YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT - A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District - Los ...
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YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District September 2019
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YOUTH & VETERAN
JOB TRAINING &
PLACEMENT
A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM
This guideline provides extensive information
about the Los Angeles County Regional Park and
Open Space District’s (RPOSD) Youth & Veteran Job
Training & Placement Competitive Grant Program
for the 2019-2020 grant cycle. After reviewing this
guideline, you will have a better understanding of
the application process and evaluation criteria for
this program.
The evaluation criteria for this program come
from the Measure A Implementation Steering
Committee Proceedings. RPOSD is very
appreciative of the committee and community
members who helped to develop the evaluation
criteria for the competitive grant programs.
For more information regarding Measure A funding
opportunities, programs, and procedures, please
refer to the Grants Administration Manual for
Measure A and the Measure A Basics Handbook.
Additional information is also available online at
RPOSD.LACounty.gov.
YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 3
Mark Your Calendars
The application period for Youth & Veteran Job Training &
Placement, one of the Competitive Grant Programs, is starting in
September 2019. Be sure to attend at least one of the mandatory
application workshops designed to assist eligible agencies before
the application period ends in February 2020!
COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM
2019-2020 CYCLE TIMELINE:
» Application Process Opens
September 9, 2019
» GMS Registration Must be Completed to Apply
January 30, 2020
» Application Process Closes
February 25, 2020
» Evaluation Process
March 1, 2020 through early June 2020
» Award of Funds / Grants
June 2020
The information regarding this timeline will be continously updated on the
Competitive Grant Programs page of RPOSD’s website. Each competitive
grant program will operate according to its own cycle and schedule, so it is
important to refer to each category for specific details.
4 Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant Guidelines
WORKSHOP LOCATIONS AND DATES
Application workshops will focus on Recreation Access and Youth and Veteran Job Training and Placements, the two
Competitive Grant Programs available 2019 - 2020. It is mandatory for grant applicants to attend at least one of
the workshops available throughout the application process. For materials and more information about this and
other RPOSD application workshops, refer to the Application Workshops page on our website.
September 2019
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Wednesday 9/18 1:00PM-4:00PM.
Palm Room, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007
Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center
Saturday 9/28 9:00AM-12:00PM.
Gallatin Room, 7810 Quill Drive, Downey, CA 90242
October 2019
El Monte Aquatic Center
Thursday 10/10 1:00PM-4:00PM.
Room A & B, 11001 Mildred St., El Monte, CA 91731
Betty Ainsworth Sports Center
Saturday 10/19 9:00AM-12:00PM.
Room 3, 3851 W El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250
November 2019
El Cariso Community Regional Park
Thursday 11/7 1:00PM-4:00PM.
Multipurpose Room, 13100 Hubbard Street, Sylmar, CA 91342
Ganesha Community Center
Saturday 11/16 9:00AM-12:00PM.
1575 N. White Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768
December 2019
Las Palmas Park
Saturday 12/7 9:00AM-12:00PM.
RSVP
Banquet Room, 505 South Huntington Street, San Fernando, CA 91340 online now
Exposition Park - Expo Center - Roy Anderson Recreation Center
and select the
Thursday 12/18 1:00PM-4:00PM.
3980 Bill Robertson Ln., Los Angeles, CA 90037
Competitive
Grant Program
January 2020
Application
Veterans Park
Thursday 1/16 1:00PM-4:00PM. Workshop that
101 East 28th Street, Long Beach, CA 90806 best fits your
Chimbole Cultural Center schedule!
Saturday 1/25 9:00AM-12:00PM.
Joshua Room, 38350 Sierra Highway, Palmdale, CA 93550
YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 5
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Youth and Veteran Job Training and Placement grants provide funds for
organizations that provide any of the following:
EDUCATION AND SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM
Organizations or program providers within the County of Los Angeles,
including certified conservation corps, are eligible to apply for funds if they
administer a program that provides education, skills training, and career
pathway development to young adults, ages 18 to 25, or veterans, to
implement park projects and programs.
CERTIFICATION AND JOB PLACEMENT PROGRAM
Organizations or program providers within the County of Los Angeles,
including conservation corps, are eligible to apply for funds if they
administer a program that provides certifications and placement services,
or apprenticeship opportunities, for young adults, ages 18 to 25, or
veterans, for jobs and careers in the Parks and Recreation field.
The Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) shall prioritize grants
to organizations that provide services to, or recruit a majority of their
participants from, the areas of high-need, and very high-need, as identified
in the 2016 Countywide Park Needs Assessment Report.
Available Funding
Available funding for this round of the Youth and Veterans Job Training and
Placement Competitive grant program.
