Lutheran Social Services of the West Valley Application

El Mirage Community Partnership Grant Program
Application
Program Overview 
The City of El Mirage Community Partnership Grant supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential
health and human services directly to El Mirage residents, including low-income families, seniors, youth,
and other individuals who may benefit from additional support.  
Health and human services refer to programs, projects, or activities that improve the general health,
including physical, mental, emotional, or social well-being, of individuals and families. These services
address basic needs, promote safety and stability, and enhance residents' overall quality of life.  
The program offers one-time funding of up to $10,000 per application annually from July 1 to June 30.
Eligible nonprofits and other qualified charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status or IRS letter of
determination recognizing nonprofit status under A.R.S. §42-11154 may submit multiple applications for
funding, provided each application represents a distinct program or project.  
Applicants are limited to one application per program or project. Each application must specify the
minimum funding required. Applications are evaluated based on an evaluation scoring rubric approved by
the City Council. The ultimate funding decisions are made by the El Mirage City Council. 
Applicant Eligibility Criteria   

The applicant must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation or other qualified charitable or nonprofit
organization as provided for in A.R.S. §42-11154. 

The applicant must provide direct health and human services to El Mirage residents and
demonstrate how the program or project improves resident well-being. 

The applicant must demonstrate the ability to generate revenue from sources other than the City of
El Mirage. 

The applicant must submit the five following required documents:
    1) Proof of 501(c)(3) status or IRS determination letter under A.R.S. §42-11154. 
    2) Organizational mission statement. 
    3) Board of directors list, including roles and affiliations. 
    4) Last two years of IRS Form 990 filings (or explanation if not available or required to file). 
    5) Completed application signed by an authorized representative. 

If awarded, the applicant must register with the City of El Mirage as a vendor and provide an IRS

Form W-9 to receive funds. 

If awarded, the applicant must demonstrate satisfactory progress toward stated goals and
objectives and provide timely and accurate reports as required by the city. 
Application Directions 
Please answer the following questions in narrative form. Applicants will receive up to five points for a
complete and accurate application.  
Submission Directions 

One electronic copy of the application and required attachments must be submitted no later than
the date and time identified in the notice to apply. 

Late applications will not be accepted. 

Please save a copy of this application for your records.

Awarded applicants are required to report completed program or project goal measurements by a
date and time specified in the notice of award, before the end of the fiscal year of the award,
or sooner as may be required by the city.  
More Program Information
Visit www.ElMirageAZ.gov/Grants for more information about the program, including evaluation scoring
rubric.
Program-Related Inquiries  
For program questions or to update contact information, please contact Regan Jepson at
communityservices@elmirageaz.gov. 
Part 1: Agency and Program or Project
Section A: Agency Information 
Agency Name
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest
Tax Number
86-0252302
Executive Director / CEO
Connie Phillips
Website
https://www.lss-sw.org
Address
3636 North Central Avenue, 300, Phoenix, Arizona 85012
Phone
(480) 396-3795

