2026 Southside Promise Blueprint Investment Request for Proposals

Southside Promise Blueprint Investment Request for Proposals

Investment by Spartanburg Academic Movement as part of its local match commitment to the U.S. Department of Education Promise Neighborhoods Early Implementation Grant
Rapid Resource Investment Program Overview

Funded by the Department of Education, Southside Promise Blueprint, is a two-year implementation grant aimed at improving educational outcomes and addressing disparities in the Southside community.

Funds will provide Rapid Resource investments to existing 501(c)3 organizations who offer direct services creating positive impact and outcomes by targeting continuing education and skill development from early childhood through adulthood directly benefiting Southside residents. Further, funds will assist in building trust and goodwill with local partners which is critical in supporting Southside Promise Blueprint as a long-term plan.

Investment application window opens: February 16, 2026
Application window closes: 5 p.m. March 16, 2026
Award notifications: Week of April 18, 2026
Contracts and checks distributed: Week of April 20, 2026
Mid-term reports due: October 20, 2026

If you have questions during the application process, please email Place-Based Partnerships Manager Jasmine Stewart at jstewart@learnwithsam.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply for funding?
Organizations must be recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for at least one year prior to applying. Priority will be given to organizations located on the Southside. Secondary priority will be given to organizations that serve Southside residents. Faith-based organizations are eligible if they serve all community members regardless of religious belief. Foundations are not eligible to apply.

2. What types of projects will be funded?
Funded projects must align with the Promise Neighborhood cradle-to-career outcomes and focus on improving educational outcomes. Priority areas include:

Improving academic success
Increasing college and career readiness
Strengthening support services
Promoting educational fairness
Community engagement and collaboration
Data-driven and evidence-based practices
Projects should eliminate barriers and opportunity gaps for Southside residents.

3. How much funding can an organization request?
Grant requests may not exceed $15,000. Organizations may submit only one application for the 2026 Distribution Cycle. Award amounts may vary depending on available funding and the number of approved applications.

4. What expenses are not allowed?
Capital expenditures are not allowable under this funding opportunity. This includes:

Equipment purchases
Building improvements
Land
Vehicles
Funds must be used to support direct services and program-related activities that align with the grant priorities.
Please confirm that you have read and understand the investment requirements.*

I have read and understand the investment requirements.
Organization Name*
EIN*
Physical Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Mailing Address (if different from physical address)

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Contact Name*

First NameLast Name
Contact Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.

Section II: Project Description
Which of the following key priority areas does your request support?*

Improving educational outcomesSupporting cradle-to-career developmentPromoting fairness and closing opportunity gapsStrengthening support servicesEncouraging collaboration and data-driven impactOther
Briefly describe your organization, mission, list of board members, core services and work in the Southside community*
Statement of Need (3-4 sentences):*
Requested Grant Amount ($15,000 max):*
Section III: Project Purpose and Impact
Describe the challenges, needs, and opportunities your project will address:*
Describe your project's goals and expected outcomes (longer-term impacts). *
List specific targets (outputs) you aim to achieve (e.g. number of people served, events held, referrals made). *
How will these funds be used to accomplish these tasks?*

Rows	Budget Line Item	Description	Requested Funds	Other Funds Received or Expected Toward Project	Total Cost
Personnel
Materials
Printing and Promotion Materials
Stipends
Evaluation
Other
Other

Southside Promise Blueprint Investment Request for Proposals

Section II: Project Description

Section III: Project Purpose and Impact

Section IV: Workplan and Timeline

Section V: Project Demographics

Section VI: Project Budget

Section VII: Attachments

Section VIII: Final Acknowledgements