but does not have the capacity to achieve its mission, the group could work with an expert to learn how to be a more effective and established organization.
Activities that could help a group build organizational capacity could include the following:
- Establishing a partnership with another organization in the community that can receive and disburse funds
- Working with a financial advisor to coordinate the group’s budget and finances
- Filing for and securing 501(c)(3), or nonprofit, status
- Paying staff to assist with administrative activities
- Developing organizational policies and procedures
- Working with a strategic planner to develop the group’s advocacy goals and workplan
- Developing an outreach and recruitment plan for membership
- Purchasing an advocacy and leadership training curriculum for existing and new members
- Participating in training related to grant writing and/or project management
The above list includes examples, but there may be other activities a group could consider. For this project, an application must include a self-advocacy group as the lead entity. A group may partner with an organization that can apply to receive and disburse funds if needed. Priority will be given to groups located in rural and/or underserved areas of the state.
The funding amount for this RFA is $15,000 for up to 12 months. Funding is available for up to 10 projects. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2020.
