Apply for Funding

Out 2 Learn BOOST Grant

Fall 2024 BOOST Grant Application is now open!

Click here to apply now

What is the BOOST Request for Proposal (RFP)?

The Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Request for Proposal (RFP) is an opportunity for Out 2 Learn to expand its reach and support of out-of-school time (OST) programming. This opportunity is seeking to fund agencies that will positively affect youth attendance, retention, or youth engagement within OST programs. OST providers can submit one (1) proposal, not to exceed $10,000 total. 

You will need to have an account with e-CImpact to apply. Please do not create a new profile for your agency if you may already have one. If you are unsure or may have forgotten your login information, please reach out to Teri Wilson or the e-CImpact team to assist you and avoid duplicating an account.  

There will be a virtual info session to provide details about the grant process on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 10am.  Click here to watch the recording of the info session.

Download a copy of the application questions here. The Project Budget Template can be found here.

Who can apply?

  • Any free or fee-based OST provider with an IRS issued 501c3 status (minimum of 2 years) and serving youth in grades K-12 during out-of-school time hours (before school, after school, weekends, and/or holiday breaks).  
    • Public, private, and/or charter schools including school districts are NOT eligible to apply
    • Parent Teacher Associations (PTA)/Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO) are NOT eligible to apply 
  • Must serve within one of the four county service areas: Harris County, Waller County, Fort Bend County, or Montgomery County 
  • Any OST provider with an organizational operating budget of $500,000 or less**.  
    • **Operating budget for the entire organization not an individual site 
  • Any agency who is NOT currently a United Way of Greater Houston Funded Partner. 
  • Agencies committed to completing the entire Out 2 Learn Quality Process 

What are qualifying BOOST requests?

There are many areas that impact OST providers’ ability to provide programming. Impact areas are unique to each community and to the population of students served. OST providers are the experts in their communities and best understand their own challenges. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions, but some common impact areas are:  

  • Access to OST programs (tuition/fees, scholarships) 
  • Technology for youth (upgrade or additional) 
  • Food/snacks 
  • Curriculum 
  • New materials/equipment 
  • Transportation (funds can be used for rentals not purchasing to own) 
  • Improve Academic Success 
  • College and Career Readiness 
  • Social Emotional Learning (SEL) 
  • Physical/Nutritional Health (curriculum/activities) 
  • 21st Century Skills, Leadership Skills, and/or Life Empowerment Skills 
  • Financial Literacy 
  • Professional development for staff (not paid to staff but covering costs for staff to attend trainings) 

These are only suggestions, we want you tell us what impact areas are true to your program, your students, and your community!  

Priority will be given to requests that directly use funds to provide service. Agencies cannot apply on behalf of another agency.

Programs must be delivered in person only. Requests for virtual or hybrid programs will not be accepted.   

Qualifying requests will: 

  • Make an impact within the Fall 2024 semester 
  • Occur during OST program hours (before school, after school, weekends, and/or holiday/school breaks) 
  • Occur during the project grant term of September 30, 2024 – December 31, 2024 
  • Clearly identify what barriers and/or impact areas the proposed project will address 
  • Provide a clear rationale for how your project will positively affect youth attendance, retention, or youth engagement within OST programs.  
  • Provide a clear description for use of BOOST funds requested for the proposed project  
    • NOTE: This funding opportunity is NOT intended to pay for staff salaries. Applications related to staff salaries will not be considered. 
  • Submit a single application for collaborative projects. 
  • Not exceed $10,000 per agency. 

Note: Funds cannot be used to cover previous expenditures or losses.

What are the Requirements?

  1. Application: Applicants must answer all application questions and submit a program budget by 11:59pm cst on Friday, August 16, 2024. Applications must be submitted on e-Cimpact. 
  2. Project Budget: Project Budget should be specific and itemized: 
    • Project Expenses (all items with associated costs; indicate which expenses will be paid for with Out 2 Learn BOOST funds.) 
  3. Supporting Documents: Applicants must also submit an IRS 501(c)(3) designation letter (minimum of 2-year status) and the most recently completed IRS Form 990 Income Tax Return (filed within the last 2 years from application date).  
  4. Fall Quality Cohort: Applicants must be enrolled to participate in the O2L Fall Quality Cohort by 6p on August 16, 2024. Agencies who do not register for the Fall Quality Cohort by the deadline will be disqualified. Awarded agencies are required to fully complete the Fall Quality Cohort process including but not limited to trainings, self-assessment, and submitting an improvement plan. Please contact Yolanda Smith at ysmith@unitedwayhouston.org for additional information about this process.  

All applications and supporting documents must be submitted through the e-Cimpact portal. Final Reports for grantees will also be on e-Cimpact. 

What are the grantee requirements?

If awarded BOOST funds, grantees are expected to complete the following: 

  1. Agree to, sign, and return the Service Provider Agreement (SPA) via email by the due date assigned. 
  1. Use BOOST funds in accordance with the Service Provider Agreement (SPA) and set timeline. 
  1. Be actively engaged with the Out 2 Learn Network 
  1. Attend the November Out 2 Learn Quarterly Meeting on November 12, 2024. This meeting will be held in person. 
  1. Attend mandatory Grantee Orientations & Check Point Meetings. 
  1. Actively participate in and complete ALL Fall Quality Cohort series and follow-up sessions as applicable to each organization. 
  1. Submit BOOST Final Report by the due date at the end of the program period, including but not limited to attendance numbers, demographics, project summary detailing accomplishments and challenges, success stories, photo documentation, etc. 
  1. Comply with evaluations which will include site visits, check-ins, surveys, etc. 
  1. Deliver services funded by BOOST grant during grant term dates (September 30, 2024 – December 31, 2024). 

Questions 

For questions about the BOOST Grant process, check out the Frequently Asked Questions document. Have additional questions not on the FAQ? Email Teri Wilson at teriw@unitedwayhouston.org. For questions about e-Cimpact please email e-Cimpact@unitedwayhouston.org.