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Baltimore Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends

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STRIDE (Strengthening Transformative Relationships in Diverse Environments) is a program within BYM that breaks down barriers to access that youth of color experience in attending BYM Quaker camps and build communities of genuine diversity.
Our program hopes to provide the equitable support for meaningful representation and inclusion of people of color at the BYM Camps. We have one full time Coordinator who supports all of the operations in four cities, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charlottesville and D.C. The STRIDE program provides a high level of one-on-one support for each camper and family. This support happens in the way that meets families where they are by providing information sessions, phone calls or in person support with applying to camp, funding for medical visits, home visits, orientation hikes for preparation and community building, transportation support for all program activities, gift cards for personal items, support for families to write letters and also personalized care packages and a pre and post camp survey. With 20 campers who are registered from all our programs and five from Baltimore, we are excited to continue to offer a robust program. We hope to find support for 2 camper scholarships for the 2025 camping season.

Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless

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BRACH respectfully requests funds to support homeless families with children.
BRACH is requesting funds as the fiscal agent on behalf of Families in Crisis to supplement their Emergency Shelter Hotel Costs for families in the Albemarle County area. BRACH serves as the Lead Agency and Service Coordinator for the program, and Families in Crisis is the service provider for the program. Families in Crisis accepts referrals from throughout the Continuum of Care for families experiencing literal homelessness, assists these families in completing the coordinated assessment process, provides emergency hotel vouchers when necessary, and identifies permanent housing solutions to resolve housing crises. Families in Crisis also provides housing stabilization case management services to assist clients experiencing literal homelessness in overcoming identified housing barriers. Their staff assist families experiencing homelessness with housing services, including short-term stays in hotels or motels when traditional emergency shelter is unavailable or inappropriate. Last year in collaboration with BRACH, Families in Crisis was able to help 14 adults and 27 children experiencing homelessness with emergency hotel stays ranging from one day for up to two weeks. Hotel expenses were $10,288.88 and housing stabilization case management costs were $2,290.17. Data from 2023 is as follows: • February: 1 adult, 2 children • March: 4 adults, 7 children • April: 1 adult, 2 children • May: 4 adults, 9 children • June: 4 adults, 7 dhildren Our CoC has been experiencing an influx of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Exacerbating the challenges is also the recent sale of one of Charlottesville's most affordable housing complexes, Cavalier Crossing. The new owners of the complex will undergo renovations to turn the complex into luxury apartments. Cavalier Crossing has 144 three and four bedroom units, and many of these residents have already been told their leases will not be renewed. Some tenants have already been displaced since last summer with more notices coming every month. The impact of the closing of Cavalier Crossing is detrimental and will drive up the housing instability in our area. As the lead agency in our Continuum of Care, BRACH hopes that our request for funds can be considered so that we may help as many families as possible to receive the housing services they need to maintain housing stability.

Cville Village

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We are looking for funding for a part-time manager to oversee daily operation.
The nonprofit mission of Cville Village is to support the dignity and independence of older adults in Charlottesville and nearby Albemarle County with hands-on, practical help. Older adults increasingly want to stay in their own homes and many prefer not to feel "warehoused" in seniors-only residences. Cville Village was developed to foster independent aging in place and reduce loneliness, which is a major health risk for even the most capable older people. Our Village is not a location or buildings, it's people. We have recruited a virtual community of volunteers who help members with small jobs around the house/yard that get harder with age, such as a window that won't come unstuck; a new phone or remote with confusing controls; or a few dog walks for a pup whose person is recovering from a short-term injury or illness. We don't offer medical or hygiene help, but many basic but practical obstacles to everyday independent living are easily lifted. Our volunteer driver service is extremely popular and heavily used by our members. And simple "friendly visits" for tea and a companionable chat have real meaning for seniors who have difficulty getting out to socialize. While we're at it, we're all making new friends and acquaintances, establishing connections that help decrease the isolation that many older people feel, especially those who live alone. We hold monthly coffee meetups for everyone - members and volunteers – these are a casual, come-as-you-are, fun way to meet some unique and interesting older people in our community. This year we're beginning to offer organized educational and social programs for our community on topics of interest to older adults, for example, scams and fraud prevention, and medical advocacy and guardianship for solo agers. And we have just plain fun: we'll meet at coffee shops and breweries or for walks, and recently organized a tour and tasting at Gearharts Chocolates. Priceless stories and jokes abound. Members pay modest annual dues, and incur no further charges for our services. We keep dues low to be as inclusive as possible, and offer discounts to those with financial need. People from all over town and into Albemarle County in a range of socioeconomic situations are joining us: as members, volunteers or member-volunteers. The latter join as members who'd like to volunteer for others first for as long as it works, then later request services for themselves as needs arise. All volunteers are interviewed for suitability and must pass a background check before they can fulfill service requests. The background check fee ($45) is waived where there is financial need. Next, we provide comprehensive orientation on the Village concept, how Cville Village works, and how volunteers can support and enjoy getting to know members in diverse situations. In our first year of operation, recently concluded, memberships grew to 49 and volunteers to 45, with new inquiries coming in nearly every day. Cville Village is clearly fulfilling a long-unmet need in our community, thanks to grant funding for the past two years. While we're beyond grateful for support from grants, we must also plan for future sustainability in an environment where more nonprofits are trying to stay afloat while competing for funds from the same pool. At this time, our President is effectively the executive director overseeing operations, assisted by the committee chairs and a group of volunteers who answer calls during business hours. Providing this oversight, in addition to fulfilling the duties of a board president, leaves her little time to engage in development activities that could diminish our reliance on grants to support our work. Our goal this year is to relieve the President of much of the ongoing daily management. To that end, we have identified an individual whom we intend to employ on a part-time contract basis as our village manager. This candidate is highly qualified with extensive nonprofit executive experience, and we would ultimately like to employ her full-time in a director role more in line with her experience and qualifications. For the time being, our available funds are sufficient to pay 6 to 12 months of the part-time manager salary. In order to offer our candidate the prospect of continuing employment, we seek a generous donor who understands the challenges of aging at home and appreciates what Cville Village does to make them more manageable. A person willing to support us financially through our next stage of growth would be extending an invaluable hand to elders around the area, thus enriching our community with more widespread caring and interconnection. The freedoms of continued independence and the benefits of reduced loneliness for older people are immeasurable, and can have positive ripple effects on an entire community. This is what Cville Village has begun to build.

