In FY2020, the City established the Bridge program to support local organizations proposing to implement innovative solutions to community needs but lacked the eligibility requirements to participate in the Community Human Service Partnership (CHSP) grant process.

The City currently administers the Community Human Service Partnership in collaboration with the County to provide an efficient and effective method for allocating human services grant funds. The CHSP process is robust and has received a Best Practice award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. CHSP has several minimum requirements and operates on a two- year funding cycle. However, the Bridge program has less stringent requirements and provides an opportunity for nonprofit agencies that do not meet the minimum CHSP standards to strengthen their capacity while receiving funding up to a maximum of two years. Agencies are then required to apply to CHSP for ongoing funding. Agencies that have previously received or are currently receiving CHSP funding are not eligible for the Bridge program.

The minimum requirements of the Bridge program are as follows:

•  The agency is registered as a 501(c)(3) with the United States Department of  Treasury.
• The agency can demonstrate a record of providing or intent to provide direct  human services to residents of Leon County.
• The agency does not currently meet the CHSP eligibility requirements, or the  agency currently meets the CHSP eligibility requirements but has never applied for CHSP funding.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqvNcvj1kysinVGSGXgYi4EFiQb5KScNlYy2Gi8WYuCIJ7AA/viewform

The Promise Zone map has been updated to include the additional census tracts that were added by the County and City Commissions in January 2020.  Any agencies that are interested in applying for funding to this category may input addresses to determine if they are within boundaries to of the Promise Zone.

https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?useExisting=1&layers=5ae18e95a4a649ae9c603688fdb45d70

1. The agency is a nonprofit corporation, incorporated in Florida or authorized by the Florida Department of State to transact business in Florida, pursuant to Chapter 617, Florida Statutes. 
2. The agency has obtained 501(c) (3) status from the United States Department of Treasury. 
3. The agency is authorized by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to solicit funds, pursuant to Chapter 496, Florida Statutes.
4. The agency has obtained a sales tax exemption registration from the Florida Department of Revenue, pursuant to Section 212.08.
5. The agency has a Non-discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy.
6. The agency has a Dual Check Signing Policy that requires two or more signatures based on certain fiscal thresholds approved by the board of directors. Furthermore, the policy specifies that no agency staff, including the executive director, can sign a check written to themselves or written for cash. The policy also includes specifications and internal safeguards (direct board oversight) regarding making withdrawals from the agency’s account.
7. If required by law, the agency has its books and records audited annually by an independent certified public accountant who has no affiliation with the agency and whose examination is made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The audit report must include a management letter; and financial statements showing all of the agency’s income, disbursements, assets, liabilities, endowment, other funds, and reserves and surpluses during the period under study. The audit report must be consolidated with the statements of any affiliated foundations or trusts.
8. If the audit contains a schedule of findings, the audit includes a corrective action plan.
9. The agency has an IRS Form 990 completed within the last fiscal year or the agency filed an extension with IRS.
10. The agency has an administrative cost of 25% or less as evidenced by the IRS Form 990 and/or audit. 
11. The agency has a local board of directors and/or a local advisory board.
12. The agency has a Records Retention Policy.
13. The agency has a Conflict of Interest Policy.
14. The agency has a comprehensive Fiscal Management Policy.
15. The agency has proof of general liability coverage.