Section B: Agency Overview  
Briefly describe your organization, the services it provides, mission, goals, and population served. 
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW)’s mission is to stabilize people during crisis and
transition, build a foundation where people can thrive, and preserve dignity and respect for the most
vulnerable. LSS-SW envisions is a future where everyone can meet their basic needs and live with dignity,
especially those who too often slip through the cracks. This includes families facing crisis, parents
impacted by child welfare involvement, refugees and immigrants from diverse races, cultures, and faith
traditions, older adults working to remain independent, and individuals with disabilities. LSS-SW’s
programs and services include:
•
Aging and Disability Services provides in-home care to seniors and individuals with disabilities,
enabling them to age in place and maintain their independence and dignity. Many seniors live in isolation
and poverty, and their LSS-SW caregiver is a critical link to health, wellness, and safety.
•
Refugee and Immigration Services assist refugees as they courageously rebuild their lives and
reach independence by offering short-term housing, employment assistance, language, self-sufficiency
skills training, cultural education, connections to community resources, and support for refugee children’s
education.
•
Family and Community Support Services recruit, train, and support families throughout Arizona
who care for medically fragile children and adults with developmental disabilities in the foster care system.
We also offer prevention services based on the Protective Factors framework, which includes family
coaching, education, and access to resource centers. Community services include food pantries, rent and
utility assistance, and community referrals.
In FY 2025, LSS-SW served more than 19,000 individuals in Arizona. Accomplishments include providing
513 foster homes with resources to support kinship children, providing 5,000 shopping and meal services
to older adults, and enrolling 209 new families in parenting education classes.
Please upload the following required documents: 
1.
Proof of Section 501(c)(3) Tax Exemption - IRS determination letter verifying nonprofit status under
A.R.S. §42-11154 from the Internal Revenue Service. Please upload. 
2.
Organizational mission statement. Please upload. 
3.
Board of Directors list including a current list of board members with roles and affiliations. Please
upload.  
Upload Files Here
LSS-SW 501c3.pdf
BOD List 2025.2026.pdf
Mission Statement.pdf
Section C: Program or Project Information 
Program or Project Name
Family, Friend and Neighbor
Program or Project Contact Person
Karen Bamford
Email 
grants@lss-sw.org
Phone
(480) 396-3795

Does the program or project directly serve residents of the City of El Mirage?
Yes
Please select one health & human services category that best aligns with the need met by the
program.
Child, Family, and Youth Programming and Development
If you selected "Other" above, please specify:
Part 2: Program Description
Section A: Narrative Description 
Please provide a detailed description of the program or project that these grant funds will support,
if awarded.
LSS-SW’s Family, Friends, and Neighbors (FFN) initiative, funded by First Things First, supports trusted
informal caregivers, such as grandparents, relatives, and close family friends, who care for young children
outside of licensed childcare settings. These caregivers often serve families who face barriers to licensed
care, including cost, limited availability, cultural preferences, and nontraditional work schedules. The FFN
initiative strengthens child safety and well being by delivering targeted safety education, practical
resources, and incentives to caregivers that help prevent injuries in home and community settings. By
supporting caregivers who families already trust, the program promotes safer care environments for
children while honoring families’ existing care arrangements.
FFN activities are held at the Dysart Community Center in El Mirage, a trusted community hub serving low-
income families. FFN brings caregiver training and support directly into a high-need neighborhood where
families can easily access services. FFN includes a 7-week caregiver education series along with ongoing
socialization events that reduce isolation, build peer connections, and connect caregivers to community
resources. Through these sessions, caregivers receive practical training in areas such as safe sleep, water
safety, CPR/First Aid, burn prevention, safe transportation, and early childhood development. Participants
also receive hands-on learning materials and safety items they can use immediately in their homes.
Equally important to the program’s impact is its focus on reducing caregiver isolation and strengthening
community connections. FFN socialization events are group-based gatherings that provide caregivers with
opportunities to connect, share experiences, and access community resources. These events may include
educational workshops, family engagement activities, cultural celebrations, and resource fairs. By fostering
peer support networks, caregivers gain a sense of belonging and increased access to information, which
contributes to both caregiver well-being and improved outcomes for children.
The partnership with the Dysart Community Center has already shown strong results. The center supports
outreach through social media, flyers, and community events, helping connect local caregivers to the
program. Participants, including grandparents, parents, and Head Start caregivers, have shared how
quickly they began applying what they learned at home. Annie Ansell, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of
the Dysart Community Center, expressed strong support, stating, “I must share how amazing this has been
to partner with LSS-SW on caregiver training courses. Your staff members are positive, resourceful and
have provided a very nurturing learning environment”.
LSS-SW is requesting a grant to address a critical and well-documented need: unintentional injuries are
the leading cause of death for young children in the United States, and approximately 1 in 5 child deaths is
attributed to preventable injuries (Center for Disease Control). These incidents, often occurring in everyday
environments, can be significantly reduced through targeted education and safety interventions
Recognizing this sense of urgency, LSS-SW will pair education with tangible resources, ensuring that