Finally Home Animal Haven

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We are seeking funding for a more permanent feed shelter to store and protect the animals feed, supplements and supplies.
Finally Home Animal Haven is a nonprofit rescue in Albemarle county dedicated to saving all types of abused, neglected and surrendered animals. We house many seniors with different ailments who require lots of care, feed and supplements to treat their conditions. Keeping these items protected from the elements are crucial to their health. We have had a temporary cost effective vinyl feed shelter for years (so we could designate more money for the animals care), but it is beginning to weather. The front zippers have begun to tear and the top is thinning. We are seeking funding for a more permanent feed shelter to store and protect their feed, supplements and supplies. We have laid gravel down for the base and $1,000 has already been raised. Total amount needed for permanent feed shelter $10,000.

Front Porch C'ville

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As part of 10-year celebrations in 2025, The Front Porch is planning a series of "pay-what-you-can" concerts featuring local musicians, to make high–quality music experiences more accessible. 100% of ticket sales will be returned to musicians.
The Front Porch is seeking a $15,000 sponsorship donation to make this series possible. This funding will support The Front Porch's back-of-house costs to make the series as successful as all other Front Porch concerts, including sound engineering expenses, marketing, and booking expenses. It will ensure that all ticket revenue can be returned to the artist. The Front Porch is a community hub for musicians and music-lovers in Charlottesville. Our mission is to connect everyone through music. Between our music school (550+ students weekly), concert venue (6,000+ annual attendees), and free community programs (750+ weekly students at no-cost), The Front Porch works hard to inject music into every corner of this community. Thousands join us for concerts annually, either in our small intimate listening room or off-site at the Rivanna Roots summer concert series. Our 100-person listening room on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall is a special space, one where attention is wholeheartedly given and graciously rece

Just Help Inc.

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Just Help Africa needs your help to fulfill our mission to create sustainable change, improve the quality of life for those in need through collaborative efforts and instill hope through impactful projects.
Just Help Africa is a nonprofit organization committed to making a lasting impact on communities across Africa by addressing critical needs in education, healthcare, and access to clean water. Our mission is to empower local populations by providing sustainable resources and opportunities that foster long-term development and improve the overall quality of life. This year, we are undertaking one of our most ambitious projects yet, with a total budget of $150,000. Our initiatives will include the renovation of schools in both Nigeria and Kenya, providing students with better learning environments and access to essential educational facilities. Additionally, we are building several solar-powered wells that will supply clean, drinkable water to approximately 30,000 people across these regions. This will not only improve public health but also provide communities with the means to thrive in a sustainable way. At Just Help Africa, we believe in the power of collaboration and community-driven solutions. By working alongside local leaders and organizations, we ensure that our projects are not only impactful but also culturally relevant and sustainable for the long term. With your support, we aim to create lasting change and help lift communities out of poverty, instill hope in youths and providing them with the tools to build a brighter future.

