Leadership Columbia Class of 2020 Project RFP

This Request for Proposals (RFP) aims to assist local nonprofits in preparing a compelling project proposal for the Leadership Columbia Class of 2020 (LC20) Class Project. Please review it carefully and contact Charlotte, Director of Leadership Development, with any questions. You can reach Charlotte at cbian-lingle@columbiachamber.com or (803) 733-1146. Completed proposals are due Friday, July 17, 2019 at 5:00PM
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OVERVIEW
Leadership Columbia seeks to partner with one nonprofit organization for the Leadership Columbia Class of 2019 Class Project. The selected organization will benefit from a dedicated team of approximately 62 individuals from a diverse background and a range of skills.
Founded in 1972 by the Columbia Chamber, Leadership Columbia is a ten-month skills-building program designed to provide the Midlands with a diverse group of leaders dedicated and prepared to create positive community impact. In 1982, Leadership Columbia began funneling the talents of each class into one class project, finalized prior to graduation in June.
Leadership Columbia is currently screening for the 2020 Class Project that will be in partnership and collaboration with a nonprofit organization to:

• Complete a project that will contribute to the mission of the partner;
• Make a measurable difference for nonprofit and its beneficiaries

• The project must involve the entire class (approximately 62 candidates). The project is intended to involve team building among class members and should involve roles for all, including: leaders, planners, project designers, finance, public relations, budget and subcommittees for implementation.
• While some class members may be able to dedicate time to the class project during work hours, most of the work must be able to be completed outside of regular business hours.
• The project must be feasible within the Leadership Columbia timelines. All project work must be completed between Tuesday, November 13, 2019 and Tuesday, April 30, 2019.
• The proposal should clearly identify the main priorities of the project, to enable prioritizing as needed.
• The proposing nonprofit must provide the contact information of one full-time staff member to serve as the Leadership Columbia Class Project Liaison. The staff liaison must be willing to attend project meetings at least twice a month and field questions from Columbia Chamber staff, LCAB members and Class of 2020 candidates.

• The project’s beneficiary must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is non-political and non-sectarian.
• The nonprofit must be located and serving within the six-county region of the Columbia Chamber; including: Richland, Lexington, Kershaw, Fairfield, Calhoun and Newberry counties.
• The nonprofit cannot be a recipient of a past Leadership Columbia project within the last five (5) years.
• The nonprofit must be fiscally sound as demonstrated by required paperwork.
• The nonprofit must have been in continuous operation for a minimum of three (3) years.

• The value of cash donations to be collected by the class may not exceed $3,000 and the total value of combined cash and in-kind donations must not exceed $50,000. The organization may provide additional funds from its own resources.
• Nonprofits with an employee or board member currently in the program, or a recent graduate, are not guaranteed selection.
• Projects focused on ‘busy work’ such as stuffing envelopes, filing, organizing, and telemarketing will not be considered.

• Ten (10) nonprofit organizations will be selected to be presented to the Leadership Columbia Class of 2020 at LC20 Orientation.
• The Class of 2020 will select three (3) potential class projects, to be announced in September 2020.
• The final project decision will be announced Wednesday, October 23, 2019.

• Completed project will have lasting impact on the community and applicant organization. Additionally, the project will expand, enhances or improves the work of the applicant
• Project goals and objectives clearly align with the mission and program services of the nonprofit organization
• Project must be completed in its entirety by April 30^th, 2020
• Engagement with Leadership Columbia
  • The project includes Leadership Columbia in “creative ways”:
    • Offering team-building and creative problem solving opportunities for participants in a group setting
    • Exposes class participants to critical community issues
• Nonprofit partner has the capacity to support the Leadership Columbia Class Project so that it will not overwhelm or impede the staff and the organization’s day-to-day operations

• After carefully reviewing all requirements of the Leadership Columbia Class of 2020 RFP, please submit an online application no later than Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at 5:00 PM. No partial proposals will be considered.
• Please contact Charlotte Bian-Lingle, Director of Leadership Development, with any questions at cbian-lingle@columbiachamber.com or (803) 733-1146.

• Friday, July 17, 2019 at 5:00 PM: RFPs are due online.
• September 2019: Final three selections are announced.
• October 2019: Final selection announced.

• The Leadership Columbia Advisory Board (LCAB) and the Columbia Chamber have put forth this Request for Proposals in good faith based upon the performance of past Leadership Columbia Class Project. The LCAB and the Chamber do not guarantee the abilities or performance of the Class of 2020.

• Mission
• Overview of programs and services
• Recent accomplishments

• Provide a detailed description of the proposed class project and the ultimate benefit to the organization and the Midlands community
• Provide measurable targets and deadlines for the class project with short, intermediate and outcome goals. The Class of 2020 will be evaluated by the Leadership Columbia Advisory Board on whether or not they met the goals of the project and the organization.
• Provide proposed timeline (including meetings with Leadership Columbia)
• Specify any special skills required to complete the project. This includes any needs from within the class, or contracted out to a third party.
   

• Explain the long-term impact of the completed project
• What are the plans for future sustainability and/or maintenance to be performed or organized by the organization.

• Annual operating budget
• Most recent financial statement (last six (6) months)

• List of current board members
• List of current staff
• Most recent Form 990
• Annual Report