Measure A Funding $7 Million
Award Size
Requested grant awards must meet the minimum and maximum grant
award size requirements.
Minimum: $50,000
Maximum: $1,400,000
Grant applications will be categorized into award size brackets as shown in
the table below.
YOUTH AND VETERAN JOB TRAINING AND PLACEMENT
PROGRAM AWARD SIZE BRACKETS
AWARD SIZE BRACKET MINIMUM AWARD SIZE MAXIMUM AWARD SIZE
Small $50,000 $499,999
Medium $250,000 $549,999
Large $550,000 $1,400,000
Projects that require funding beyond these Measure A limits may seek to
leverage supplemental funding from other sources.
6 Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant Guidelines
Organizations may submit grant applications to fund multi-year program(s)
not to exceed three years. For awarded multi-year programs, grant funding
will only be guaranteed for the first year. Funding for subsequent year(s) is
contingent on approval by RPOSD and a third-party evaluation process.
The program evaluation must have multiple evaluation criteria and be
inclusive of the full grant timeline. The awarded grant program must
receive a satisfactory evaluation from a third-party evaluator and any
deficiencies identified through the evaluation process must be addressed
to receive additional funding for the following years. Start early!
The third-party evaluation process costs can be funded through this grant, Competitive grant
if included in the budget.
applications have
firm deadlines.
ELIGIBILITY OF APPLICANTS AND Begin your
PROGRAMS application as far
in advance of the
Applicant Eligibility
deadline as possible.
PUBLIC AGENCIES
Any governmental agency, special district, or joint powers authority (JPA)
Grant applications
that is authorized to acquire, develop, improve and restore real property completed
for beach, wildlife, park, recreation, community, cultural, open space, water hastily tend to
quality, flood control, or gang prevention and intervention purposes within
Los Angeles County is eligible to apply for Measure A grants. contain errors
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS and lack sufficient
information, which
Eligible nonprofit organizations must have a mission related to one or more
of the following focus areas: can reduce the
• Environmental protection and preservation likelihood that your
• Park, recreation, community services, or facilities
project will be
awarded a grant.
• Gang prevention and intervention
• Environmental education and interpretation
• Tree planting
• Conservation and preservation of wetlands or of lands
predominantly in their natural, scenic, historical, forested, or
open-space condition
• Restoration of lands to a natural, scenic, historical, forested, or open
space condition
• Job skills training and educational opportunities to young adults and/
or veterans
• Nonprofit affordable housing development
YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 7
SCHOOLS
Public and private nonprofit schools are eligible to apply for Measure A
grants with RPOSD, provided they allow public use of school facilities
during non-school hours or offer education/training programs. Schools
offering education/training programs or certification placement services
to youth and veterans are also eligible but are limited to applying for
programmatic grants (e.g., Youth and Veteran Job Training and Placement
Program and Recreation Access Program grants) only.
Tip: Program Eligibility
Applicants must provide proof that the program meets all the following
If you have not eligibility requirements to apply for a grant award:
registered for our The program provider is an eligible organization (including certified
Grants Management conservation corps) which meets the following requirements:
System (GMS) yet, • Has an office within Los Angeles County; and
register now! Prior • Serves young adults (aged 18 to 25) or veterans within Los Angeles
County; and
to applying to any
• The program provider either provides education, skills training,
RPOSD grants, and career pathway development to implement park projects; or
applicants will need provides certifications and placement services, or apprenticeship
opportunities for jobs and careers in the Parks and Recreation
to be registered field; and
online. No matter • The program provider’s requested grant award size for the program
is a minimum of $50,000 and maximum of $1,400,000.
how many different
RPOSD grant Program Feasibility
programs you apply The proposed program must meet at least one of the following feasibility
requirements:
for, you only need
• The program has already been established; or
to be registered
• The program provider has a track record of running similar types of
once. Refer to the programs in other locations; or
Quick Start Guide • The program provider has not run programs similar to the
one proposed but is either well-established in the geographic
for more details. service area or has established a partnership with an agency or
organization that has experience running similar types of job
training and placement programs.
8 Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant Guidelines
Community Engagement
Applicants for Youth and Veteran Job Training and Placement Program
grants must fulfill Information Sharing community engagement
requirements, regardless of project budget. Organizations are expected
to continuously conduct outreach to promote programs and resources,
especially among High-Need or Very-High-Need Study Areas. In lieu of
stringent engagement requirements, Youth and Veteran Job Training and
Placement Program grant scoring criteria closely evaluate the quality of
program benefits provided to the intended populations and emphasize
the importance of community partnerships in developing appropriate
programs, resources, and services. In cases where these grant funds
are utilized to implement park projects, the community engagement
requirements for competitive grants described in the Measure A Grants
Administration Manual will apply.