Mama Bee's Housing Community

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The purpose of the reunification emergency safety program is to ensure minors who are at high risk of family separation (as a result of Trump's Mass Deportation plan) have a safety plan in place, with the goal of keeping families together.
The purpose of the reunification emergency safety program is to ensure minors who are at high risk of family separation (as a result of Trump's Mass Deportation plan) have a safety plan in place, with the goal of keeping families together. If a minor is separated from their primary caregiver, Mama Bees' proposed solution is to reunite these children with their families who have been deported. Therefore, the funds collected for this urgent need will be used to cover the following costs: • Travel costs associated with reuniting the minor(s) with their family such as airfare, lodging, and local transportation. • Hospitality and essential items (lodging, meals, toiletries, diapers/wipes, etc.) • Expedited U.S Passport Application fees for minors for low-income mothers/caregivers and single mothers/caregivers who cannot afford to pay for this. • Power of Attorney for a minor admin fees for low-income mothers/caregivers and single mothers/caregivers who cannot afford to pay for this. All parents will be required to have a signed power of attorney for their minor(s) and a savings account for each minor over the age of 2 to cover the travel fees incurred by each of their minors. However, low-income mothers/caregivers and single mothers/caregivers who are unable to pay for the travel costs for their minor(s) will be supported by the funds collected by the reunification program.