knowledge translates into immediate action.
FFN partners with trusted organizations, including the Arizona Department of Economic Security Safe
Sleep Program and Phoenix Children’s Hospital, to ensure training is evidence-based and culturally
responsive. In addition to safety education, caregivers learn developmentally appropriate practices that
support children’s cognitive, language, and social-emotional growth, helping build a strong foundation for
school readiness.
Funding from the City of El Mirage will support a dedicated safety equipment budget and participant
incentives, enabling caregivers to apply what they learn directly within their home environments. LSS-SW
will purchase and provide safety tools such as car seats, smoke and fire detectors, pack-and-plays, outlet
covers, door safety devices, and Coast Guard-approved life vests. Together, these resources reinforce
training and empower caregivers to reduce preventable injuries while creating safer, secure environments
for children. The City’s investment and partnership with LSS-SW will improve child safety, strengthen
caregiver confidence, and expand access to community resources for families.
Describe how this program or project will benefit El Mirage residents directly and the need or gap
in service that it meets. Please include data to support your response.
This project addresses a clear and pressing service gap in El Mirage by supporting Family, Friend, and
Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, who are often the primary source of childcare for working families but have
limited access to formal training, safety education, and essential resources. While these caregivers play a
critical role in sustaining the local workforce and caring for young children, they are frequently excluded
from traditional childcare systems and lack opportunities to build skills that directly impact child safety,
development, and school readiness.
The need for FFN support is further intensified by the high cost and limited availability of formal childcare in
the Phoenix metro area. Families pay an average of more than $13,000 annually for infant care, with costs
consuming up to 17% of a household’s income, more than double the federal affordability benchmark of
7%. Across Arizona, families spend nearly one-fifth of their income on childcare, placing a significant
financial strain on working households and limiting access to licensed care options. As a result, many
families rely on informal caregivers, yet those caregivers often receive little to no support, creating a critical
gap in both access and quality. [12news.com]
This gap is compounded by safety risks. Arizona experiences preventable child drownings each year,
particularly among young children in home and community settings. FFN promotes water safety
awareness, supervision strategies, and appropriate flotation use, reinforcing that drowning is preventable
through education and safe practices. By providing practical safety education and resources, FFN helps
create safer environments for children where they live and play. Without access to prevention education or
safety equipment, caregivers may be unaware of potential risks or lack the resources to mitigate them,
increasing the likelihood of preventable harm.
By delivering services directly through trusted, local sites such as the Dysart Community Center, the
program removes common barriers that often prevent participation, including cost, transportation
challenges, and limited awareness of available support. This community-based approach helps El Mirage
caregivers easily access practical, hands-on training and resources that can be immediately applied in
their caregiving environments.
FFN programming directly benefits El Mirage residents by providing free, culturally responsive services
that equip caregivers with critical knowledge and tools. In addition to safety, the program addresses
another significant gap: the lack of structured support networks for informal caregivers. Many FFN
providers operate in isolation without opportunities to connect with peers or access reliable information.
Through group socializations, caregiver trainings, and partnerships with trusted local organizations, the
program fosters peer connections, reduces isolation, and builds a stronger, more informed caregiving
community in El Mirage.

