Lake Forest Community Preservation Program Notice of Funding Availability

The City has earmarked $50,000 in grant funds to appoint a consultant ("Consultant") who will offer professional guidance and manage a Community Preservation Program (“Program”). The purpose of the Lake Forest Community Preservation Program is to improve the quality of life and enhance the appearance of the City through volunteer-based projects that assist homeowners in need and beautify private spaces. This Program will provide property maintenance assistance at no cost to homeowners who are identified by code enforcement or through other community input as needing immediate help. The Consultant's role is ensuring successful program management and includes engaging the community to identify and assist qualified applicants in need by facilitating a team of skilled volunteers for various tasks. The Consultant will work with government agencies (e.g., City, Fire Authority, Sheriff's Department, OC Health Care Agency), non-profits, faith-based community, and businesses to mobilize resources and establish volunteer groups. Key responsibilities also include recruiting, training, and matching volunteers to services, managing the budget, and implementing tracking and reporting mechanisms to measure the Program’s impact and success. The Consultant's responsibilities also encompass developing a compelling name for the Program, conducting an in-depth assessment of community needs, designing detailed plans for the initiative, engaging with stakeholders, recruiting and training volunteers, promoting the Program, managing operations and logistics, evaluating progress, and exploring opportunities for sustaining and expanding the Program. The success of the Program hinges on the Consultant's ability to effectively manage these tasks, ensuring that the community’s needs are met and that the Program’s benefits are sustained over time. Upon selection, the qualified Consultant for this Project shall be required to enter into an agreement with the City. Deliverables will be subject to City staff review and approval. This may include templates for volunteer's, insurance, and other documentation as outlined in the Scope of Work.