The Children’s Trust of Alachua County (CTAC) is allocating $500,000 to fund youth mentoring programs. 

CTAC looks to expand community access to youth mentoring programs along with character building activities that create supportive relationships for youths with adults. The CTAC is looking to establish multiple contacts with providers to implement mentoring programs or to enhance preexisting programs. There is up to $75,000 available for each organization with the possibility of contract renewals. 

To learn more about this funding opportunity, all interested providers should plan to attend the online Bidder’s Conference scheduled on Zoom from 10 a.m. to noon and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25. 

“The Children’s Trust is excited to open this RFP because we understand the value of mentoring and character development in a young person’s life,” according to Marsha Kiner, Children’s Trust Executive Director in a press release. “The emotional well-being they are able to develop will give rise to an empowered youth who is more self-aware, inspired, and ready to unlock their potential and flourish in school and out.”  

Applicants should focus on supporting community needs that use best practices, and that are, “collaborative and integrated mentoring support programs with outcomes to reduce juvenile delinquency, truancy, substance abuse, victimization, and other high-risk behaviors,” as requested by the CTAC.  

The program requirements include both one-to-one and group session mentoring to youth enrolled in Alachua County elementary, middle, or high schools. The one-to-one mentoring component will need to be consistent and reliable to ensure a trusting rapport is built between mentor and mentee, to build social skills, life skills and a positive self-image. 

Anticipated service dates start in October 2023 through September 2024.  

RFP documents are available online: Bids and RFPs | Children’s Trust of Alachua County, Florida (childrenstrustofalachuacounty.us) 

For more information, contact CTAC Communications Manager Suzette Cook at scook@childrenstrustofalachuacounty.us or call 352-647-6253.