Submit Your Proposal for Fall 2024 Programming

About the Facility: 

The Garden facility includes the following spaces that can be used for programming:

 

• The Court: The Court is a 6,938 square foot space that will nurture youth social and personal development through sports fundamentals. The Court has lines for basketball, pickleball, and volleyball. The standing capacity of the court is 990. No audio, visual equipment. 
• The Gallery: A vibrant 907 square foot space designed for community art showcases, to promote artistic learning, and serve as a versatile meeting venue. With a standing capacity of 130, equipped with special art studio gallery lighting, and featuring durable concrete floors, it’s an ideal hub for creativity and collaboration. No audio, visual equipment.  
• The Studio: A 1,871 square foot wellness hub accommodating dance, Zumba, meditation, yoga and much more. With a maximum standing capacity of 268, vinyl floors, and adaptable furniture, it seamlessly transitions into a multi-purpose room. No audio, visual equipment. 
• Multipurpose Rooms (1st & 2nd Level): These two rooms can seamlessly accommodate various activities such as workshops, and gatherings, providing limitless potential within one space. Each room is equipped with a projector, audio, and foldable tables, and chairs. (Level 1 – 608 square feet & standing capacity of 40; Level 2 – 645 square feet & standing capacity of 43)
• Ruach (Roo-aak): A functional event room (1,338 square feet), complete with a stage (143 square feet), stage lighting, audio and visual equipment . Ruach can host approximately 100 seated guests.

 

High Quality Programming:

The Garden focuses on partnering with high-quality organizations and individuals that are reliable, proven, and aligned with the mission, vision, and values of The Garden. Specifically, we look for programming that promote the following: 

1. Engagement: Programs should actively engage youth in meaningful activities that utilize multiple learning styles, capture their interest, and foster their curiosity. This can include hands-on learning experiences, interactive discussions, and creative projects.
2. Relevance: Effective programs are relevant to the interests, needs, and experiences of the youth participants. They address issues that are important to young people and provide opportunities for personal growth and skill development.
3. Safety and Support: Ensuring the safety and well-being of participants is paramount. High-quality programs maintain safe and supportive environments where youth feel comfortable authentically expressing themselves and taking risks. 
4. Inclusivity: Programs should be inclusive, accessible to all youth, and foster a sense of belonging, regardless of background, identity, or ability. This may involve providing accommodations, promoting diversity, and fostering a sense of community for everyone involved.
5. Positive Relationships: Strong relationships between youth and program staff, as well as among peers, are fundamental. Positive adult mentors can provide guidance, support, and encouragement, while peer connections offer opportunities for collaboration and social development.
6. Skill Building: Effective youth programming focuses on building a range of skills, including cognitive, social, emotional, and practical abilities. These skills may include communication, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking.
7. Empowerment: Programs should empower youth by giving them opportunities to take on leadership roles, make decisions, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. This can help build confidence and a sense of agency among participants.
8. Continuous Learning: Learning should be a continuous process within youth programs, with opportunities for both formal instruction and informal exploration. Programs should encourage curiosity, creativity, and a growth mindset.
9. Evaluation and Improvement: High-quality programs engage in regular evaluation to assess their impact and effectiveness. They use feedback from participants, families, and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and make adjustments as needed.
10. Community Connections: Programs that connect youth with their communities and provide opportunities for service and civic engagement can have lasting positive effects. Building connections with local organizations, businesses, and institutions can enrich the program experience and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Program Evaluation

Every program at The Garden, across all organizations and individuals, is subject to evaluation and continuous improvement expectations. The Garden will be piloting a holistic observation rubric in the Fall of 2024. 

 

RFP Timeline:

Our priority round of Request for Proposal (RFP) window opens on Monday, August 19 and closes by Friday, September 6 at 5 PM. Proposals submitted outside this priority window will be considered on a rolling basis.

 

Facility Fee Structure:

The Garden’s Fall 2024 Facility Fee structure is $25 per day, per program, with a maximum charge of $100.

• The Facility Fee is waived if: 
• The Garden is funding your program OR
• A Mission Partner (St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Connect Community, or PX Project) is funding your program
• A Facility Fee is assessed for every unique program. (Example: X organization is seeking to facilitate a pottery class and a painting class → X organization would be charged $25 per day and per program for a total of $50)
• Special events or after hour events follow a different fee structure

 

Process for Submitting RFP:

All applications should be submitted via the provided platform you have the option to attach any supporting documents. The review process will take place on a rolling basis and conclude on August 30. Selected proposals may be invited to an interview, and final programming approval notifications will be sent by September 6th. All Fall 2024 programming partners will be asked to sign The Garden’s Facility Use Agreement (Short-term FUA). 

The Garden is dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation in our programming. Our Requests for Proposal (RFP) initiative invites individuals and organizations to submit their ideas for new and exciting programming for the Fall 2024 season. This initiative aims to gather diverse perspectives and fresh concepts that align with our mission to ‘Find Yourself’ through engaging and transformative experiences.