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The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to fund one project to establish at least 30 Next Chapter Book Clubs (NCBCs) in Texas. NCBCs are local book clubs for people with developmental disabilities (DD) that meet in a public place to read and discuss books. The deadline to submit a proposal is May 18, 2018.
Background
NCBCs are community-based book clubs for adolescents and adults with DD who meet for one hour a week in book stores, libraries, cafes, or other public spaces to read books aloud and discuss them together. Clubs have four to eight members who are supported by trained volunteer facilitators. Individuals do not need to be able to read to be active participants. Other book club members and the facilitator provide support as desired.
In addition to reading and discussing books, club members may choose to discuss other topics during a meeting. Outside of a meeting, members may choose to socialize with other club members. Club members may also interact with people who are at the place where the club meets. Book club meetings may not be held in places that are segregated or exist primarily for people with disabilities.
NCBCs provide people with DD with opportunities to be self-determined and included in their communities.
About the RFP
TCDD intends to fund one organization for up to four years to establish at least 30 NCBCs in five areas around the state. At least four clubs must be in a language or languages other than English, and at least two clubs must be in rural areas. The applicant must choose and define the areas. TCDD will give preference to projects that spread out the selected areas across the state.
Chapters Ahead, the entity that provides training and technical assistance to start NCBCs, will work with the selected grantee to establish book clubs in Texas. Chapters Ahead will provide the grantee with:
- licenses for the five area affiliates that allows for the creation of up to six book clubs in the area;
- access to private forums and registry in the Customer Relationship Management system for ongoing publicity and recruitment;
- copies of the Lucky Dog starter book that was written specifically for NCBC;
- training to start and run clubs using the NCBC model;
- online tools that include strategies, activities, evaluation instruments, and protocols; and
- membership in the NCBC community.
TCDD will contract with Chapters Ahead to work with the selected grantee.
The grantee will:
- recruit and support a statewide NCBC Coordinator,
- facilitate an initial training for grantee and affiliate staff,
- serve as a liaison between Chapters Ahead and potential affiliates,
- assist affiliates to conduct appropriate outreach and marketing activities to develop interest in the program, and
- ensure affiliates establish the required number of NCBCs and maintain fidelity with the NCBC model.
Eligibility
Public agencies, private not-for-profit agencies, private for-profit organizations, universities, colleges, or other organizations are eligible to apply if they have the capacity to implement this project. Applicants must be able to provide the administrative functions for the grant; complete forms correctly and on time; and receive, disburse, and account for grant funds. Individuals are not eligible.
Grant Funds Available
TCDD approved funds for one project lasting up to four years. The project funded under this RFP may receive up to:
- $135,000 for the first year
- $110,000 for the second year
- $60,000 for the third year
- $40,000 for the fourth year
Funding for the second through fourth years is not automatic.
Key Dates
Proposals are due to TCDD by 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on Friday, May 18, 2018. Late proposals will not be accepted. TCDD will notify proposers of decisions within 30 days following TCDD’s August 2018 Council Meeting. The earliest expected project start date is October 1, 2018 (this date may change).
Learn More and Submit a Proposal
For more information, the complete RFP is available on the Notice of Funds Available 2018-4 Next Chapter Book Club webpage on the DD Suite website. Proposals for this RFP and all forms must be submitted using DD Suite.
Questions
If you have questions after reviewing the complete RFP, listed below are additional opportunities for you to ask questions and get more information:
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Bidders’ conference:
TCDD will hold a bidders’ teleconference call at 12 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2018. During the call, TCDD will provide more information about the proposal review and grant award processes. You are not required to attend in order to apply. -
Submit questions:
If you have questions about the RFP or the application, submit your questions via email to Joanna Cordry at joanna.cordry@tcdd.texas.gov. The deadline to submit questions is 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on Thursday, April 26, 2018. TCDD will not answer questions about the RFP or the application after the deadline. Questions and answers will be posted on the DD Suite website as an attachment to this RFP by 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on Monday, April 30, 2018.