The program also supports early childhood development by equipping caregivers with developmentally
appropriate activities and materials that promote school readiness. By strengthening caregiver knowledge
and capacity, children enter kindergarten better prepared to succeed academically and socially—an
outcome that benefits families, schools, and the broader community.
To further reduce participation barriers and encourage sustained engagement, the program incorporates
modest incentives. Caregivers receive a $20 gift card upon completion of key milestones, helping offset
transportation or participation costs. Funding also supports meals during training and social events,
creating a welcoming environment that promotes attendance and relationship-building. Certificates of
completion recognize caregiver achievements and reinforce the value of their role in early childhood
development.
Overall, this FFN program fills a critical gap in El Mirage by reaching an underserved population with
accessible, practical, and culturally relevant support. By improving safety outcomes, strengthening
caregiver skills, and expanding access to essential resources in a community where formal childcare is
often unaffordable, the program contributes to healthier children, more confident caregivers, and a more
connected and resilient community.
Is this a new or continuing program?
Continuing
If you selected "Other" above, please specify:
Section B: Scope & Timeline 
What are the program or project dates? 
July - June
Total number of persons expected to be served by this program or project during the funded year.
80
Total number of El Mirage residents you expect to be served by this program or project during the
funded year.
70
How soon will the program or project be implemented after funds are received, if awarded? (If not
applicable, write “N/A.”) 
Within the first 30 days, staff will procure safety equipment, supplies and materials. Caregiver will be able
to request safety gear immediately, thereafter, ensuring that services and resources reach El Mirage
families as quickly as possible.
Section C: Accessibility and Resource Needs 
Does your program or project take place in the City of El Mirage? * 
Yes
Where will your project or program be located, and how does this location support your ability to
serve El Mirage residents effectively?
The FFN program will be located at the Dysart Community Center, a trusted and centrally located
community hub serving families in and around El Mirage. This location is highly accessible to residents and
is situated within a neighborhood identified by community partners as having a significant need for

childcare support and caregiver education.
Hosting the program at the Dysart Community Center supports effective service delivery by providing:
•
Convenient access for El Mirage residents, reducing transportation barriers
•
A familiar, community-based setting where families already gather for services and events
•
Established trust and credibility, which helps increase participation and engagement
•
Opportunities to connect with other on-site resources, such as food distribution and youth
programs
LSS-SW’s existing partnership with the center further strengthens outreach and recruitment efforts. The
center actively promotes FFN through its communication channels and allows for direct engagement with
families during community events, ensuring that those most in need are reached.
By delivering services in a well-known and accessible location El Mirage, the program can effectively
engage caregivers, reduce barriers to participation, and maximize its impact within the local community.
Describe how your program or project will be open to the public and ensure accessibility for
persons with disabilities, including specific accommodations.
LSS-SW’s program is open to the public and designed to be inclusive and accessible to all participants,
including individuals with disabilities. Services and classes are offered in partnership with the Dysart
Community Center, a centrally located, community-based facility that is ADA-compliant and equipped to
accommodate individuals with mobility needs.To ensure accessibility, LSS-SW provides:
•
Physical accessibility through ADA-compliant facilities, including accessible entrances, restrooms,
and seating
arrangements
•
Language access support, including bilingual staff and culturally responsive programming when
available
•
Supportive staff assistance to help participants with cognitive, sensory, or physical challenges
engage fully in programming activities
Will the implementation of this activity require space, staffing, grants management, or in-kind
contributions from another agency, a school, or another jurisdiction?
Yes
If you selected "Other" above, please specify (If not applicable, write “N/A.”):
Yes. Implementation of this program will leverage a combination of space, staffing, and in-kind
support through established community partnerships. LSS-SW will partner with the Dysart Community
Center to provide space for program activities, including caregiver classes and socialization events.
This space is provided as an in-kind contribution, allowing the program to operate in a trusted,
accessible community location without additional facility costs. LSS-SW will provide qualified program
staff, including trained FFN coaches and coordinators, who are responsible for program delivery,
participant engagement, and overall implementation. LSS-SW also maintains internal capacity for
grants management, reporting, and oversight, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
Additional in-kind support may include outreach assistance, participant recruitment, and resource
sharing from community partners. These collaborative efforts strengthen program reach and
effectiveness while maximizing available resources to serve El Mirage families.
Section D: Collaboration and Outreach 
Are you currently partnered with, or have you ever partnered with, the City of El Mirage?
No
Describe how you will collaborate with the City of El Mirage to coordinate outreach promoting the
program or project to the residents of El Mirage.

