Introduction
The City of Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) is inviting eligible 501(c)(3) agencies to respond to this Request for Proposals (RFP) for programs that serve the public in addressing community crime and safety issues.
Background
In 1995, the citizens of Fort Worth voted to establish a Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD) Board, and the District has been renewed by voters in 2000, 2005, 2009 and in 2020. Revenue is from the ½ cent sales tax and supports resources that effectively implement crime reduction strategies pertaining to violent crime, gangs, neighborhood crime, school safety, youth, and police enhancements. The fund is administered by the Fort Worth Police Department, and it is managed by an eleven-member Board of Directors who establishes the annual budget and policies, oversees expenditures, and evaluates programs funded by CCPD.
Goals of CCPD
The CCPD Board seeks to collaborate with eligible entities to achieve the CCPD Mission to: "Enhance Fort Worth’s ability to increase safety and reduce crime through partnerships, increased capabilities, training, and crime prevention and intervention programs."
Proposals must meet one of the CCPD goals defined below:
- Reduce crime through crime prevention or intervention projects, particularly those that:
- Reduce Juvenile Crime or Gang-Related Activity, or
- Have a direct measurable impact to a neighborhood (See Direct Neighborhood Projects in Defined Terms)
- Increase safety through Direct Neighborhood Projects, Youth Crime Prevention, or Intervention Projects.
Project Scope
Community-Based Programs
Currently, there are two funding strategies under CCPD: Partners with a Shared Mission Initiative and Community-Based Programs. There are two types of grants under Community-Based Programs: Development Grant and Program Grant. Each funding strategy and grant type targets entities at different development stages or aims to achieve various purpose.
Please read the following description carefully and identify the appropriate grant to apply before responding to this RFP:
- Development Grants– (50% of annual operating budget up to $50,000[1] for 12 months) The purpose of this type of grant is to develop stronger agencies. Agencies that receive Development Grants can be either unregistered[2] or 501(c)(3) entities that propose to increase their capability in a strategic way. This can be in areas such as creating a fundraising plan, developing a strategic plan, making service delivery more efficient, performing program evaluation, researching a crime/safety problem, and/or covering one-time costs for program expansion. Development Grants are not designed for direct programming. (See Development Grants RFP at FWPD CCPD website (https://police.fortworthtexas.gov/CCPD/community-based-programs) for more details.)
- Program Grants– Projects funded under this type of grant will be those with a high likelihood of making a measurable impact on crime and safety. Agencies should provide their experience of success and a plan of action that uses proven methods to address crime and safety. This grant may be used for direct program expenses including personnel, fringe benefits, program supplies, equipment, etc.
Agencies that do not meet the requirements for Eligibility under this RFP may seek to apply for a Development Grant.
Funding Amount and Project Period
This RFP is issued to award CCPD funds during Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Program Grants.
Funding awards made through this RFP will result in a contract based on the schedule(s) provided in this document. Funding commitments and the execution of contracts are subject to the City of Fort Worth’s budget appropriation process. As such, the number of awards will be based on the amount appropriated for the fiscal year and the approval of the CCPD Board of Directors. Proposals requesting more than the maximum will be disqualified.
- Maximum funding request: $300,000
- Funding period: 3 Years (36 Months)
Special Emphasis
Proposals that address a Special Emphasis may receive additional points in pre-screening. To receive points in this area, agencies must demonstrate their project will have a measurable impact in at least one of the areas listed below. Agencies are not obligated to respond to a Special Emphasis, however, those who develop new and innovative approaches may receive additional points in pre-screening.
- Police/Community Relations – Increasing existing or creating new collaborations between Fort Worth Police Department and minority and/or underserved community members and stakeholders.
- Violent Crime Prevention – Impact on the root causes of violent crime, especially in areas of the community where it is more prevalent. Violent crime is defined by the US Department of Justice as murder, nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, or aggravated assault. (See Appendix A for details.)
Please refer to the Scoring Criteria and Project Plan sections of this document for more information on Special Emphasis outcomes and activities.
[1] Development Grant Proposals requesting more than the maximum may be reduced or disqualified.
[2] Unregistered agencies are required to work with a 501(c)(3) sponsoring agency.