Neurodivergence Campus

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Neurodivergence Campus offers free resources to support neurodivergent individuals, focusing on education, workplace success, health, and daily life. We combine research and community input for stigma-free, practical strategies.
This information below can also be found on the attached PDF file. Neurodiverse Endeavors - Proposal to CACF: Empowering Neurodivergent Individuals, Families, Professionals, and Communities. "There are very few websites, if any, that comprehensively cover all neurodivergent conditions in an encyclopedic manner." The main objective is to acquire enough funding to relocate/migrate the introductory/prototype website to a platform that supports the high number of webpages needed to support an online encyclopedia comprehensively and in a layered manner conducive to effective learning. Overview Neurodiverse Endeavors, operating as "Neurodivergence Campus," is excited to present this funding proposal for our non-profit, educational website, NDcampus.org The term "neurodivergence" refers to a neurodivergent condition. Our free public website is designed to educate professionals, support persons, and families about various neurodivergences. This resource has evolved from our local family navigation services (originally at UVA) and has the potential to reach a global audience. By offering this information online as a non-profit, free entity, we aim to enhance access beyond our initial community. Under the umbrella platform of Neurodivergence Campus is "Autism University," also known as "autismU.org". AutismU.org also redirects to the main Neurodivergence Campus. Initially, Autism University was the original platform, which has since been expanded to encompass a broader range of neurodivergences, with many still in the process of development. Securing funding will be important to support the expenses associated with website design and development. While many websites focus specifically on autism, there are very few, if any, that comprehensively cover all neurodivergences in an encyclopedic manner. Conditions like ADHD and dyslexia, along with autism, are part of the broader neurodiversity spectrum, yet resources that explore these neurotypes collectively and provide in-depth information on each are limited. A holistic approach to neurodiversity is essential for understanding the diverse experiences and strengths of individuals across all neurotypes. As a part of the STAR Initiative (Supporting Transformation Autism Research), the University of Virginia (UVA) initially identified four underserved regions in Virginia: southwest Virginia, the Orange/Louisa/Madison/Culpeper area, the "Valley" including Augusta County and surrounding areas, and the Lynchburg area. Over time, the focus of the Initiative expanded to include Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and all counties, cities, and towns in Virginia. After the conclusion of the four-year grant that supported my position, the responsibility for family navigation services (guidance for autism) was transitioned to Commonwealth Autism (in Richmond) for all regions except Lynchburg and the "Valley", although that may have changed again since I have been there. Our Proposal The website is fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization (Neurodiverse Endeavors) and because it is free and available to anyone with internet or smartphone access, Thorough local promotional efforts, it directly benefits residents of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson or Orange, as well as the rest of Virginia, all 50 states, and on. Please see "Impact" below for the alignment with the goals of the CACF's grant programs and other opportunities within the generous and keenly focused CACF network. Below are some principles we intend to follow: Vision - Neurodivergence Campus intends to be inclusive of all neurodivergences to help the neurodivergent population with any challenges in their daily lives while providing insight to those who do not understand the concept of neurodiversity. As an original idea just for autism, this expansion is intended to reframe neurodivergences in a way that taps into potentials for individuals (and their families) who may struggle with understanding symptoms. Inspiration - Building upon insights gathered from the neurodivergent population in both local and surrounding communities, there is a genuine demand to support individuals seeking to enhance their skills. We are enthusiastic about leveraging the foundation laid by previous local initiatives to further empower the neurodivergent community. Flexibility - We intend to receive feedback from individuals with disabilities or challenges to have their voices heard. We intend to pivot when research demands that realities need to be re-dressed. Acknowledging anecdotes from the public can help set the stage for further research. The website was initially envisioned as a centralized resource for families seeking information and support after an autism diagnosis, typically made before age 7, as outlined in the Overview. Over time, the project expanded to include resources for individuals of all ages, ensuring inclusivity for children diagnosed later in life, adults seeking diagnosis, and those already diagnosed. This inclusive approach also aims to address not only autism but also "co-occurring" neurodivergences such as ADHD and dyslexia, which often require additional support but are sometimes overlooked. Having worked as a Family Navigator, I witnessed the overwhelming emotions families experienced when their child received a diagnosis, many residing in our local area. It has become my mission to provide clarity and guidance to families in need of support, especially those who have just received a diagnosis and don't know what steps to take next. Establishing an inclusive website as a community is essential for offering families and individuals the necessary clarity to navigate their journey and feel supported for types of neurodivergences, that sometimes overlap. When educating families, the need for strengths-based approaches to a child who is diagnosed is often overlooked. Rather than concentrating on the child's deficits, which has traditionally been the approach in many schools and outpatient behavioral clinics, it is crucial to identify the child's strengths and set goals that build on these innate or acquired skills. Our Capacity I bring the wisdom gained from having a child diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 and supporting him up to his current age of 23. Additionally, as a parent of children with other learning differences and neurodivergences, I have become adept at seeking assessments and obtaining accommodations for various brain variations. This experience has honed my ability to empathetically connect with fellow parents, discern their needs for clarity, and sift through information to offer valuable guidance while avoiding distractions or confusion. I spent 4 years as a Family Navigator with the UVA STAR Initiative at the UVA School of Education, during which I learned the intricacies of the pathways needed to secure support for families and individuals. Part of that role involved creating informative and educational .PDF documents that could be sent to families as resources. That is when I realized that having a website with this information could better serve my local region, which includes the geographic areas outlined in the Bama Works grant criteria. While directing families to PDFs of information can be helpful, this system often results in ad hoc distribution that doesn't always present the information in a clear, holistic, or inclusive