Request for Proposal (RFP): Project Manager- Generation Wild Planning Community, Pueblo

Introduction

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County (BGCP), along with a coalition that includes the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center, Pueblo Zoo, Pueblo Communities That Care, the City of Pueblo, and the County of Pueblo, is seeking proposals from qualified professionals, consultants, or teams to manage and coordinate a six-month community-driven planning process. This initiative aims to reduce barriers to accessing nature, build community coalitions, and develop sustainable pathways for Pueblo youth and families to engage with the outdoors.
 
This project is made possible through a Generation Wild planning grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). The Generation Wild initiative launched by GOCO, is dedicated to connecting youth and families to the outdoors by reducing access to barriers and cultivating a love of nature. In October 2024, GOCO awarded $536,898 in Generation Wild planning grants to four community-based coalitions. These grants are designed to help these four coalitions advance our missions and explore joining the Generation Wild network of communities. As a recipient of this funding, our coalition is proud to be part of the Generation Wild planning communities working to connect youth and families with the outdoors through deep community engagement.
 
We are seeking individuals or teams with deep roots in the Pueblo community, particularly from the “Y-Zone”- Bessemer, Eastside, and Westside neighborhoods- or Avondale. This role will receive additional support from The Civic Canopy* for coalition development and community engagement, along with funding to support supply costs, and community incentives, and to hire local community members/promotoras to assist with outreach efforts. The selected Project Manager will also work in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club Outdoor Equity Director to ensure alignment on the authentic youth engagement and feedback, development of a Youth Advisory Council (YAC), and overall deliverables.
 

Key Details

• Ideal Start Date: January 20, 2024
• Required Overnight Training: January 22-23, 2024, in Denver (overnight accommodation provided)
• Budget: Up to $82,800 for the duration of the project, with a recommended rate of $65-$90 per hour (up to 920 total hours)
• Additional Funds: $22,000 for community engagement support.
• GOCO Trainings: Attendance at any GOCO-required trainings and meetings on behalf of the coalition is expected
• Flexible Structure: The role can be filled by an individual, a team, or multiple consultants

 
 
*The Civic Canopy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration and collective impact to address complex community challenges. They specialize in bringing diverse stakeholders together, facilitating meaningful conversations, and guiding strategic planning processes to drive positive, systemic change. With a focus on equity and community engagement, The Civic Canopy supports organizations and coalitions in building capacity, aligning efforts, and achieving shared goals for stronger, more connected communities.

Project Overview

The Coalition’s Planning Initiative focuses on:

• Identifying and addressing barriers to outdoor access faced by Pueblo youth and families.
• Building a Community Coalition including youth and development or engagement of Youth Advisory Council(s) for inclusive, participatory planning.
• Developing sustainable programs and pathways that support lifelong engagement with nature, especially in the Y-Zone and Avondale areas.
• Leveraging community partnerships to foster collective impact and long-term success.
• The Project Manager or team will work closely with The Civic Canopy, the Boys & Girls Club Outdoor Equity Director, coalition partners, and community members to ensure the initiative is responsive to local needs and grounded in community voices.

 

Scope of Work

Coalition & Youth Advisory Council Development

• Recruit, support, and lead the Community Coalition. Engage youth in development including infrastructure to establish Youth Advisory Council(s) (YAC) in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club Outdoor Equity Director to align YAC activities and ensure deliverables are met.
• Facilitate regular meetings, workshops, and capacity-building activities.
• Collaborate with The Civic Canopy for coalition development and community engagement strategies.
• Ensure existing coalition partners and new partners are included in all communications and meetings.

Community Engagement & Barrier Identification

• Address barriers such as family priorities, transportation, costs, and language accessibility.
• Support the hiring and guidance of up to 10 local community members/promotoras to enhance outreach.
• Organize community forums, focus groups, and outreach events to gather input.
• Meet with coalition partners to understand their existing programs, partnerships, and potential contributions.

Program Planning & Pathway Development

• Develop a scaffolded matrix of programs for youth aged 0-24, with a focus on engaging marginalized communities- including youth and families who are currently underrepresented in outdoor spaces and activities. This matrix should include:
  • Place-based Programs: Activities in parks, schoolyards, and community centers to build comfort and familiarity with nature close to home.
  • Progressive Outdoor Experiences: Opportunities that gradually expand from local spaces to backcountry exploration.
  • Youth Leadership and Training: Initiatives such as the Youth Advisory Council and other leadership development programs.

• Pathways to Employment: Volunteer opportunities, youth jobs, and paid internships that offer hands-on experience in outdoor and environmental fields.
• Family Programs: Educational and recreational opportunities that equip families with the knowledge, tools, and equipment they need to confidently engage in outdoor activities together.

Communication & Reporting

• Facilitate clear communication with coalition members and stakeholders.
• Prepare monthly progress reports for grant monitors and BGCPC leadership.
• With support from the Boys & Girls Clubs Resource Development team, develop outreach materials, including newsletters and social media content.
• Coordinate the project budget to ensure accurate financial reporting.

Data Collection & Evaluation

• Implement human-centered design and grounded-theory data collection.
• Analyze data to measure engagement and identify barriers.
• Develop a five-year fiscal plan to support long-term sustainability.

Sustainability & Funding Exploration

• Explore additional funding sources the coalition could pursue to ensure the sustainability of the work.
• Identify grant opportunities, sponsorships, and other potential funding streams.

GOCO-Required Trainings & Meetings

• Attend all GOCO-required trainings and meetings on behalf of the coalition, pulling in other members as needed.
• Provide updates and share insights from these trainings with coalition members.

Future Role Development

• Support the development of a full-time Coalition Coordinator or Manager role.
• Draft a job description and outline key responsibilities to prepare for future coalition funding opportunities.

 

Timeline: January 20th, 2028 – June 2024 Deliverables

1. Coalition Member Meetings to understand capacity, program offerings, and alignment.
2. Community Engagement Plan outlining outreach strategies and activities.

3.Community Engagement Activities and Youth Advisory Council(s) Development

4. Scaffolded Program Matrix developed after robust community engagement.

5.Five-Year Coalition Fiscal Implementation Plan, including created.

6. Identification of additional funding sources to support coalition sustainability.
7. Job Description for the Coalition Coordinator or Manager role.

 
 

Budget

We are offering a competitive hourly rate for the Project Manager role, with a recommended rate between $65-$90 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. The project timeline runs from January 20-June 30, 2025 (approximately 23 weeks), with a total availability of up to 920 hours during this period.

Additional Funds To Support the Work

In addition to consultant fees, the following funds are available to support the broader work of the project:

• Support items and incentives: $12,000 for community participation incentives, food for events, supplies and translation services to support engagement activities.
• Community Engagement Support: $10,000 allocated for hiring up to 10 local community members/promotoras to assist with outreach and engagement activities.

 

Proposal Requirements

Please include the following in your proposal:

• Cover Letter summarizing qualifications, interest, and connection to the Pueblo community. Specifically any connection or previous work with the Y-Zone community and/or any pertinent skills, such as being bilingual or having experience working with diverse populations.
• Proposed Approach outlining how you will fulfill the scope of work.
• Qualifications & Experience, including relevant projects and references.
• Work Plan & Timeline with key milestones and deliverables.
• Budget detailing:
  • Consulting Fees (hourly rates, hours, and total cost).