1. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
2010 Illinois AmeriCorps
Disability Inclusion Mini-Grants
PROMOTING INCLUSIVE RECRUITMENT
Application Deadline: March 26, 2010
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service will provide
mini-grants up to $1,000 for AmeriCorps State programs operating in Illinois.
Funding is for the purpose of implementing recruitment initiatives that target
individuals with disabilities (up to $500) and implement inclusion strategies in
their program (up to $500).Recruitment initiatives might include a provision for
alternative formats noted on applications or use of media that targets persons
with disabilities. Inclusion strategies might include contacting a local disability
agency to partner an event or develop a project.
ELIGIBILITY FOR FUNDING
Any AmeriCorps State Program operating in Illinois is eligible to apply for a mini-
grant. Proposed activities must focus on recruitment and /or inclusion strategies
directed toward involving persons with disabilities in their AmeriCorps
Projects for AmeriCorps Week, May 8 through May 15, 2010.
APPLICATION: To apply for a Serve Illinois Inclusive Service Project grant,
please complete and return the attached application form via e-mail, fax, or mail
no later than March 26, 2010 to:
Scott McFarland
Serve Illinois
535 W. Jefferson, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62702
Email: scott.mcfarland@illinois.gov
Fax: 217-557-0515
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
• Brief description of AmeriCorps Week project activity describing inclusion
strategies and recruitment initiatives.
• Time line for implementation of strategies/initiatives
• Budget, including any matching funds
• Project summation – what do you wish to accomplish
2. ALLOWABLE USE OF FUNDS:
• Project materials
• Reasonable funds for food, beverage, refreshments
• Venue or material rentals
• Direct program needs - specify
• Transportation for participants
UNALLOWABLE USE OF FUNDS:
• Personnel
• Grant funds cannot support unallowable AmeriCorps activities
• Developing recruitment materials without regard to accessibility/inclusion.
• Recruitment initiatives that do not include targeted outreach to individuals
with disabilities.
• Purchase, construction or repair of tangible equipment costing over
$1,000, or permanent alteration of physical space (e.g., a ramp,
accessible bathroom).
PROJECT SUMMATION:
• Include the total number of participants with and without disabilities
• Description of recruitment strategies for outreach to the targeted
population (persons with disabilities)
• Description of service event and expected outcomes(s)
• Quantity of items created/work completed
• Written summary of effectiveness of strategies/initiatives – what worked
and what did not.
• Photos of service project and members involved
Applicants are encouraged to commit matching resources to support the
project. Serve Illinois reserves the right to award partial funding based on
funding limitations and the applicants proposed budget and project
description.
NOTE: Funds for reasonable accommodations are also available. For
access/utilization of these funds contact the Serve Illinois Disability
Outreach Coordinator at
Lois Barnhart
barnhartl@Kreiderservices.org
PH: 815-288-6691 EX 282
TTY: 815-288-5931
FAX: 815-288-1636
500 Anchor Road
Dixon, IL 61021
3. ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS REPORTING FORM
Project Activity includes description of service benefit Outcome includes number of participants, quantity of items created/work completed
ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS REPORT FORM
Project Activity Date of Outcome(s):
AmeriCorps Awareness Package Event
Order materials for the packet including pens to handout TBA 25 - Local Disability Agencies receiving AmeriCorps Awareness Package;
to the public and t-shirts for members to promote NAW; to 200+ - pieces of information for AmeriCorps Awareness Package;
Assemble materials to be printed, packaged, and mailed to 5/10/2010 15 - National AmeriCorps Week t-shirts for member participants;
local disability agencies. 150 - AmeriCorps pens for visitors at the fair
The Anixter Center
Identify types of disabilities, research disclosure policy, TBA 1 - Consulting Agency;
and recommended accommodation strategies; Secure 22 - Possible host site supervisors attending Inclusion training;
training facility; 27 – AmeriCorps members
Invite host site supervisors and AmeriCorps members to 66 – handouts given out at training
participate in training on an inclusive environment for
AmeriCorps members. Create agenda and any handouts to
be given at the training. Develop pre and post surveys.
National AmeriCorps Week (NAW): Literacy
Volunteers of IL VOCAL AmeriCorps, 3rd Annual May 10, 2010 50 – Members and site supervisor participants;
Volunteer Information and Recruitment Fair 100 – 200+ - Visitors receiving information on volunteer opportunities with AmeriCorps
Setup tables for information from event participants; and at community agencies, and inclusion awareness.
Distribute information throughout the day and engage
visitors in conversation about volunteering and service
pride.
4. Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service
2010 Promoting Inclusive Recruitment Mini-Grant
Budget Summary Form
Legal Name of Agency: Literacy Volunteers of Illinois
Executive Director: Dorothy Miaso
Employer ID: 36-3244036
If different from above:
Fiscal Contact (FC) _______________________________________________
FC Address_____________________________________________________
FC Telephone______________________FC Fax_______________________
FC Email_______________________________________________________
Complete the summary budget below.
LINE ITEM A
1. Project Materials 469.15
2. Consulting/Contractual 500.00
Rental Services
3. Transportation for participants 0.00
4. Other 0.00
Total Budget $969.15
I certify that the information contained in this application is correct and complete
and that the applicant agency has authorized me, as its representative, to file this
application.
Typed Name: Chamala T. Travis Title: Program Coordinator
Signature: Date: March 26, 2010
5. Complete the Budget Narrative
LINE ITEM REQUEST DESCRIPTION
1. Project Materials
Paper 8.99 Ream of 24 lb paper. (for package contents.)
Paper 10.99 Ream of 28 lb paper. (for package contents.)
Folders 46.25 Folders used to hold printed material
Ink – Black 63.98 Black Ink Cartridge (HP 920)
Ink – Three Color 88.94 Color Ink Cartridge Combo Pack (HP 920)
AmeriCorps T-Shirts 150.00 AmeriCorps t-shirts
AmeriCorps Pens 100.00 AmeriCorps pens
Subtotal 469.15
2. Consulting/
Contractual
Rental Services
Consulting Fee 500.00 The Anixter Center
Subtotal 500.00
3. Transportation for
participants
20 x $5.00 ($100) Bus fare for VOCAL Members – In-Kind
Subtotal ($100)
4. Other
Postage and Shipping ($75) Mailing of materials to agencies, host sites, etc.
– In-Kind
20 x $7 ($140) Lunch for VOCAL Members – In-Kind
JRTC ($125) Rental of Atrium – In-Kind
Subtotal ($340)
TOTAL BUDGET 969.15
($440) LVI Match
6. 2010 Illinois AmeriCorps Disability Inclusion Mini-Grant
Application
1. Contact Information
Contact Name: Dorothy Miaso Email: lvaill@aol.com
Phone: 312-857-1582 Cell: n/a Fax: 312-857-1586
Organization (legal applicant name): Literacy Volunteers of Illinois
Address (Street): 30 E Adams, Suite 1130
City: Chicago State: IL Zip Code: 60603
Organization Type (Select all that apply):
Faith-based Non-profit Government Education
Club Business Other:
2. Project Details
Community(ies) Served: Chicago, IL and surrounding areas
Project Location(s) (Complete Addresses):
James R. Thompson Center - JRTC
Atrium Room
100 W Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
What is the timeframe for your project?
All activities lead up to Literacy Volunteers of Illinois’ (LVI) 3rd Annual Volunteer Information and
Recruitment Fair taking place May 10, 2010 at the James R. Thompson Center - JRTC.
Notification of Award - TBA: Place orders for preparation of materials to be included in
AmeriCorps Awareness Package and disseminated at LVI’s National AmeriCorps Week event.
TBA: Meet with Anixter Center (disability inclusion consultant): to review materials; develop pre
and post evaluations and schedule 3-hour session for VOCAL members and host site supervisors
(or designee)
04/19/2010: Mailing of AmeriCorps Awareness Package
05/10/2010: 3rd Annual Volunteer Information and Recruitment Fair
7. What supplies or resources will be necessary to complete this project?
Resources needed for the AmeriCorps Awareness Package will be materials to print, package,
and mail. Printing materials include: color ink, black ink, 24 lb. ream of paper, and a 28 lb. ream of
paper.
Package materials include:
i. Cover letter from LVI to local agencies;
ii. AmeriCorps Wants You poster – containing a message of SERVE Illinois commitment
and contact information along with that of Kreider Services our lead disability inclusion
agency;
iii. The Illinois AmeriCorps Disability Outreach brochure – highlighting service, benefits, and
the part-time term requirements. Along with additional contact information for the
application process;
iv. LVI fact sheet;
v. The Heart Act – explaining how the Heart Act makes AmeriCorps more accessible to
individuals with disabilities with regard to recipients of SSI benefits;
vi. List of all AmeriCorps programs funded through SERVE Illinois with their brief program
information;
vii. A pen promoting AmeriCorps and Inclusion.