manner. Paper-based documents also lack live hyperlinks to easily connect families to critical area resources. Having lived in Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville for over 24 years (and my husband for over 55 years), I am deeply rooted in our local communities and well-equipped to provide families with essential information about medical and educational resources available for neurodivergent children. In my previous role, I gained valuable insight into the needs of surrounding counties, such as Orange and Louisa, reinforcing the importance of offering comprehensive, localized support. This website will serve as a centralized hub of information, providing families directly with the resources they need in an approachable format. As the site grows, it will be carefully tailored to address the specific needs of families across Virginia, ensuring that all regions have access to relevant and practical information without feeling overwhelmed. Power Building/Sharing Our Board consists of individuals who have personal connections to neurodivergences, either through family members, friends, or through their diagnoses. They have firsthand experience with the challenges of securing accommodations from schools, whether for an IEP for autism or a 504 plan for a neurodivergence like dyslexia or ADHD. Additionally, we have professional expertise relevant to the project through numerous educational ties. One of our Board Members recently served as an inclusion specialist for UVA (and has had past affiliations with other universities). Her experience ensures she is well-versed in the latest research and practices for protecting the rights of people with disabilities and neurodivergences that improve their quality of life. As a Family Navigator, I have responded to countless emails and engaged in numerous phone and Zoom conversations with those seeking support, which has provided me with extensive experience in meeting the specific needs of neurodivergent individuals. I am familiar with the latest research trends and understand the frustrations faced by those affected. Managing projects focused on educating physicians on how to support individuals with autism, as well as organizing large events like resource fairs, has equipped me with the skills needed to produce substantial and impactful initiatives. Care for Resources The funding serves as an initial seed investment, complementing the Executive Director's contributions to support the development of the website and manage ongoing expenses. Details regarding deliverables, timeline, and budget will be provided in subsequent sections of this proposal. The main objective is to acquire enough funding to relocate the website to a platform that supports the high number of webpages needed to support an online encyclopedia. The Objective ***Need #1: The goal is to produce a website designer through RFP bids that can produce the online encyclopedia framework that handles the number of pages needed to be a comprehensive all-in-one site. ***If funds do not allow for a website designer, it will be difficult to grow the website into the encyclopedia format. Therefore, a smaller amount would cover maintenance costs, including hosting, domains, graphic design, plug-ins, apps, and more. Need #2: Possible funding for staff to research and create website content to supplement in-kind services provided. Need #3: Possible coverage of fees for legal and accounting services to ensure accurate tax filings and address potential trademark issues. Need #4: Possible fees for consulting services from website design companies. (However, we have been utilizing Catchafire that offers support services in lieu of financial support. This approach will allow us to leverage the expertise and resources of volunteers to enhance our website development project, allowing us to partially divert any potential funds towards costs for needed technologies.) The Opportunity Goal #1: Fulfill website design and content required under all types of neurodivergences. Goal #2: Prepare social media design and content. Goal #3: Reach 50,000 visitors to the website. Goal #4: Secure additional funding to sustain the project. Goal #5: Continue to update the mobile and iPad view of the website so all margins, objects, and text are aligned correctly. The Solution Recommendation #1: Continue to follow social media trends. Recommendation #2: Implement a consumer feedback system to ensure societal input. Recommendation #3: Quarterly board meetings to discuss the above goals. Recommendation #4: Continued research into available grants. Recommendation #5: As website design needs emerge that are possibly greater than our current skill set, we intend to seek advice from design consulting businesses. Technical/Project Approach A substantial, example framework has been established on the website. The outline on the About page illustrates the initial stages of Autism University. The strategy is to delve deeper in a similar manner for all neurodivergences. Currently, the autism section is the most developed, but it still holds untapped potential and will require further expansion. Additionally, the ADHD section of the site, currently named "Attention Academy," will be developed following a similar outline to the autism section. The goal is to have uniformity with the presentation of each neurodivergence. The website's design embodies a "cleanliness" akin to that of an Apple product, characterized by minimal clutter on each page, the absence of distracting ads, and limited movement. The selected fonts prioritize readability with a clean, simple design, and special attention is given to spacing between letters and lines. Research (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9674548/) has demonstrated that colors can enhance memory retention in humans. At a later stage, the addition of functionality to enhance readability, such as colored filters or dyslexic-friendly fonts, will be considered. It is postulated that parents of children with learning differences, who may themselves be undiagnosed, could benefit from these website accommodations. More on Fonts Sans-Serif: Sans-serif fonts are clean and modern, lacking the small lines at the ends of letters (serifs). They are highly readable, especially on digital screens. Examples: Arial, Helvetica, Futura, Calibri. Regular (Roman): Regular fonts are neutral and highly readable, making them ideal for long text. They ensure consistency and are minimally affected by optical distortions. Straight: Straight fonts have a rigid and stable structure, conveying durability and reliability, often used in professional documents. The colors used on the website are taken from the Neurodiversity Design System: https://neurodiversity.design/principles/colour/ Project Deliverables Each of these sections will be developed with everyday language, understandable to the general population, about neurodiversity as well as practicable next steps and accessible resources for families. The project aims to create accessible and understandable resources about neurodiversity for families, focusing on practical next steps and available support. The first deliverable will explain neurodiversity, starting with the "Neurodivergence Campus." This section will approach the topic from an academic perspective but will use everyday language to emphasize the existence and functioning of different brain differences. Next, the project will address the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for effective support strategies. According to the CDC, the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is 27.6 per 1,000 children aged 8, with a significantly higher occurrence in boys compared to