Program Examples
Below is a non-exhaustive list of programs that may be eligible for this
grant funding. Eligible programs are required to provide education, skills,
training, and career pathway development to implement park projects, or
provide certifications, placement services or apprenticeship opportunities
for jobs and careers in the Parks and Recreation field to young adults and/
or veterans.
Careers in the Parks and Recreation field are wide ranging and include,
but are not limited to: Recreation Specialists and/or Leaders, Recreation
Coordinators, Recreation Supervisors, Recreation Therapists, Cultural and/
or Performing/Visual Art Coordinators, Aquatics Directors, Lifeguards,
Park Assistants, Natural and Cultural History Interpreters, Environmental
Educators, Landscape and Building Maintenance workers, and Building and
Trade Craft positions such as Building Facilities Superintendents.
“Park projects” is defined as, but not limited to, pre-project assistance and
feasibility, planning, acquisition, construction, development, improvement,
restoration, rehabilitation, or any combination thereof, for any park,
recreation project, or improvement.
EDUCATION AND SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM EXAMPLES
• Apprenticeship programs
• Educational seminars
• Formal coursework
• Internship/entry level job placement
• Job skills classes that focus on education and training needed to
meet the job requirements at Parks and Recreation agencies.
• Trade schools that focus on skills needed to meet the job
requirements at Parks and Recreation agencies
• Tuition grants/stipends
YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 9
CERTIFICATION AND JOB PLACEMENT PROGRAM
EXAMPLES
• Apprenticeship programs
• Arborist training and certification for tree planting and maintenance
in parks
• Interpretive training and certification for Natural and Cultural
History Interpretation, planning and programming.
• Park and Recreation Professional Organization’s Certification
programs (e.g., National Association of Interpretation, National
Recreation and Park Association, California Park and Recreation
Society, Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation, Eppley
Institute, etc.)
• Playground Safety and Athletic Field Management Certification
• Camp Counselor Training and Certifications
• California Aquatics Management School Certification
• Aquatics Facility Operator Certification
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application for all funding opportunities with RPOSD is to be
completed in the online Grants Management System. Each of the funding
opportunities, in this case a competitive grant program, will have a set of
questions that are specific to each program. The application will include
questions specific to this grant program and require that supportive
documentation be uploaded to GMS.
Application Questions
RPOSD has provided directional notes along with the questions (in green
italicized font) to help applicants understand what will need to be provided
in the online application which will need to be completed and submitted
through GMS. The application available on GMS will have additional
detailed directions for each question in the application and will outline the
process required to submit the completed application.
10 Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant GuidelinesGENERAL
1. Describe the program you are seeking funding for.
Provide narrative of the overarching goals, measureable objectives, and
purpose for this program.
2. Provide a high level, short summary of the program.
Describe the proposal succinctly in a useful “sound bite.”
3. Who will the program serve? Describe your outreach plan to attract
the participants for this program.
Provide a detailed description of the plan. Identify the Study Area(s) you
anticipate your program participants will come from. Be prepared to upload
maps, brochures, or other documents to support the proposal.
4. How will this program prepare youth and/or veterans for careers in the
Conservation, Parks and Recreation fields?
Provide a detailed description and be prepared to upload any relevant
supporting documents.
5. Explain how this program fits within your organization’s mission. Also
describe if this program enhances your organization and in what way(s).
Provide a detailed description.
6. This program requires a third-party evaluation for effectiveness.
Describe how the program will be measured to determine success.
Provides details describing how the program will be measured to determine
success, including what outcomes will be measured, how they will be
measured and how often.
PROGRAM ELEMENTS
7. Provide a description of expected outcomes and impact of project.
Provide a description of the anticipated output from the project and a
detailed description of who the beneficiary of the targeted results will be.
8. Provide a detailed Work Program for this grant request.
Describe the tasks, subtasks, and deliverables of this project. Be prepared YT IR
OI R
to provide a timeline and budget information for the total cost of the P
program’s various tasks and subtasks as well as the costs associated with a
grant award from RPOSD (if awarded).
9. Describe any safety and transportation elements that your program
will provide and/or enhance.
Provide description of safety and transportation elements identified and
include information about who will provide these services and what their
expertise are.
10. Describe the accommodations and/or services and materials that your
program will provide for the diverse needs of the participants.
Provide detailed description.
YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 11BUDGET
11. Provide a line-item budget for both the program and the amount
requested in this proposal.
