TrimTab

BOOT CAMP

The Trimtab Boot Camp is designed to help reentry program organizations build capacity and learn our reentry program model so they can begin implementing it in their own communities. The boot camp provide practical guidance and proven strategies to support and strengthen reentry efforts.

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Designing Vision

TrimTab Boot camp Goals

Collaboration

Cultivate organic partnerships that drive success.

Build Capacity

Develop robust infrastructure, create a logic model, and implement effective grant tracking.

Evaluation

Learn methods for continuous program assessment.

Program Design

Craft a structured approach that meets your community’s needs.

Secure Increased Funding

Access strategies to enhance your financial resources.

Greater Community Visibility

Elevate your organization’s profile within the community.​

Evidence-Based Practices

Leverage cutting-edge research, comprehensive training, and fidelity measures to ensure program effectiveness.

The SoulFisher Ministries

Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your current approach, the TrimTab Bootcamp offers the foundational tools and insights needed to grow a sustainable, impactful reentry program.

team

Meet The Team

Shawntelle L. Fisher

Founder & CEO

O'Livia Bowles

Chief Operating Officer

Mary Thomas

ENAL Afterschool Program Coordinator

Lanie Moore

Reentry Program Coordinator

Questions & Answers (Q & A)

  • Q: OUR REENTRY PROGRAM WANTS TO APPLY FOR THE TRIMTAB BOOT CAMP GRANT. THE REENTRY PROGRAM HAS NOT RECEIVED A FEDERAL GRANT OR FUNDING. THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT WE ARE PROJECT OF HAS RECEIVED FEDERAL FUNDING. THE EIN WE WOULD NEED TO USE IS THAT OF THE NONPROFIT.

    A: As outlined in the RFP, eligible applicants include smaller faith-based organizations and community-based organizations that provide reentry program and services to adults involved with the criminal justice system. An eligible organization cannot have received any previous Federal grants.

  • ​Q: DOES THE ADDRESS ON THE SECRETARY OF STATE BUSINESS REGISTRY HAVE TO MATCH THE BUSINESS PHYSICAL STREET ADDRESS:

    A: Yes. ​

  • Q: DOES THE APPLICANT'S PRIMARY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES HAVE TO BE REENTRY OR CAN IT BE ADDED ON.

    A: This grant aims to strengthen the capacity and capability of reentry service providers to deliver high-quality, evidence-based programs for individuals transitioning from incarceration to the community.

  • ​Q: CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE ADDITIONAL IDEAS OF WHAT GRANT FUNDS CAN BE USED FOR?​FUNDING MAY BE USED FOR:

    A:  Website development, Agency video, Business card creation & Agency brochure creation

TrimTab Boot Camp Webinar - 5/2/2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS GRANT? ​

    This grant aims to strengthen the capacity and capability of reentry service providers to deliver high-quality, evidence-based programs for individuals transitioning from incarceration to the community.

  • WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

    Eligible applicants include smaller faith-based organizations and community-based organizations that provide reentry program and services to adults involved with the criminal justice system. An eligible organization cannot have received any previous Federal grants.

  • WHAT TYPES OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE FUNDED?

    Funding may be used for:


    • Staff training and professional development
    • Program evaluation and data systems
    • Policy development and compliance planning
    • Case management infrastructure
    • Licensing or accreditation preparation
    • Partnership development and stakeholder engagement

  • IS MATCH FUNDING REQUIRED?

    No, this grant does not require matching funds. However, leveraged resources may be viewed favorably in scoring.

  • WHAT IS THE AWARD RANGE AND GRANT PERIOD?

    Grants will be awarded in amounts ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, with a grant period of 60 months.

  • HOW WILL GRANT FUNDS BE DISPERSED?

    Grants will be dispersed in a reimbursable format in monthly increments. This means that the grantee must SPEND money BEFORE they receive money. This is the process for many Federal awards and will prepare nonprofits for this process. For applicants that provide rationale for a one-time advance at the beginning of the boot camp, this may be an option. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • CAN WE PARTNER WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS?

    Yes. Collaborative applications are encouraged. Applicants must designate a lead agency and provide letters of commitment from all key partners.

  • WHO DO WE CONTACT FOR SUPPORT AND PRICING TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL STRATEGIC PLANNING NEEDS IN THE APPLICATION?

    The strategic planning partner for the TrimTab Boot Camp is Morgan Graves Consultants. Please visit their website for more information and to contact them: https://morgangravesconsultants.com/about-us/

  • HOW MUCH DO WE NEED TO INCLUDE ON THE LOI BUDGET FOR THE RISK NEEDS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS?

    There are two requirements one for the Women's Risk Needs Assessment (WRNA) and the Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS). The applicant must include $10,000 for each assessment training on the LOI budget. The applicant must also articulate the need for use of a VALIDATED assessment tool when assessing potential service recipients in the LOI narrative questions.

  • ARE INDIRECT COSTS ALLOWABLE?

    Yes, indirect costs are allowable up to 10% of the amount requested in the grant application. Indirect costs must also be included on the budget and budget narrative included with the grant application.

  • CAN PREVIOUSLY FUNDED ORGANIZATIONS REAPPLY?

    Yes, but applicants must demonstrate how the proposed project builds on past work and contributes new or expanded value.

  • HOW WILL APPLICATIONS BE EVALUATED?

    Applications will be reviewed based on:


    • Organizational capacity and readiness
    • Alignment with grant goals
    • Strength of implementation plan
    • Evaluation and sustainability strategy
    • Budget clarity and justification

  • WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?

    All LOI applications are due 6/7/2025. The grant application deadline for invited organizations is 7/15/2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

  • HOW DO WE SUBMIT OUR PROPOSAL?

    All LOI proposals and grant proposals must be submitted electronically via The SoulFisher Ministries Grants Management System (GMS). Please follow formatting and file naming instructions in the RFP.

  • HOW DO WE BEGIN THE LOI PROCESS?

    To begin the LOI process, please visit: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=stlgives. If this is your first time using the portal, you will need to follow the steps to create a new account. If you have used the system before, please use that log in information.

  • WHO CAN WE CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LOI?

    All questions regarding the RFP must be communicated in written form to TrimTab@thesoulfisherministries.com, before 11:59 pm (Central Time) on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Answers to ALL timely submitted questions will be posted on the TrimTab Boot Camp website by 11:59 pm (Central Time) on Saturday, May 24, 2025. ​

  • WHO DO WE CONTACT FOR SUPPORT AND PRICING TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL EVALUATION NEEDS IN THE APPLICATION?

    The evaluation partner for the TrimTab Boot Camp is ResultsLab. Please visit their website for more information and to contact them: https://resultslab.com/

  • WHO CAN WE CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GRANTS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (GMS)?

    All questions regarding the GMS, including technical difficulties, should be directed to: grants@stlgives.org.