Host a Team of Baby Boomer Volunteers

Posted by on February 9, 2009

In collaboration with United Way of Southeastern PA, Coming of Age® is seeking proposals from area organizations interested in recruiting Make A BIG Difference teams (MABD) – cadres of people age 50+ who come together to address an important issue.

In 2008, the initiative launched its first MABD team. Partnering with The Benefit Bank, team members worked from January to April to assist lower income families in applying for nearly $100,000 in tax refunds and credits.

Coming of Age is now seeking to expand the impact of the MABD program by working with area organizations to launch new teams in 2009.

The host organization for each team will receive a $2,500 grant, provided by United Way, to implement and manage the organization’s MABD project.

How do MABD teams work?
Each team will be a collaborative effort between Coming of Age and the host organization.

Coming of Age will:

* Evaluate applications and select organizations to receive the $2,500 grants.
* Collaborate with project staff to ensure a quality volunteer experience. (This may include site visits, phone surveys with team members, etc.)
* Assist in recruiting team members by promoting the opportunity in its weekly email blast, “Inspiring Opportunities” and in the United Way’s weekly email blast “What Matters.”
* Provide training to the host agency, if needed, in capturing the energy and expertise of people 50+.
* Distribute the funding. ($2,000 awarded at the outset and $500 on completion of the project.)

Host organizations will:

* Develop and implement projects for their MABD teams that last approximately four to nine months, either by initiating new projects or enhancing existing ones.
* Identify a staff member to manage the team.
* Recruit, within three months after the grant is awarded, an adequate number of people 50+ to accomplish the project’s objectives. (We anticipate that most teams will consist of four to seven members, but there can be fewer or more based on the nature of the project.)
* Provide orientation and support for team members to successfully meet the project’s objectives.
* Work collaboratively with Coming of Age to ensure a high performing team.
* At the project’s conclusion, document its outcomes in a two-page report including a summary of expenses.

What criteria will be used to evaluate proposals?

In order to maximize the value of the project for both organizations and team members, Coming of Age will pay special attention to the following two criteria in evaluating applications:

1. The project’s potential to help the organization meet its mission.
2. The degree to which the proposed opportunities incorporate at least three of the following key features that have been shown to be what people 50+ want when they volunteer:
1. Having an impact on the community
2. Contributing in a meaningful way
3. Providing input into the roles they play
4. Connecting and forming new and purposeful relationships
5. Building skills
6. Flexibility

How do you apply?

Please click here to complete and submit an application no later than February 25, 2009.

http://organizations.comingofage.org/node/add/mabd

Coming of Age staff will review the applications and notify area nonprofits whether they have received awards on or about March 27, 2009.

Questions? Email Andrea Leerman , Director of Special Projects, Coming of Age, at Aleerman@comingofage.org or call her at 215-204-0312.

We hope you will apply to be part of this unique opportunity to benefit your organization and provide a substantive volunteer experience for those people 50+ committed to making a real difference in our community.

Sincerely,

Jill Michal, President and CEO
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Dick Goldberg, Director
Coming of Age