One of fundamental value held by the staff of the Improve Group is that change can be addressed more efficiently and inclusively when people or groups work in collaboration. We believe that everyone possesses their own expertise and wealth of knowledge and tapping into to that helps us in our evaluation efforts and helps everyone learn as they grow. The funder I am highlighting today also values problem solving partnerships as a way to effect real change.

This week’s pick: The Minnesota Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Department of Public Safety has put out an RFP to “to fund problem-solving partnerships designed to improve public safety and the functioning of the criminal justice system.”

Problem-Solving Partnership Grants proposals must include:
• an active partnership between two or more public or private non-profit entities including state, local and tribal governmental agencies, schools and community-based organizations
• addressing a defined public safety issue
• a high likelihood of improving public safety
• focusing on long-term solutions and system change
• a project design that is supported by current promising or best practices research.

Applications are submitted through the Web-Enabled Grant Operations (WEGO) system and must be received by February 21, 2008. If you have not used WEGO before there is a registration form you will need to fill out to be able to sign in. Grants will be rewarded covering a two-year period and range from $50,000 - $300,000. To learn more click here.