The line-item budget must reflect the full costs of the program. It must
reflect the costs to be attributed to this program from funds allocated by
RPOSD (if awarded), as well as costs from all other funding sources, to show
all funding for this proposed program.
12. Provide an explanation of what costs are included in the budget.
Be prepared to provide a description clarifying costs for administrative
overhead and any other budget line-items that require more details.
13. Provide a description of all funding sources for this program
Identify the type of funding source (grant funds or in-kind resources), the
status of the funding (applied, awarded, denied, etc.), and the amount of
funding secured or anticipated from each funding source.
ORGANIZATION/FINANCIAL HEALTH
14. What types of outreach does your organization regularly complete?
You will be required to provide a detailed description of the outreach
performed and who the intended audience(s) were. In addition, you must
provide information about the methods used and the success of the
outreach efforts. You will also be required to clearly identify how these
efforts are reflected in your organization’s budget.
12 Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant Guidelines15. Approximately how many people and for what purposes does your
agency reach on an annual basis?
Provide a description and statistics.
16. Describe the overall financial condition of your organization and
explain any operating deficit or surplus that appears in your financials
and your current operating budget.
Provide description and be prepared to upload the operating budget for
your current fiscal year.
17. Future funding - address how or if the program will continue beyond
the grant period.
Provide a description detailing your plan for acquiring future funding if the
program is anticipated to continue beyond this grant period.
STAFF
18. Provide a list of key staff members who would work on this project.
You will be required to provide the full names, titles, roles, and a short
biography for all staff working on this project. If new staff need to be hired,
you must provide information about their intended titles and roles, and a
plan for how and when you intend to hire staff.
19. If volunteers are an essential part of the program, how many will be
involved and what will their roles be?
Provide description identifying the roles of the volunteers, the years of
experience they have performing similar work, their level of education,
training, and/or certification requirements.
YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 13Completing your Application in the online Grants
Management System (GMS)
Information regarding the Grants Management System (GMS) derive from
the Quick Start Guide, which will guide you through all the steps required
Skip to register your agency in GMS, apply for grants and manage your grant(s),
if you are awarded any.
the sections about REGISTRATION IN THE GMS
registration if If you are already registered, you will not be required to do so again. Please
you have already ensure that all individuals from your agency who will be working on the
successfully RPOSD grant application are registered. Those individuals authorized in
the system can log on and find the Funding Opportunity that is available
registered to GMS for your agency to apply for.
and proceed to If you have not already registered, the first step each applicant will need
the subsequent to take is to register in the GMS. We highly recommend that all users access
the Quick Start Guide first as it provides specific instructions that will help
section entitled, you get this done quickly! Registration is a required step for any public
agency, nonprofit organization, or school applying for a Measure A grant.
‘STEP ONE: Registering now ensures that your agency or organization will be ready
FUNDING when it is time to apply for Measure A grants.
OPPORTUNITIES.”. Initial registration should be completed by a single individual within
your agency or organization. This individual should have access to, and
knowledge of, general information about your agency’s/organization’s
operations.
If registration is completed by more than one individual, the additional
registrations will be discarded by the system. Avoid doing double work
by making sure everyone in your agency/organization is aware that
registration will be completed by a single individual. Once you submit your
information, you will receive a confirmation email within 72 hours notifying
you that your registration is active. Please add rposd@webgrantsmail.com
to your safe senders list to ensure delivery to your inbox.
You can add additional users once your initial registration is complete.
INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION
All agencies/organizations will need the following information/documents
to complete the registration process:
Contact Information
Federal Tax ID Number
LA County Vendor ID Information
County of Los Angeles Vendor Direct Deposit Program Enrollment
Status
RPOSD Grant Terms
Technical Assistance Needs
Audited Financial Statement
Proof of Jurisdiction Support (if available)
14 Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant GuidelinesPublic agencies will also need:
Annual Allocation Plan
Nonprofit organizations will also need:
Mission Statement
Articles of Incorporation
Proof of 501(c)3 Status
IRS Form 990
Schools do not need any additional items.
Once registration is completed for your organization, you will be able to log
in to the GMS. When you log in to the GMS, the Main Menu will provide
the following options for you to choose from:
Instructions
This link displays a high-level instructions page describing all the screens in
the GMS. This detailed information will help you learn more about the GMS.
My Profile
This link contains contact information for you and the agency with which
you are associated. You can add additional GMS users at this link and
update your own contact information as needed. You can also reset your
password here.
Funding Opportunities
This link displays all currently posted opportunities for which your agency
is eligible. Follow this link to create and submit applications for each
opportunity.
