News : Better Tomorrows Board accepting funding proposals, lists requirements

The Better Tomorrows Board announces the availability of the 2013–2014 Request for Proposals (RFP), contingent upon receipt of Early Childhood (TANF) Funding and School-Ready Children Grant Funding.

The Better Tomorrows Early Childhood Iowa School Ready and Early Childhood (TANF) Grant is an initiative funded with state and federal dollars. The goal of Better Tomorrows funding is to provide a network of programs for Benton and/or Tama County children from birth to age five that will result in better school-readiness and awareness of childcare issues. Proposals consistent with, but not limited to, the needs/priorities listed below will be given first consideration for funding in FY ‘14:

Priority #1 - Healthy Children

Priority #2 – Children Ready to Succeed in School

Priority #5 – Safe and Supportive Communities

Proposal will be awarded funding based on guidelines, Better Tomorrow’s priorities and availability of funds.

Proposal requirements:

a. Services provided in the Benton and/or Tama County area.

b. Target children 0–5 years old.

c. Address which Better Tomorrows Early Childhood Iowa priority or priorities for which funding is requested.

d. State need/purpose/proposed goal

e. State projected timeline for program

f. Include a detailed 12-month project budget narrative, (budget form included in application).

g. Application form must be utilized when requesting funding (electronic copy of the application available)

Funding requests for Better Tomorrows Early Childhood Iowa Funding must be submitted by 4:30 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2013. Requests for Funding Applications are available from:

Lori Johnson, Co-Director Heidi Schminke, Co-Director

Better Tomorrows – Tama County Better Tomorrows – Benton County

129 W. High Street P.O. Box 516

Toledo, Iowa 52342 Vinton, Iowa 52349

641/484-4788 319/472-4543

The Better Tomorrows Early Childhood Iowa Area offers services and referrals to families throughout Benton and Tama County with children ages 0-5. The focus of Early Childhood is to ensure that children enter school happy, healthy and ready to learn. For more information on the Better Tomorrows Early Childhood Iowa Area or the other service resources available in each county, contact Heidi Schminke at 319/472-4543, director@bettertomorrowseci.org; or Lori Johnson at 641/484-4788, ljohnson@tamacounty.org. You can also visit our website at www.bettertomorrowseci.org.