girls. The project will also explore Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), aiming to clarify common misconceptions about this condition. By detailing its symptoms, the initiative seeks to foster better accommodations for individuals with ADHD and support educators in providing necessary adjustments for their students. Additionally, the project will focus on dyslexia, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis for conditions like dyslexia to implement timely interventions. These interventions can enhance the productivity of struggling students and alleviate their frustrations. Finally, the project will research and identify additional conditions that fall under the umbrella of "neurodivergence," such as dyspraxia, dyscalculia, hyperlexia, synesthesia, and misophonia. This effort aims to better define and support diverse neurological profiles, ensuring comprehensive understanding and resources for families. Resources Research will be acquired and cited from reputable academic online libraries and directories. Evidence-based practices are important to promote safety among educational materials. There is an extensive array of social media content available, and it is crucial to acknowledge and sift through this information, allowing researchers to debate, discuss, and determine the direction of future research. These practices can yield evidence-based information that we can later access and present on the website. New research can range from evaluating existing educational programs to potentially developing new teaching methods and staying on top of these investigations is important for the public and professionals to know. The type of information to be produced through research or examination of neurodivergent individuals will be essential for promoting their well-being, covering areas such as personal behavior modifications and medical interventions. Timeline for Prototype Execution The timeline for executing the project includes key dates that are estimated and may change until a contract is finalized: ● The project officially started in October 2022 as one neurodivergent condition (autism) and is currently ongoing. ● In June 2024, the first milestone of Phase 1 began, focusing on adjusting the mobile version of the website. ● The second milestone of Phase 1 went through July 2024 and ran until December 2024. This phase involved submitting proposals for the fall, developing a draft of the main menu for Autism University (AutismU.org), and creating initial pages for additional neurodivergences, including ADHD and dyslexia. ● Phase 1 will be considered complete in March 2025, with the final deliverables including a person-centered approach and the completion of the main menu definitions for Autism University, which will take an additional six months. ● Phase 2 will begin with Milestone 3 in April 2025, focusing on initiating the Community Connections section for Autism University (AutismU.org) and continuing the development of ADHD University. This phase is expected to last until May 2025. ● Milestone 4 of Phase 2 will involve developing an overview of county resource EXAMPLES that can be specified for each community region in each state, starting in April 2025. ● Milestone 5 aims to achieve comprehensive development for at least five neurodivergences, ensuring extensive material is available on each dedicated page. This milestone will take place from September 2024 to December 2025. Supplied Material The following materials are to be supplied by Neurodiverse Endeavors for this project. ● Volunteer labor hours that have already been completed encompass web design, grant writing, and administrative tasks performed by the Founder and Executive Director from October 2022 to April 2025. ● Future volunteer labor hours will focus on research, as detailed in the budget, and will be conducted by the Founder and Executive Director from April 2025 to August 2025. ● Past start-up costs associated with domain registration and hosting prior to the incorporation in May 2024 are outlined in the current budget. PRICING using the RFP process to acquire a WEBSITE DESIGNER Estimations and Approximations Creating a website for a non-profit that serves as a dense online encyclopedia of neurodivergent conditions involves several costs, especially when working with a design company. An initial amount of $5,000 is requested to cover the initial start-up phase involving the migration (technically Phase 3 if following the above Phases) when using a website design to cover "hosting, design, and migration". Content development will continue to be provided by the Executive Director "in-kind" through the completion of this initial phase. Phase 4 would involve "development" of CRM, SEO, CMS, Marketing… and would require additional funds beyond the minimum amount of $5,000. Below is a concept breakdown of the key expenses, along with explanations for each. They are ballpark figures that do not relate to non-profits specifically and therefore may not apply here. 1. Initial Planning and Discovery ● Cost: $1,000–$5,000 ● What it covers: ○ Research and strategy sessions to define the website's goals, target audience, and content structure. ○ Wireframing and prototyping to outline the site's layout and user flow. CURRENT PROTOTYPE: NDampus.org ○ Competitive analysis to ensure the site stands out. 2. Web Design ● Cost: $5,000–$20,000 ● What it covers: ○ Custom design of the website's visual elements (color schemes, typography, icons, etc.). ○ Responsive design to ensure the site works well on all devices (desktop, tablet, mobile). ○ Accessibility features (e.g., screen reader compatibility, high-contrast modes) to accommodate neurodivergent users. ○ User experience (UX) design to make navigation intuitive for a dense content site. 3. Development (Frontend and Backend) ● Cost: $10,000–$50,000 ● What it covers: ○ Frontend: Coding the visual design into a functional website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. ○ Backend: Building the content management system (CMS) to manage the encyclopedia's vast content (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, or a custom solution). ○ Database setup to store and organize large amounts of information. ○ Search functionality to help users find specific neurodivergent conditions easily. ○ Integration of multimedia (videos, infographics, audio) to enhance understanding. 4. Content Creation and Migration ● Cost: $2,000–$15,000 ● What it covers: ○ Writing, editing, and formatting articles about neurodivergent conditions. ○ Hiring subject-matter experts (e.g., psychologists, educators) to ensure accuracy. ○ Migrating existing content (if applicable) to the new site. ○ Creating accessible content (e.g., alt text for images, transcripts for videos). 5. Hosting and Domain ● Cost: $100–$1,000/year ● What it covers: ○ Domain name: Currently employing "NDcampus.org" – and "AutismU.org" specifically for autism. Including the individual neurodivergence website names allows for promotion through entities that serve that neurodivergence. Often providers or researchers refer their clients to resources for that specific condition which many do not recognize as a "neurodivergent condition" or "neurodivergence". Therefore, having the condition in the name helps traffic to the overall site. Example: Attention-Academy.org or ADHD.info. ○ Hosting: Server space to store the website's files and make it accessible online. For a dense site, you may need premium hosting to handle traffic and large files. 6. Security and Compliance ● Cost: $500–$5,000 ● What it covers: ○ SSL Certificate: Encrypts data to protect user privacy (essential for any website). ○ GDPR/ADA Compliance: Ensures the site meets legal requirements for accessibility and data protection. ○ Regular security audits to prevent hacking or data breaches. 