My Applications
This link connects you to all previously created applications associated with
your account.
My Grants
This link displays all grants that have been awarded to your agency. This is
also where you will create status reports, complete reimbursement claims
Tip:
and communicate with RPOSD about your awarded grants. Access the Quick
STEP ONE: FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES Start Guide online
Your agency or organization can view current funding opportunities for for step-by-
which you are eligible by clicking on the Funding Opportunities section of step directions
the Main Menu. If more than one opportunity is available, you will need
to determine which one(s) to apply for. Every Measure A competitive on navigating
grant program funds distinct project types and has distinct application through Funding
requirements. To determine which type of competitive grant funding
opportunity is best for your project, review the descriptions of each Opportunities in
program in the Measure A Basics Handbook and the Grants Administration GMS. There is a
Manual for Measure A (select “Competitive Grants”), both of which can be
found online at http://rposd.lacounty.gov/manage-your-measure-a-grant. section on applying
Once you have determined which Funding Opportunity you will be for Competitive
applying to, select it from the options available. Grant Program
funds on page 55.
YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 15STEP TWO: GATHERING INFORMATION
To ensure a smooth application process, use the checklist that corresponds
to the funding opportunity you are applying for to make sure you have all
required information and documents. Checklists start on page 59 of the
Quick Start Guide.
STEP THREE: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION
Once you have gathered all the information needed to complete the
application, return to the funding opportunity and select “Start a New
Application.”
Information is entered in the GMS in one of three ways:
»» Drop Down Menus offer a selection of responses to choose from
»» Free Form Fields allow you to type your response directly into the field
»» File Uploads require that you upload a file to the GMS
Throughout the application process all fields with a red asterisk (*) require
a response from you. Your application cannot be submitted if any of these
fields are left blank.
16 Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant GuidelinesPROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Workshop
You are required to attend an application workshop prior to submitting
your application. Workshop dates and times are listed on the RPOSD
website. If a representative from your agency is not able to attend a
workshop in person, please contact RPOSD.
Application
You must apply for your grants using RPOSD’s online Grants Management
System. The GMS allows you to apply for and manage your funds from
one centralized location. Using the GMS, you can download reference
information, complete required forms, upload supporting documents, sign
forms, and execute contracts using electronic signatures. The GMS allows
you to save your work as you go, so you can complete your application in
sections as time allows.
RPOSD provides a Grant Management System Quick Start Guide that
contains detailed information for using the GMS. Additionally, RPOSD
offers periodic trainings for GMS users.
Community Outreach and Engagement
All Measure A grants require community outreach and engagement
that meets Measure A requirements. The requirements for the Youth
and Veterans Job Training and Placement Program must meet Measure
A’s minimum community engagement requirements. This program
requires that outreach for participants occur utilizing the methods and
requirements described within the Community Outreach and Engagement
requirements.
These requirements vary by grant type and project budget. Refer to the
Measure A Grants Administration Manual for detailed information about
Community Outreach and Engagement requirements and best practices,
including language access requirements.
You are required to identify and/or report on the Community Engagement
Plan that describes how you conducted outreach and engagement or how
you plan to engage the community in the future. As you prepare your
Community Engagement Plan, consider the following questions:
• When is it most appropriate to engage the community?
• What inclusive outreach methods are most appropriate for this project?
• How do the outreach methods and engagement events remove barriers
to access?
• Who can you partner with to improve engagement with the
community?
YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 17If you’ve completed any qualifying community engagement for this project
prior to submitting your application, you will need to upload supporting
documents as part of your application. These supporting documents may
include:
Vendor invoices
Outreach flyers
Log of canvassing
Media ads and other graphics
Sign-in sheets
Photos
Activity sheets
Public comment cards
Meeting minutes, staff reports, and other summary documents
Good Standing
Your agency/organization must be in Good Standing with RPOSD to apply
for grant funding. If all your existing RPOSD grants are in compliance with
their grant agreements, or if you have never received funding from RPOSD,
you are in Good Standing. Contact your Grants Officer to verify Good
Standing!
Project Delivery
Grantees are required to follow RPOSD procedures to close a grant after
completion of the project. Failure to close the grant in a timely manner will
affect a grantee’s Good Standing. The final closing date should be identified
in the work program during the submission of the grant application.
Grants will be awarded in the summer of 2020 and project or program
work must be completed by summer of 2023, with final documentation for
the grant completed by December 2023.
Reporting
In addition to status reports, grant recipients must submit an annual report
and a final report. The final report must include results/outcomes of the
project, lessons learned, obstacles encountered and any proposal for
ongoing activity as a result of their grant work.
