Areas of Work

Welcome to the . . .
Innovations Project

• Background
• How the project works
• What to include in a proposal
• How to submit a proposal
• Questions, information, and proposal submissions
• Innovations Project Resources

Background

The Innovations Project for Children and Families is a mechanism for local agencies to work cooperatively with state government to improve the delivery of services to children and families.This initiative, administered by the Council on Children and Families, enlists the expertise and creativity of those most affected by the challenges of the current system—those who are also likely to have the best insight on resourceful and practical solutions to bring about needed change.

Applicants are invited to present ideas through a request for technical assistance process—ideas believed to be hindered by governmental, regulations, rules, policies, or administrative structures—and request expeditious, high level assistance in removing these barriers. The Innovations Project provides an accessible and authoritative mechanism for turning innovative ideas into action and change.

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How the project works

Through the Innovations Project, state agencies work with individuals and organizations to remove identified barriers imposed by cumbersome or unnecessary governmental structure. A simple application and expedited review process encourages the submission of proposals at any time with reviews taking place during the last week of every month. Once a proposal has been submitted, a response indicating whether it has been accepted for further action will be provided by the 10th of the following month. Upon selection of a proposal, a team (and team lead) will be named by the Council, and state regional representatives will be consulted. An action plan to address the proposal will be developed and implemented.

The Innovations Project is looking for local proposals that are likely to improve the quality, availability, productivity, or cost effectiveness of services to children and families, and that demonstrate multi-service, integrated and collaborative efforts.  It should be noted that the Innovations Project is neither a new funding source nor a means of circumventing appropriate structures of systems already in place. Therefore, funding requests should be not be submitted as part of any proposal.

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What to include in a proposal

Selection of a proposal for action is based on the degree to which it:

• Is new or different and addresses a verifiable need.
• Demonstrates a multi-service, integrated and/or collaborative effort that crosses agency lines.
• Offers or provides better solutions in addressing service needs, productivity, cost efficiencies, system efficiencies, and/or quality of service.
• Projects short-term gains that may lead to long-term impacts.
• Is clear in its focus and likely to succeed.
• Has potential for replication.

Proposals should not request new funding—these are technical assistance requests to facilitate the use of existing resources.

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How to submit a proposal

There are three options for submitting proposals:

1. Use the on-line submission form
2. Download the proposal form and mail to the contact below.
3. Use the contact information below to request a hard copy of the form.

For all submissions and requests, please be sure to include your full contact information.

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Questions, information, and proposal submissions

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