7. Maintenance and Updates ● Cost: $500–$3,000/month (or $5,000–$20,000/year) ● What it covers: ○ Regular updates to the CMS, plugins, and security features. ○ Adding new content or updating existing articles as research evolves. ○ Technical support for fixing bugs or issues. 8. Marketing and SEO ● Cost: $1,000–$10,000/year ● What it covers: ○ Search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure the site ranks well for terms like "neurodivergent conditions." ○ Social media integration to share content widely. ○ Email marketing tools to engage with users. 9. Additional Features ● Cost: Varies (e.g., $2,000–$10,000 per feature) ● What it covers: ○ Interactive Tools: Quizzes, self-assessments, or chatbots to help users. ○ Community Forum: A space for users to discuss neurodivergence. ○ Donation Portal: For fundraising as a non-profit. Total Estimated Cost of the Concept Above Creating a comprehensive website for a non-profit that serves as an online encyclopedia of neurodivergent conditions involves several key cost categories Planning and Discovery typically ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, covering initial research, user needs assessment, and project scoping. Design costs between $5,000 and $20,000, including wireframing, UI/UX design, and branding to ensure accessibility and user-friendliness. Development, the most expensive phase, ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the complexity of the site, database integration, and custom features. Content creation (writing, editing, and organizing information) can cost $2,000 to $15,000, especially for a dense, research-backed resource. Hosting and Domain expenses are $100 to $1,000 annually, scaling with traffic and storage needs. Security and Compliance (e.g., SSL certificates, data protection) may cost $500 to $5,000, critical for handling sensitive information. Ongoing Maintenance (updates, backups, troubleshooting) runs $5,000 to $20,000 per year. Marketing and SEO (to reach the target audience) ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 annually. Finally, Additional Features (e.g., interactive tools, forums, or multilingual support) can add $2,000 to $10,000 per feature. Total costs vary widely but could fall between $30,000 and $150,000+ for a high-quality, scalable site. Total Range: $30,000–$150,000+ (depending on complexity and scale). Tips to Reduce Costs 1. Use Open-Source CMS: Platforms like WordPress or Drupal can lower development costs. 2. Prioritize Features: Start with essential features and add others later. 3. Apply for Grants: Many foundations fund non-profit digital projects. 4. Volunteer Help: Engage pro bono designers or developers and continue using Catchafire volunteers for advice. Qualifications Founder & Executive Director Executive Director - Stephanie Tharp Stephanie is part of the administrative support team at UVA's Virginia Institute of Government (Weldon Cooper Center). She recently served as an Education and Outreach Coordinator, also known as a "Family Navigator" for autism support at UVA, where she assisted families with newly diagnosed children while implementing creative statewide strategies. Her diverse career includes roles in project management, teaching, customer service, website design, and entrepreneurship. She holds a master's degree in teaching from the University of Virginia and a bachelor's degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. As the Founder and Executive Director of Neurodivergence Campus, Stephanie will lead the team in the decision-making process for website design, research, and grant writing. Board of Directors Board Member – Marian Toledo Candelaria Dr. Toledo Candelaria will soon join the University of Missouri Libraries as the Head of Special Collections. Previously, she served as the Manager for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the UVA School of Education and Human Development. Her professional experience also includes roles as Program Manager for Rare Book School and Writing and Multimodal Communication Specialist at the University of Waterloo. Dr. Toledo Candelaria holds a PhD in History and Scottish Studies from the University of Guelph, as well as an MSLIS from Simmons University. Marian's commitment to inclusivity makes her an excellent fit for Neurodivergence Campus. Board Member – Kelly Garrett Kelly is the Program Coordinator for the Virginia Education Science Training (VEST) program at UVA's School of Education and Human Development. She began her career as a high school English teacher, earned an MEd from Penn State University, and continues to be passionate about K-12 education. Before joining UVA, Kelly spent 20 years as an instructional designer and technical writer. Her background in education and her editorial skills will greatly benefit the website. Board Member – Gabriela Garcia Largen Gabriela is a Senior Director in the Service & Experience Department at the University of Virginia's Department of Human Resources. Her work focuses on improving response times to inquiries, reducing the time required to resolve complex issues, minimizing transaction errors, and enhancing self-service support frameworks. She also has extensive experience in complex, challenging international manufacturing and corporate environments. Gabriela is bilingual in English and Spanish. Her recent professional development in "design thinking" demonstrates her commitment to innovative trends that yield results in large-scale operations, making her well-suited for website development initiatives. Conclusion Neurodiverse Endeavors, operating as "Neurodivergence Campus," is dedicated to creating an inclusive, comprehensive, free and accessible online resource for neurodivergent individuals, their families, professionals and communities. The funding we seek is essential to cover the costs associated with website design and labor, enabling us to build a platform that addresses the diverse needs of the community. Our website, ND Campus, aims to provide free, high-quality information on neurodivergences such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, presented under the broader concept of neurodiversity. This approach not only supports families and professionals in our local area but extends our reach globally, offering valuable resources to individuals across continents. The Neurodivergence Campus project aligns with your program's goals by addressing the inequities faced by local individuals, their families, professionals and communities. Our inclusive and comprehensive approach ensures that the website serves as a centralized resource, providing clarity and guidance for those navigating the complexities of neurodivergent conditions. With the wisdom and experience of our team, we are well-positioned to lead this initiative, leveraging our deep understanding of the challenges and needs of our focus community. Our Board, composed of individuals with personal connections to neurodivergences (or skills that will help shape the project), is committed to co-creating and informing our response efforts. Their firsthand experiences and professional expertise ensure that our platform is both empathetic and effective in addressing the needs of our users. With your support, Neurodivergence Campus can become a transformative resource. Thank you for considering our proposal for funding. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of countless individuals and contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society, locally and beyond. Stephanie Tharp Executive Director, Neurodiverse Endeavors

