Apply for Funding

Sole Source Funding Overview

The Sole Source process applies when only one provider can deliver the required goods or services, making a competitive bidding process unfeasible. This application is for non-competitive funding requests through the Escambia Children’s Trust (ECT), specifically for Sole Source Special Community Initiatives. Funding decisions are made case-by-case and may take up to eight weeks.

Pre-Application Checklist for Sole Source Funding

Before submitting your Sole Source application, ensure you have completed the following steps:

1. Understand Sole Source: Familiarize yourself with the definition and criteria for Sole Source funding.
2. Conduct Market Research: Investigate potential providers or alternatives comparable to your service, product, or resource.
3. Complete the Sole Source Checklist: This required component ensures your proposal aligns with Sole Source procurement criteria.
4. Contact ECT Staff: Agencies are required to reach out to the Escambia Children’s Trust team:

• Deborah Ray, Director of Programs and Performance: dray@escambiachildrenstrust.org
• Lindsey Cannon, Executive Director: lcannon@escambiachildrenstrust.org
  
  

Key Considerations for Sole Source Applications:

1. Existing Services/Products: Ensure no other agency already provides similar services that could be funded through ECT’s competitive process. For example, ECT funds numerous out-of-school programs, so similar proposals may not qualify as sole source.
2. Avoid Supplanting Funds: ECT cannot fund services already covered by other sources (e.g., Medicaid-eligible services should not rely on ECT instead of billing Medicaid).
3. Unique Program Factors: Highlight proprietary, trademarked, or exclusive aspects of your program. Clearly demonstrate why only your organization can deliver the service.
4. Explored Funding Alternatives: Provide evidence that other funding sources have been evaluated and that the identified need is currently unaddressed.

Sole Source Justification Checklist

Applicants must complete a Sole Source Checklist to confirm eligibility, which includes:

• Verifying the service/resource is unique and has no alternatives.
• Demonstrating specialized expertise or compatibility requirements.
• Addressing urgent timing needs, if applicable.

Market Research Requirement

Applicants must disclose if market research was conducted to identify alternative providers. If research was performed, details must be included in the application’s Program Description section.