This section contains the following information to assist you in applying for an OCB grant:

• Criteria By Which Proposals Will Be Evaluated for Funding
• Application Instructions
• Proposal Summary Instructions
• Proposal Narrative Instructions
• Requirements for Proposal Attachments
• Cover Sheet

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

• There is evidence that the organization provides credible services, is respected by its community, and intentionally gives a high priority to the elderly.
• The organization clearly identifies the management and/or governance problem(s) that an OCB grant would address and its effect on the agency's ability to serve the elderly more efficiently and effectively.
• The outcomes of the OCB grant are clear and will positively change the organization and its services to the elderly.
• The capacity building activities and time frame are logical and realistic.
• The organization outlines a reasonable plan to evaluate the outcomes of an OCB grant.
• The organization identifies team members from its management, staff, board, or others that are appropriate to the nature of the proposed organizational capacity building effort.
• If the organization requests a coach, it identifies potential benefits and demonstrates a willingness to accept such guidance.
• The proposed use of OCB funds is reasonable and realistically fits the scope of the project.
• The organization has sufficient financial stability to undertake and sustain the capacity building project.

Back to top

Application Instructions

Please follow these instructions in preparing a proposal for the OCB Program. Download and complete the cover sheet which is at the end of this information. Submit an original and one copy of the cover sheet, your summary, proposal, and attachments. Mail (no fax or e-mail) the application package to:

Mary O'Donnell
Organizational Capacity Building Coordinator
The Retirement Research Foundation
8765 West Higgins Road – Suite 430
Chicago, Illinois 60631
(773) 714-8080

Back to top

Proposal Summary Instructions

Provide a one to two page, single-spaced summary in 12-point type.

Back to top

Proposal Narrative Instructions

Respond to these questions in the order listed here. Please number each response and do not skip any questions. Please number the pages.

1. Organization's Background

• Describe your organization, the community, and senior population it serves. What services does your organization provide for the elderly? What evidence can you provide that your organization has intentionally designed services for the elderly and that older adults are a high priority for your organization?
• Describe your board of directors, i.e., number of members and percentage over age 60; affiliations including business, community and other organizations; and total financial contribution from your board for last year.

2. Description of Problem

• Describe the organizational capacity building problem(s) that you wish to address.
• How do these problems currently affect your organization and its ability to provide services for the elderly?
• If your organization has already taken some steps toward solving these problems, describe them.
• What efforts have been made to gain staff and board support for working on these problems and to prepare them for changes that may occur as a result?

3. Project Outcomes

• What are the goals and/or outcomes that your organization expects as a result of this organizational capacity building effort? How will the outcomes change your organization?
• How will the proposed organizational capacity building project impact the elderly served by your organization?

4. Work Plan and Timetable

• Describe the organizational capacity building activities that your organization will undertake over the course of the grant. Put the activities in priority order.
• Provide a timetable for these activities.

5. Evaluation

• How will your organization evaluate whether the outcomes have been achieved?
• What quantifiable indicators will be used to provide evidence that the outcomes are achieved?

6. Capacity Building Team/Organizational Commitment

Generally, capacity building involves a working team of staff, board, and volunteers to ensure that changes will be long-term for the organization.

• Who will serve on your organization's project team and what responsibility will they assume? Who will lead the team?
• What current and new staff will be needed for the project? If your organization plans to hire new staff, include a job description.
• How will existing staff who are expected to be involved in capacity building handle these activities in addition to their current ones?

Note: If you do not plan to use a team, please justify your decision.

7. Coaching Services

The services of a coach may be available during the course of your grant. For a description of the role a coach plays,click here. If your organization would be interested in a coach, please respond to the following questions:

• Why do you think your organization would benefit from the services of a coach?
• What are the particular needs that a coach could help address?
• If you have concerns about working with a coach, please indicate them.

Note: If you are not interested in coaching services, please indicate so.

8. Budget Justification

OCB funds generally support consulting and training fees, hardware and software related to information management, and staff and other costs directly related to capacity building activities.

• Provide a line item budget for each year of funding.
• Provide a narrative justification, with an explanation and calculation of each line item on the budget.
• If the project costs more than the amount requested, indicate whether and how much your organization will contribute to the project and/or whether it is seeking funds from other sources. If the balance of funds is not received, indicate how the project will accomplish its objectives with fewer funds or how it will scale back but still accomplish something substantive with less funding.
• If your organization is seeking other funds for this project, identify them and indicate the anticipated decision dates.

9. Future Financial Support

If there are capacity building activities that will require funding to sustain them after the grant ends, indicate how your organization will continue to support them.

Back to top

Requirements for Proposal Attachments

Please attach the following items to the original and all copies:

• Your organization's current operating budget showing income and expenses.
• A line item budget that shows how the organizational capacity building grant will be used (include an explanation of costs in the narrative section – see #8 above).
• Most current audit (only one copy required) or financial statements if your organization does not have an audit (only one copy required).
• Resume(s) of principal staff to be involved in the project.
• If consultant(s) for the project has been identified, include resume(s) and/or information on his/her experience.
• IRS letter stating organization has a 501(c)3 classification.
• Board list showing names and affiliations.

Back to top

Cover Sheet

Complete this cover sheet (click here to download) and attach it to the summary of your proposal.

Note: If the project is a collaboration between or among other organizations, please provide the attachments required for all participating organizations.

Back to top