Make A BIG Difference Teams

In 2009, Coming of Age awarded grants to several organizations to launch Make a BIG Difference (MABD) teams in the Philadelphia area. Teams accompanied elder crime victims to court, advocated for the frail elderly, provided IT consultation to nonprofits, helped correct environmental problems, and much more.

The program clearly demonstrated success in two key areas: (1) accessing the energy and expertise of people age 50+ to help organizations meet their mission in these challenging times and (2) meeting the needs of older adults seeking to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Building on this success, Coming of Age:Bay Area selected its first round of MABD projects in November 2010.  For more information, read our MABD press release.

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 up to six organizations to receive the $2,500 grants.
• Collaborate with site staff to ensure a quality volunteer experience. (This may include site visits, phone surveys with team members, etc.).
• Convene awardees to share best practices and learnings. (This may include orientation, mid-term, and final meetings.)
• Assist in recruiting team members by promoting the opportunity in its e-newsletter, “Inspiring Opportunities.”
• Provide training to the host agency, if needed, in how to capture 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 two 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 ongoing 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-three 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 our research shows to be what people 50+ want when they volunteer:

• Have an impact on the community
• Contribute in a meaningful way
• Provide input into the roles they play
• Connect and form new and purposeful relationships
• Build skills
• Flexibility

How do you apply?

Coming of Age will announce a request for proposals in fall of 2011.  Organizations that have attended our Learning Lab will qualify to apply.

Attachment	Size
mabd_team_project proposal final.doc	61.5 KB