RPOSD Signage and Branding
Grant funded programs shall acknowledge the assistance of RPOSD
funding prominently on signage, outreach materials, etc. For further
instruction and more information, refer to the RPOSD website.
Insurance
RPOSD requires grant applicants to review the insurance requirements
associated with the grant agreement. Insurance requirements can be found
in the Appendix.
18 Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant GuidelinesGrant Agreement
Applicants must review the terms and conditions of the Grant Agreement
prior to submitting the application and be prepared to execute the Grant
Agreement if awarded.
REVIEW PROCESS
Administrative Review
Once the application period has closed, RPOSD staff will conduct an
administrative review of all submitted applications to verify Good Standing
status, completeness, and adherence to category and project requirements.
Applications that pass the administrative review will be sent to the
competitive grants evaluation panel.
Panel Review
RPOSD will create an evaluation panel(s) for each competitive grant
program. Each panel will be composed of a multidisciplinary team with
diverse backgrounds and expertise in various aspects of park, recreation,
and open space challenges and opportunities.
Applications passing administrative review shall be assigned in groups of
approximately 40 applications to a panel consisting of 3-5 panelists with
knowledge and experience in the areas under review, including at least one
knowledgeable layperson.
RPOSD will provide the panelists online access to the applications
approximately one month in advance of the panel meeting. The
applications that have passed administrative review will be sorted by award
bracket size. Grant applications within the same award bracket will be
evaluated against one another and at least one grant will be awarded in
each bracket.
At this stage the panelists will review and evaluate the applications and
assign a preliminary score for each one. This review may include technical
comments and provide initial ratings within each bracket. All applications
must be evaluated according to the evaluation criteria listed in the
application guidelines and articulated in the Measure A Implementation
Steering Committee Proceedings, Section 4. Since the evaluation criteria
varies for each competitive grant category, applicants should consult the
criteria of the category to which they are applying. After the initial reviews
have been completed, panelists will meet as a group to discuss applications
in closed session. Informed by the panel discussion, individual panelists
may change their initial ratings.
RPOSD staff will meet with the competitive grants evaluation panel to
review each grant application’s scores and arrive at a composite score for
each application. This meeting will produce a preliminary ranking to select
projects within each bracket that will receive an invitation to provide
a presentation on their proposed program. The presentation will take
approximately 15-20-minutes and shall be presented to the evaluation
panel and RPOSD staff. Presentations will be followed by a question and
YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 19answer period which will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
RPOSD staff and the evaluation panel will finalize scores and the ranking
and create a list of recommendations for funding.
Grant Awards
Minimum and maximum Funding and Award Brackets were established for
each of the Competitive Grant Programs.
To ensure recommended minimum funding targets for applicable
competitive grant programs are met, RPOSD staff and evaluation panel
members will complete the following analysis:
• From the current grant program’s total funding, set aside 30% to
provide funding for approved projects in High-Need or Very-High-
Need Study Areas. Any funds left unawarded will be held for
the next grant cycle for projects in High-Need or Very-High-
Need Study Areas. If there is insufficient funding for approved
applications, RPOSD may award grants proportionately.
• The remaining 70% will be available for funding of approved grant
applications in all Study Areas. If there is insufficient funding for
approved applications, RPOSD may award grants proportionately.
RPOSD’s Board of Directors will be notified of results at the end of
the review cycle. RPOSD will issue a Notification of Award to selected
agencies for projects to be funded.
Notification
Award recipients will be notified of their award amount by RPOSD.
Award recipients will receive a grant agreement that must be signed and
returned to RPOSD within 16 days of receipt. Once the grant agreement
is fully executed, award recipients will receive a fully executed PDF copy
for their records. The project performance period will not begin until the
grant agreement is fully executed. Reimbursements will only be issued for
expenses incurred during the grant performance period.
Transparency and Confidentiality
RPOSD seeks to make our review process as transparent as possible,
while protecting the confidential information of applicants, panelists, staff
and Board Members. RPOSD will announce the names of grantees on
our website as well as through a press release and social media posts. A
summary of all applications, their scores and evaluation comments will be
made available on our website once the process is complete.
Applicants who do not receive a recommendation for grant funding
will also be notified. RPOSD staff will meet with individual applicants,
at the applicant’s request, to address specific questions related to their
application and the panelists’ comments. Requests must be received by
RPOSD no later than 30 days after the receipt of official notification by
applicant.
20 Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant GuidelinesEVALUATION CRITERIA
Applications will be scored using the following criteria:
• Instructions
• Community Partnerships
• Program Benefits
Each evaluation critierion is described below along with a breakdown of
points by subcriteria (where applicable).
