MBI Works Fund

Request for Proposal

Submitted by:

Name: *

Title: *

Company: *

Address: *

City: *

State: *

Zip: *

Phone: *

Email: *

Scope of Request for Proposals *

MBI-WORKS is interested in a single area of consideration upon which proposals should focus:

INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ENTERING THE COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE IN THE STATE OF IOWA

Within this category the proposal can focus on, but not limited to, any of the following:

Create Direct Placements and Connections in Commercial Construction Industry

The elevation of the building trades industry as a viable and rewarding career has led to opportunities for contractors to gain high caliber individuals who previously worked in a different industry. The MBI-WORKS fund seeks proposals that will support direct placement of individuals who enter into the commercial construction industry. This could include, but is not limited to, seasonal workforce, individuals on unemployment, individuals refocusing career paths, etc.

Creation of Partnerships with Schools, Community-based Organizations, and/or Mentoring Programs to Engage Young People

Early exposure to commercial construction is one of the keys to meeting the workforce needs of the industry. MBI-WORKS is seeking proposals that will expose high school and junior high students to commercial construction career opportunities. In addition, MBI-WORKS is interested in commercial contractor partnerships with schools that strengthen curriculum, create hands-on opportunities and provide real-life experiences to explore and enhance construction-related skill sets. By selecting this scope, you are indicating a commitment to in-person instruction from MBI partners.

Outreach to Non-Traditional Demographics

To date, much of the attention in commercial construction career advocacy has concentrated on junior high and high school students. However, there remains an un-tapped pool of individuals who could easily transition into a commercial construction career. The MBI-WORKS fund seeks proposals that will create outreach to non-traditional demographics. For example, this could include individuals looking for a career change, veterans returning to civilian life, ex-offenders, etc. The opportunities in commercial construction are great and the MBI-WORKS fund welcomes proposals that will strive to create commercial construction career pathways for people of varying educational backgrounds and work experience.

Enhance Diversity in Iowa's Commercial Construction Industry

The MBI-WORKS committee is looking for the establishment of projects that focus on growing the number of women and minorities who consider careers in commercial construction. Of specific interest are collaborative programs that address the need for enhancing diversity by advancing the industry.

MBI-WORKS Timeline

RFP Release Date	August 18, 2025
Proposals Due	4:00PM CST September 30, 2025
Notifications of Awards	December 12, 2025
Funding Start Date	January 23, 2026

I acknowledge that I have read the dates listed above

I. Award Amounts

Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that would require funding up to $30,000. However, availability of funds (above or below $30,000) may be awarded dependent upon performance of the fund’s investments and the discretion of the MBI-WORKS committee will ultimately determine the extent of grants awarded.

II. Eligibility Requirements

Grants from the fund can only be made to charitable organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or to governmental agencies like public educational institutions or other similar public entities. An application submitted by an eligible organization must be sponsored by one or more members of the Master Builders of Iowa.

The MBI-WORKS committee has the authority to reject and / or not evaluate a proposal for reasons without limitation. The MBI-WORKS committee WILL NOT CONSIDER proposals which would not directly benefit Iowa.

III. Items to be scrutinized and evaluated

Avoid creating a multi-year program that will be dependent on these funds to remain viable.
Avoid submitting proposals that simply replace funding for existing, previously established programs.
Avoid overhead or administrative charges of any sort as part of the request for funds.
Avoid submitting a proposal that promotes union or non-union affiliations or agendas.
Submitting proposals that support payment of administrative salaries. In the event that your proposal does include these funds being used for salaries, the committee will scrutinize the sustainability plan heavily and reserves the right to reject proposals that do not demonstrate the long-term commitment of the program.

IV. Changes, Addenda, Withdrawals

MBI-WORKS reserves the right to change the schedule of events or issue addenda to the RFP at any time. MBI-WORKS also reserves the right to cancel or reissue the RFP.

V. Proposal Information and Evaluation Criteria (total of 100 points)

A. Project Information (20 Points)

Organizational Information including:
1. Organization name
2. Address
3. Point of contact with contact information
Project Narrative: Please describe the project in your own words.
The anticipated timeline for this project, including a starting and ending date.
The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the capacity to sustain the project/equipment/program after funding from MBI-WORKS expires.

**As indicated earlier under “Items to be scrutinized and evaluated”, the committee will scrutinize the sustainability plan heavily and reserves the right to reject proposals that do not demonstrate the long-term commitment of the project/equipment/program. Successful submissions will demonstrate a commitment to the longevity of the project/equipment/program by connecting businesses to non-profits and schools which can include job site and office visits.

B. Project Impact (20 Points)

Provide a specific goal of the number of people you will impact, as well as the process by which you will validate the data.
The extent to which the applicant clearly described the need and target population.
The extent to which the proposed project will have a beneficial impact on the commercial construction industry.

C. Project Support (20 Points)

A listing of all MBI member partner(s): Please demonstrate how the MBI member partner will devote time to the project.
A listing of all non-MBI member partners involved in the proposal including firm name, address, website address and contact information. Please demonstrate how the non-MBI member partner will devote time to the project.
Provide a letter of support for each organization or department involved in your proposed project. Letters of support must be from someone who holds the authority to speak for the organization or department (CEO, Chair, etc.), must be signed and dated, and must specifically indicate understanding of the project and a commitment to the project, including any resource commitments (in-kind services, dollars, staff, space, equipment, etc.).

Letter 1