Ignite Grant: Request for Proposal

The C. Charles Jackson Foundation (CCJF), through its leadership initiative, the Charlie Life and Leadership Academy (CLLA), invites proposals from nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and educational centers and schools for the Ignite Grant. This micro-grant, typically around $2,000, assists applicants in considering or initiating the process to mitigate or address critical challenges related to student leadership learning grounded in both personal and professional growth.

About the role

The Ignite Grant provides an entry point for funding applicants to collaborate with CLLA and engage in meaningful problem diagnosis and scoping, leading to solutions that create sustainability for leadership learning programs and impact for learners. The grant supports applicants in identifying and addressing challenges surrounding student leadership learning, facilitated by CLLA’s team of Solution Architects (renowned thought leaders, faculty members, or practitioners). This funding is the initial step toward addressing larger, strategic objectives and prepares applicants for subsequent phases of leadership learning and implementation.

Objective

The Ignite Grant seeks to support funding applicants in diagnosing and scoping challenges related to student leadership learning. Through collaboration with CLLA’s Solution Architects, applicants will clarify issues, frame problems, and identify actionable opportunities for high-impact student leadership solutions. This phase may lead to further funding opportunities based on the trajectory identified collectively by the Solution Architects and the applicant.

Alignment with CLLA’s Mission & Vision

A critical component of this request for proposals (RFP) is demonstrating how the proposed project aligns with the mission and vision of CLLA. The Charlie Life and Leadership Academy is dedicated to equipping students with leadership skills to navigate the complexities of the modern world, focusing on developing competencies that empower students to become effective leaders both personally and professionally. Applicants must articulate how their challenges and proposed solutions support this mission and align with the Academy’s vision of creating impactful, student-centered leadership learning experiences.

Scope of Work

The Ignite Grant offers a multi-phase, collaborative process designed to create sustainable, impactful solutions for student leadership learning:

• Phase I: Problem Diagnosis and Scoping – Institutions work with CLLA’s Solution Architects to clarify challenges and identify core issues impacting student leadership programs. Findings from this phase pave the way for deeper engagement in future phases.
• Phase II: Solution Development & Impact Matching Grant – If Phase I reveals a substantial opportunity, institutions may apply for an Impact Grant, where CCJF provides matching funds (contingent on the applicant’s 50% co-investment) to support solution implementation.

Additional consultative services may include program design, implementation, measuring outcomes, curriculum development, online course creation, assessments, case studies, or activity guides, depending on needs identified during the diagnostic phase.

Collaborative Approach for Sustainability

• Phase I: Ignite Micro-Grant – Selected applicants collaborate with CLLA Solution Architects to diagnose and scope leadership learning challenges, ensuring problem clarity and strategic alignment before advancing to more extensive engagements.
• Consultant Engagement – Throughout both phases, CLLA’s Solution Architects work at a reduced rate (approximately 50%) to support financial feasibility and project success.
• Commitment to Collaboration – Success depends on mutual investment, with the grant facilitating initial discovery while requiring full engagement and financial commitment from the applicant, CCJF, and CLLA.

Proposal Submission Requirements

Funding applicants must submit the following information (responses limited to 500 words each):

• Funding Applicant Details – Name of the nonprofit organization, institution of higher education, or educational center/school.
• Primary Contact Information – Name, title, email, and phone number.
• Type of Funding Applicant – Nonprofit, university/college, school, or other (specify).
• Challenge Description – Describe the challenge or opportunity related to student leadership learning for personal and professional development.
• Alignment with Strategic Priorities – Explain how the challenge aligns with the applicant’s broader institutional goals.
• Alignment with CLLA Mission & Vision – Articulate how the proposed project supports CLLA’s mission of developing student leadership competencies.
• Desired Outcomes – Specify the outcomes the applicant hopes to achieve through the Ignite Grant.
• Previous Leadership Programs – Indicate if the applicant has implemented student leadership programs (if yes, describe goals, scope, activities, duration, outcomes, and how the proposed project builds on or differs from past initiatives).
• Anticipated Needs – Select tangible resources or consultative support needed (e.g., leadership program development, curriculum audit, measurement of effectiveness, access to leadership tools/resources, or other).
• Additional Information – Provide any other relevant details for consideration.

Review Process

Proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee from CCJF and CLLA based on the following criteria:

• Alignment with CLLA’s Mission and Vision – How well the project supports CLLA’s goal of developing leadership competencies for today’s challenges.
• Strategic Importance – Clarity of alignment between the leadership learning challenge and the applicant’s broader institutional goals.
• Feasibility of Impact – Likelihood of the project having a meaningful, measurable impact on student leadership learning.
• Institutional Commitment – Demonstration of strong collaboration and co-investment (financial and engagement) in the project.

Contact Information

For questions about the Ignite Grant, contact:

• Tony Andenoro, Ph.D., Chief Strategist: strategist@charlieacademy.org
• Corina McBride, Program Director: programs@charlieacademy.org