BOLD Application Process
Funding will be awarded on a competitive basis through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process that provides transparency and performance-driven accountability in the distribution of BOLD funds to strategic partners.
Competitive applicants will demonstrate:
- A mission-oriented focus on building and growing a more inclusive economy in Birmingham
- Alignment with one or more BOLD objectives with a track record of working on the proposed objective(s)
- A focus on one or more of the BOLD geographic priority areas with a track record of success in the communities the applicants propose to serve
- Intimate understanding of the city’s economic landscape, including a data-defined problem and solution with measurable standards for success
- A compelling project plan to meet the proposal’s objectives, including work plan, budget narrative, and leveraged resources to complement any grant funding that could be awarded
- Demonstrated fiscal sustainability and capacity to execute on the scope of objectives outlined in the project narrative and project work plan
The full application is available at the link above with applications closing on Thursday, September 5th, 2024 at 5PM CST. The application includes submitting:
- A series of short response questions
- A budget narrative
- Organizational status documentation
- Organizational fiscal sustainability documentation
- Partner memorandums of understanding (MOUs), if applicable.
Applicants are encouraged to start their application early by reviewing the link above and drafting their proposal in a separate document to ensure progress on the application is safeguarded against technical difficulties. Template documents for the budget narrative and partner MOUs can be found at the links above, and instructions for the organizational status and fiscal sustainability documentation is within the application form.
Semifinalists are expected to receive invitations to present their proposals in-person to the City of Birmingham by early October 2024. Finalists are expected to be notified by October 2024, upon which, organizations will work with the Office of City Attorney to finalize an agreement, including a budget with clearly defined performance metrics and data sharing agreements. Such finalized agreements may require City Council approval prior to execution. The project performance period is expected to run between January 6, 2025 to January 5, 2026, including reporting quarterly progress updates and presenting a mid-way status update to the Economic Development Committee of the Birmingham City Council.
