Rural Initiative RFP

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Launching Giving Voice-Inspired Choruses in Rural Minnesota and Wisconsin

Introduction

Giving Voice Initiative is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives through choral music. Our mission is to create opportunities for people living with Alzheimer’s, other dementias, and their care partners to connect and thrive through singing together.

We are excited to support rural communities in Minnesota in launching their own Giving Voice-inspired choruses. This initiative aims to foster inclusion, joy, and community through music, bringing the transformative power of choral singing to underserved areas.

Purpose of the RFP

Giving Voice is seeking proposals from communities in rural counties of Minnesota and Wisconsin that are interested in establishing their own choruses. Selected communities will receive funding, training, and ongoing support to ensure the successful launch and sustainability of their programs.

Eligibility Criteria

Proposals are welcome from rural Minnesota/Wisconsin organizations, including but not limited to:

Nonprofit organizations
Arts and culture organizations
Faith-based groups
Senior or community centers
Other community-focused groups

Collaborations between organizations are encouraged. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to serving individuals living with dementia and their care partners.

Scope of Support

Selected communities will receive:

Training & Coaching

Access to Giving Voice’s choral model and program framework.
Workshops and virtual training sessions on topics like choral direction, volunteer engagement, and dementia-friendly practices.

Program Development Resources
Sample rehearsal plans, repertoire suggestions, and guidance for chorus support.
Marketing and outreach templates for recruiting participants.

Ongoing Support
Regular check-ins and mentorship from Giving Voice staff.
Access to a network of Giving Voice choruses for collaboration and idea-sharing.

Seed Funding
$5,000 to cover start-up costs, such as rehearsal space, sheet music, and promotional materials at start of the program. Consideration for an additional $5,000 at the completion of the first year.

Proposal Requirements

What is the mission, vision, and description of your organization or collaboration.

Please list contact information for key project leaders.

Please give a description of your community and its need for a Giving Voice-inspired chorus.

What is the anticipated impact on participants, families, and the broader community?

Please create a timeline with key milestones for launching the chorus.

Please describe your plans for recruiting participants and volunteers.

Please explain any strategies for sustaining the chorus beyond the first year.

Please upload a proposed budget for start-up and program operations.

Do you currently have any matching funds or in-kind contributions?

Please upload any letters from community partners, stakeholders, or other supporting organizations.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Alignment with Giving Voice Initiative’s mission and values.
Demonstrated community need and potential for impact.
Feasibility and clarity of the implementation plan.
Sustainability of the proposed chorus.
Strength of partnerships and community engagement.

Questions

For questions or additional information, please contact Giving Voice Initiative at info@givingvoicechorus.org or (612) 440-9660.