2026 LCR Project Proposal

Welcome to the Leadership Capital Region Class of 2026 RFP submission form. As a longstanding program committed to advancing strong leadership and driving meaningful, long-term progress across the Capital Region, our class is seeking proposals that will spark economic growth, strengthen community resilience, and promote systemic change. 

We will consider capital projects that provide program participants with an opportunity to be a part of each phase of the project from fundraising, procurement, implementation – all the way through project completion – that aim to do one or more of the following: 

  • 1. Expand opportunities and pathways for individuals or communities that have historically experienced limited access to resources 

  • 2. Strengthen mental, emotional or economic well-being through innovative, sustainable solutions 

  • 3. Address immediate challenges related to poverty, housing stability, workforce development, financial mobility or food insecurity 

  • 4. Build partnerships/models that create lasting improvements benefiting the Capital Region 

Important Information:
● Submission Deadline: Friday, January 16 at 5:00pm
  •  Applications submitted after the deadline will not be reviewed.
● Project Timeline: Selected proposal must be finished in its entirety by June 1st, 2025
● Eligibility: Applicants must be
  •  A 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations serving communities within the Capital Region
  • A member of the Capital Region Chamber
  • Should be non-partisan, apolitical, and not solely religious in nature
  • Cannot have been selected for an LCR Class project within the past 8 years
● Review Process: Proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with program priorities, potential for impact, feasibility, and sustainability.
● Character Limit: Each response must not exceed 2,000 characters 
● Award Amount: Funding amounts vary each year. Prior classes have raised between $25,000 and $50,000 Please take this into consideration when providing your categorized budget.
● Award Notification: Selected project awardee will be notified in February 2025.
Instructions:
  1. Complete all sections of this form. Incomplete submissions may not be considered.
  2. Use clear and concise language to communicate your project's goals, impact, and sustainability.
  3. For consideration, all applicants must also submit all required supporting documentation by Friday, January 16 at 4:59 p.m.
Thank you for your commitment to advancing positive change in our community. We look forward to learning more about your innovative ideas!

Please note that our grant application platform does not allow for work to be saved. Applications must be completed and submitted in one session. To ensure a smooth submission process, we recommend preparing your responses in a separate document before starting the application. Once all responses are finalized, you can copy and paste them into the online application form.  To view the full list of application questions in advance. 
For any questions, please reach out to LCRClass2026@gmail.com before the submission deadline.
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Section 1: Organizational Information
This section helps us get to know your organization. Please provide basic information about your mission, nonprofit status, and primary contacts so we can better understand your background and the work you do.

Yes
No

Chamber membership is required. Should your project be selected, we will connect you with a membership representative. We strive to keep nonprofit member rates low and believe our benefits outweigh the annual cost. 

Yes
No
Section 2: Project Proposal
In this section, you’ll introduce your proposed project. Share how your idea addresses challenges related to youth, mental health, and/or poverty, and describe the positive impact you hope to create in the Capital Region.

Describe your project, focusing on its goals and activities. How does it specifically address challenges related to:

  • 1. Ppportunities and pathways for individuals or communities that have historically experienced limited access to resources 

  • 2. Mental, emotional or economic well-being through innovative, sustainable solutions 

  • 3. Poverty, housing stability, workforce development, financial mobility or food insecurity 

  • 4. Lasting improvements benefiting the Capital Region 

Identify the specific groups your project aims to serve. Why were these groups selected, what are their unique needs, and why is your organization qualified to serve them?

Specify the geographic areas or region your project will serve (e.g., neighborhoods, cities, counties). Why were these areas or regions chosen?

Section 3: Project Details
This section invites you to expand on the logistics of your project. Share details about how you plan to measure success, the timeline for implementation, and any ideas for ensuring the project’s lasting impact. This helps us understand how your project will unfold.

Is this project currently funded by any other sources? If yes, please list funders below along with what aspect of the project they are supporting.

What positive changes or outcomes do you anticipate as a result of this project? How will these changes impact the community?

What specific indicators or metrics will you use to assess the project's progress and success?

Outline the necessary key milestones and activities from project initiation to completion. If possible, include estimated dates. As a reminder, the project must be finished in its entirety by June 2026.

Leadership Capital Region’s Class of 2026 will host a culmination ribbon cutting ceremony for the awardee. If selected, would you be willing to host this event on-site? Ribbon cutting will take place in May 2026.

Yes
No

How will the project's benefits continue after the initial implementation? What are your plans for ongoing funding, community partnerships, volunteer assistance, or other strategies to maintain the project's impact?

Section 4: Budget & Documentation
Here, you’ll provide information on your project’s budget and upload any required documents, such as your 501(c)3 letter. This ensures we have all the necessary materials to review your proposal.

Provide an itemized budget for the project, detailing expenses such as equipment, supplies, labor, and any in-kind contributions. Administrative costs may be identified as no more than 10% of the overall budget.


20MB max

Please upload proof of 501(c)3 status.

20MB max