Scoring Rubric
EVALUATION CRITERIA POINTS
LEVEL OF NEED 15
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS 20
PROGRAM BENEFITS 50
TOTAL 85
LEVEL OF NEED
THE PROGRAM PROVIDER PROVIDES SERVICES TO AND/OR
RECRUITS A MAJORITY OF ITS PARTICIPANTS FROM HIGH OR
VERY HIGH NEED STUDY AREAS. 15 MAX.
Program providers may receive a maximum of 15 points by meeting one
or more of the subcriteria below.
(A) The program provider recruits a majority of its participants from High 0-10
or Very High Need Study Areas, or has a concrete plan to do so (for new
programs). More points will be awarded for higher recruitment rates from
High or Very High Need Study Areas.
(B) The program provider’s program(s) help(s) implement park projects 0-10.
and creates jobs and careers in the Parks and Recreation field within High
or Very High Need Study Areas, or has a plan to do so (for new programs).
YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 21COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
PROGRAM PROVIDER HAS ESTABLISHED OR LEVERAGED LOCAL
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS WITH PUBLIC AGENCIES, SCHOOL
DISTRICTS, UNIVERSITIES, PRIVATE INDUSTRY, AND OTHER
COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS. THESE PARTNERSHIPS LEAD TO
20 MAX.
INCLUSIVE RECRUITMENT, COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT,
AND INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS.
Program providers may receive a maximum of 20 points by meeting
one or more of the subcriteria below.
(A) Program provider has established productive partnerships with 10-20
organizations that result in inclusive recruitment, collaborative program
development, and increased opportunities for program participants.
(B) Program provider has initiated partnerships with organizations that 5-10
could result in inclusive recruitment, collaborative program development,
and increased opportunities for program participants.
(C) Program provider has plans to initiate partnerships with organizations 0-5
that could result in inclusive recruitment, collaborative program
development, and increased opportunities for program participants.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
ORGANIZATION OR PROGRAM PROVIDER PROVIDES EXCEPTIONAL
PROGRAM(S) RELATED TO (1) EDUCATION, SKILLS TRAINING, AND
CAREER PATHWAY DEVELOPMENT TO IMPLEMENT PARK PROJECTS,
AND/OR (2) CERTIFICATIONS AND PLACEMENT SERVICES, OR
50 MAX.
APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOBS AND CAREERS IN THE
PARKS AND RECREATION FIELD.
Programs may receive a maximum of 50 points by meeting one or more
of the subcriteria below
(A) Program Readiness 0-10
Organization or program provider demonstrates a high level of capability
and readiness to provide Youth and Veteran program-eligible programs,
including having an efficient and effective organizational structure, being
staffed by highly trained and qualified individuals, providing a wealth of
useful resources, fostering invested mentorship relationships, etc.
(B) Goals and Objectives 0-10
Program provider has clearly stated its goals and objectives (e.g.,
service or recruit a certain number of participants), and has provided a
detailed description on how these goals and objectives will be met and
an evaluation program to show how the outcomes are met. Program
provider’s primary goal is to result in the implementation of park projects
and/or development of career pathways within the Parks and Recreation
field.
(C) Participant Recruitment and Retention 0-10
Program provider actively recruits and publicizes the program to a wide
range of participants, including in High and Very High Need Study Areas,
or has a concrete plan to do so (for new programs). For existing programs,
program provider has a successful track record of retaining participants.
(D) Follow-up Services 0-10
Program provider effectively and efficiently tracks the status and
outcomes of past program participants, or has a concrete plan to do so
(for new programs).
(E) History of Success and Outcomes 0-10
Program provider has defined expectations of participants and developed
evaluation tools, or has a concrete plan to do so (for new programs). For
existing programs, program provider has a history of success helping
participants find employment, earn a steady income and thrive in careers
that promote parks and the environment.
22 Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant GuidelinesAdditional Information, Processes, & Procedures
If/when your organization is awarded a grant, information on managing
your grant can be found in the Measure A Grants Administration Manual.
The Grants Administration Manual can be found on the RPOSD website.
PAYMENT OF GRANT FUNDS
Measure A funds will be distributed to grantee on a reimbursement basis,
unless advancement of funds is requested and approved. Eligible costs
must have been incurred within the grant performance period to be
approved for reimbursement.
»» Payment Request Package
»» Invoicing – All payment requests must be submitted using GMS;
»» Reimbursements will only be issued for expenses incurred during the
grant performance period
»» Retention – 10% retention will be held from each payment
CHANGE REQUESTS
Projects must be completed in accordance with the work plan and timeline
approved in GMS and the grant agreement.