Piedmont Housing Alliance

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PHA's eviction prevention program is a vital safety net for families facing eviction in the Charlottesville area. A sudden, unexpected funding loss puts this essential work at risk. We urgently seek funding to sustain services for family stability.
Piedmont Housing Alliance's eviction prevention work, formerly administered through the Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot (VERP) program, is a proven and vital safety net for families facing eviction in the Charlottesville region—currently among the highest eviction rates in the state. Since the eviction moratorium ended in mid-2024, the need for stabilization has skyrocketed. And we are now in truly unprecedented times, anticipating a further surge in increased demand for these services due to projected federal funding cuts. We find ourselves at capacity while the need in our community is growing. Our eviction prevention program serves our most vulnerable neighbors—82% of whom are people of color, 76% earning below 30% Area Median Income (or $36,650 for a family of four), and nearly half led by single mothers. Through proactive landlord outreach, court navigation, childcare coordination, and emergency rent assistance, VERP keeps families in their homes and connected to opportunity. In just the first half of 2024, VERP provided over $200,000 in direct financial assistance to 151 households and connected 153 more with stabilization services, helping prevent homelessness before it begins. But now, a sudden and unexpected loss of $500,000 ($250,000/year for two years) in state funding places the program in jeopardy. We are in active discussions with the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County to cover a portion of these lost resources. However, even with that potential support, we still face a significant gap over the next two years. Without immediate philanthropic support, the essential services provided by our dedicated staff and the direct assistance that stabilizes households are at risk. We urgently seek $500,000 to bridge this gap while we build a sustainable funding path forward. The average cost to stabilize a household is just $1,265—your support could be the difference between a family staying housed or entering homelessness. What VERP Does VERP offers emergency financial assistance, court navigation, landlord mediation, and stabilization services through a trauma-informed, holistic approach. In 2024 alone: • 151 families avoided eviction through direct financial aid • 153 additional households received eviction counseling and support • 82% of clients are people of color • 56% are families with children • 76% earn below 30% AMI • Average assistance needed per household: $1,265 Your Support Is Essential Now Despite VERP's strong outcomes, we were unexpectedly denied $500,000 in state funding for 2025—putting this lifeline at immediate risk. We are seeking to replace that funding so we can sustain staffing and direct assistance. What Your Gift Will Do • $1,265 can prevent eviction for one household • $5,000 supports a month of direct financial aid • $25,000 ensures case management support for dozens of families Your support provides more than just housing—it restores dignity, stability, and hope.

Piedmont Regional Dental Clinic

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Smiles for Children!
Last year Piedmont Regional Dental Clinic provided dental care for over 1060 children under the age of 10. These children were treated at schools, residential facilities and in our office. Ideally children will see the dentist every six months for cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants plus additional restorative care as needed. Of course that doesn't always happen, particularly with our patients who are typically living in low-income, high stress - and sometimes chaotic - households. PRDC staff work strive to make a positive connection with each child and their parents to ensure they feel comfortable and safe when visiting the dentist. These efforts are enhanced by providing small rewards at each visit including a dental kit, small toy, themed coloring books etc. Our goal is to have each child leave their dental appointment with a smile and looking forward to coming back! Please consider helping to encourage good oral health care among our young patients by contributing towards dental kits ($187 for 72 units), a pirate loot treasure chest of small toys ($100 for 250 pieces) and/or coloring books ($25 for 72). The cost of providing these items for each young patient is $4 per visit. $200 will help to encourage good oral health for 50 children. A small investment with big results!

ReadyKids

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ReadyKids is seeking support for our Youth Counseling Program, which provides trauma counseling, teen counseling, and a hotline for teens in crisis.
ReadyKids provides evidence-based counseling services in English and Spanish to children, (ages 2-18) and families who have experienced abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or other trauma. Counseling is provided at no-cost, for as long as is needed. Short-term crisis counseling and a 24/7 hotline are also available for teens. Our community-based services bring care directly to under-resourced neighborhoods, schools, and community spaces to eliminate transportation and logistical barriers. We prioritize reaching underserved populations, including communities of color, immigrants, non-English speakers, LGBTQIA+ youth, and victims of trafficking. As one of the only programs in our area providing no-cost counseling, we ensure that all children—regardless of background—have access to the mental health care they need to heal and thrive.

Soldiers of Hope

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Soldiers of Hope is looking for funders to help our vision of serving the Veterans and others with disabilities in the central Virginia area.
Soldiers of Hope is a Veteran owned nonprofit serving our veteran, disabled persons and the elderly. We help provide with handicap ramps, and ADA needs in the home, including bathroom modification to allow clients to enter safely. We build custom handicap ramps and when available we can provide aluminum temporary ramps for short term needs.