Please give a brief summary of your Service Project: :
Currently and in the past, Literacy Volunteers has been on board with SERVE Illinois’ initiative in
creating and having an inclusive environment by having members with both apparent and non-
apparent disabilities. This year we seek to aggressively create awareness of SERVE Illinois and
AmeriCorps inclusion initiative by actively promoting it at our Annual Volunteer Information and
Recruitment Fair. Now in its 3rd year, our purpose in holding this event is designed to bring more
Americans into service; salute current AmeriCorps members for their work and alums for their
powerful impact; and, to thank the community, governmental and corporate partners who make
AmeriCorps and our VOCAL program possible. For National AmeriCorps Week we will make our
inclusion message more visible by partnering with a local agency, The Anixter Center, who is a
leader in the disability community who will educate our host sites and members on types of
disabilities, disclosure, and reasonable accommodation strategies.The AmeriCorps Awareness
Package encourages members of disabled organizations in the Chicagoland area to apply for
LVI’s VOCAL AmeriCorps program. Additionally, the package encourages the targeted
organizations to attend the 3rd Annual Volunteer Information and Recruitment Fair on May 10,
2010 at the James R. Thompson Center. The event is hosted by LVI to increase awareness of
AmeriCorps programs, distributing volunteer information, and recruit members for service in
upcoming years. The prior years have shown an attendance of __ programs and __ visitors. We
will also target disabled populations to attend the fair, to foster awareness of LVI’s and other
AmeriCorps programs.
8. What community needs will your project address?
LVI’s mission is to develop and support volunteer literacy programs that help families, adults, and
out-of-school teens increase their literacy skills. By partnering with the Anixter Center who also
happens to be one of our host sites, we will help to promote inclusion and generate discussion on
how current programs funded through SERVE Illinois and host sites of its programs can best
serve the disabled population through inclusion education and training. In keeping with the spirit
of National AmeriCorps Week, LVI will continue the President’s call to service by reaching out to
individuals who have never heard about AmeriCorps as well as to get Illinois citizens actively
volunteering at literacy programs in their community.
By attracting AmeriCorps applicants through the AmeriCorps Awareness Package, LVI will be
more capable to aid individuals seeking tutoring in Chicago. AmeriCorps members, associated
with LVI, contribute thousands of hours annually in literary tutoring in the Chicagoland Area.
How will your project meaningfully engage individuals with disabilities in service?
The end goal of our recruitment mailing is to interest disabled individuals in AmeriCorps and have
them attend the fair to learn more about AmeriCorps and how they can be a part of it. The
AmeriCorps Awareness Package focuses on spreading awareness of LVI’s VOCAL AmeriCorps
program and encourages disabled persons to apply. Applicants accepted will complete their year
of service through the VOCAL program.The VOCAL members having been made aware of
inclusion strategies by the Anixter Center will engage visitors at the fair in conversation on their
current experience as an AmeriCorps member. Our present and past disabled members will
speak to individual disabled prospects about personal accommodations that they’ve received
while serving at their host site, on the MLK service project, and other member activities.
How will your project facilitate partnerships between individuals with and without
disabilities?
By collaborating with the Anixter Center we will make our host sites and current members more
aware of the skills, talents, and abilities of individuals with disabilities and suggest ways for
inclusion to happen. LVI will also make follow up calls to the agencies receiving the AmeriCorps
Awareness Package to confirm receipt, answer any questions they may have, and encourage the
individuals they serve to attend the fair and meet with our members and host sites as well as
members of the other AmeriCorps programs participating in our fair.
What will the end result of your project be?
Our long-term goal is to include disabled members in the Corps. Our two short-term goals are; 1)
to bring disabled individuals to the fair and 2) to educate our current host site supervisors and
AmeriCorps members on types of disabilities, disclosure, and reasonable accommodation
strategies so as to sensitized them and enhance the possibility of their taking on a disabled
member.
How will you know your project was a success?
Three separate goals will measure the success of the AmeriCorps Awareness package.
9. i. Fostering AmeriCorps Awareness – Through the mailing and follow up phone calls,
organizations will learn more about AmeriCorps and how they can encourage the
populations they serve to pursue involvement.
ii. Collect Data – On member participation, host sites and other programs present, and
number of visitors including disabled individuals receiving information.
iii. Inclusion Awareness – Pre and post surveys of members and supervisors attending
inclusion session facilitated by Anixter Center representatives.
3. Volunteer Details
Expected Number of Volunteers:
n/a
Description of Volunteer Population (ages, demographics):
n/a
How will you recruit volunteers for this project?
n/a
How will you track numbers of volunteers and volunteer service hours?
n/a