Due to the competitive nature of these grants, significant changes will be
prohibited for the following:
Scope - No changes allowed
Budget - No changes allowed
Level of Need - No changes allowed
Community Partnership - Can be increased or partnerships can be
changed to accomplish comparable benefit
Program Benefits - Can be increased or identified benefits can be changed
to accomplish comparable benefit
ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
Grantee must maintain adequate financial documents and records that
accurately account for disbursements of Measure A funds. The Grants
Administration Manual Section 3.4.5 provides detailed information
regarding Audit Requirements, Accounting Requirements, and Records
Retention.
SITE VISITS/CEREMONIES
Once a grant has been awarded, RPOSD Grants Officers will conduct
site visits at key stages of projects to verify grant status and consistency
with work plan, timeline, and budget as described in GMS and the grant
agreement.
Grantees are also required to coordinate with their Grants Officer to
ensure representation at project ceremonies. RPOSD will attend as many
ceremonies as possible and will provide social media support to help
promote ceremonies. Grantees must inform RPOSD about the ceremony
details at least four weeks prior to the scheduled date.
YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 23MEASURE A GRANT PROGRAMS
Measure A offers three types of grant programs: Annual Allocation Grant
Programs, Competitive Grant Programs, and Other Programs.
Annual Allocation Grant Programs provide formula-based annual
allocations of grant funds to identified public agencies in Los Angeles
County. The funds in these programs are not competitive and provide
flexibility for eligible project types.
Competitive Grant Programs allow public agencies, nonprofit
organizations, and schools that meet Measure A’s eligibility requirements
to compete for funding. Each competitive grant program has distinct
requirements for applying and is offered on a cycle ranging from annual to
once every four years.
Other Programs available include:
• Maintenance and Servicing, which supports projects funded by
Proposition A and Measure A, and is available to identified public
agencies and nonprofit organizations;
• Technical Assistance Program (TAP), which provides funds
for a range of assistance that helps public agencies, nonprofit
organizations, and schools deliver completed park projects. The TAP
include funds for planning and design work; and
• Innovation Grant Program, which provides funds for projects that
can serve as precedents to help pioneer innovative park design, use,
access, and function in Los Angeles County. Projects funded by this
program should be replicable in communities throughout the County.
Refer to the Measure A Basics Handbook for detailed information on each
grant program.
Important Tips:
• Make sure that your registration with RPOSD’s online Grant
Management System is current, including all contact information.
• Get to know the requirements for each grant program BEFORE the
application period opens.
• Get in contact with your Grants Officer early in the grant writing
process. They are available to answer your questions as you move
through the process!
• Recreation Access Competitive Grant Program is one of two different
grants programs available at RPOSD for the 2019-2020 grant cycle. Go
to our website’s Competitive Grants page to learn more.
24 Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant GuidelinesMeasure A Programs
Refer to this graphic to determine which grant programs
your type of agency/organization is eligible to apply for.
The following programs are not shown on this graphic:
• County Priority Projects
• County Cultural Facilities*
• Department of Parks & Recreation*
• Department of Beaches & Harbors*
*Available only to County departments
YOUTH & VETERAN JOB TRAINING & PLACEMENT | A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM • September 2019 25REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE RPOSD’s Board:
DISTRICT (County of Los Angeles
Board of Supervisors)
The Los Angeles Regional Park and Open Space District
(RPOSD) was created with approval of Proposition A by the - Hilda L. Solis
voters of LA County in 1992. The County of Los Angeles Supervisorial District 1
Board of Supervisors is the board of RPOSD. RPOSD is a - Mark Ridley-Thomas
special district whose boundaries are the same as the County Supervisorial District 2
of Los Angeles. RPOSD’s mandate is to collect taxes within
the boundaries (as approved by over two thirds of the voters) - Sheila Kuehl
and to grant out funds to all 88 cities, local park agencies and Supervisorial District 3
non-profits for improving, refurbishing and creating new park - Janice Hahn
projects. Supervisorial District 4
Over the last 27 years RPOSD has granted funds for more than - Kathryn Barger
1,500 projects for parks, recreational, cultural, and community Supervisorial District 5
facilities as well as beaches and open space lands throughout
the county. With the approval of 75% of the voters in 2016 a
new tax for parks, called Measure A, is now in place. RPOSD
will continue this work in communities across the county for at
least another 30 years or more.
26 Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District • Grant GuidelinesThis page is intentionally left blank.
626.588.5060 • info@RPOSD.lacounty.gov • RPOSD.LACounty.gov
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