LSS-SW will collaborate closely with the City of El Mirage to coordinate targeted outreach and promote the
FFN program to residents. This partnership will focus on leveraging the City’s existing communication
channels and community engagement opportunities to ensure broad awareness and accessibility.
Outreach efforts will include:
•
Promotion through City communication platforms, such as the City of El Mirage website, social
media accounts, newsletters, and community calendars
•
Distribution of program flyers and materials at City facilities, including community centers, libraries,
and family service locations
•
Coordination with City departments and staff to share program information with residents who may
benefit, particularly those accessing family support services
•
Participation in City-sponsored events, such as community fairs, resource events, and family
engagement activities, to directly connect with residents
•
Cross-promotion with existing City programs serving families, youth, and caregivers
LSS-SW will maintain ongoing communication with City representatives to align outreach strategies, share
program updates, and identify opportunities to reach underserved populations. This collaborative approach
ensures that El Mirage residents are effectively informed about the program and can easily access
available services and resources.
How will you work with other local partners to maximize impact and ensure residents are aware of
and engaged with your services?
LSS-SW will work collaboratively with a network of local community partners to maximize program impact
and ensure that El Mirage residents are aware of and engaged with FFN services. These partnerships are
essential to expanding outreach, reducing barriers to participation, and connecting caregivers to a broader
system of support.
In El Mirage, LSS-SW partners with the Dysart Community Center, a trusted community hub that has
already hosted a successful FFN cohort in October 2025 and is scheduled to host another in October
2026. The center actively supports outreach efforts by promoting the program through its communication
channels, hosting recruitment opportunities at community events, and connecting FFN staff directly with
families during activities such as food distributions. LSS-SW also participates in community events hosted
by Dysart, increasing visibility and providing direct engagement with residents.
To further expand reach, LSS-SW collaborates with partners in surrounding areas, including local and
nearby preschools, Rise Services, Inc., the Surprise Senior Center, and the Multigenerational Community
Center. These organizations help identify and refer caregivers who may benefit from FFN services,
particularly those who are providing informal childcare or may be socially isolated. This referral network
strengthens program enrollment for families with the greatest need.
In January 2027, FFN will expand its presence by holding classes at the new Surprise Community Center,
creating another accessible site for families in the area, including those in El Mirage. By offering
programming at multiple trusted community locations, LSS-SW increases flexibility and reduces
transportation and access barriers.
Through these partnerships, LSS-SW coordinates outreach efforts such as cross-promotion, shared event
participation, flyer distribution, and direct referrals. This collaborative approach provides consistent
messaging, broad community awareness, and strong engagement, ultimately helping more El Mirage
caregivers access critical safety education, resources, and support networks.
Part 3: Program or Project Goals and Outcomes
Please provide up to three goals of the program or project and describe how progress will be
measured to ensure success in providing health and human services to the residents of El

Mirage. It is important to ensure that your goals correspond with the proposed number of residents to
be served within the program year. Explain how you will collect and report data and measure the
impact for each stated goal. 
Example Goal: Of the 80 persons served by the project, 40% (32 persons) will find employment within
three months of entering the program. This will be measured by follow-up contact with each program
participant. 
Measurable Goal No. 1
Measurable Goal No. 1*(required) Limit your answer to 100 words.
At least 72 out of 80 participants (90%) will demonstrate improved home safety and learning environments
by:
•
Completing at least one safety training or certification (e.g., Safe Sleep, CPR/First Aid, water
safety, burn prevention, safe transportation), and
•
Receiving and utilizing at least two safety or learning materials/equipment items in their home.
Measurement Method:
•
Pre/post caregiver knowledge surveys
•
Activity completion logs or caregiver self-reports
•
Facilitator observations or feedback
Measurable Goal No. 2
At least 85% of participants will report on increased knowledge and implementation of developmentally
appropriate activities by:
•
Participating in early childhood development sessions, and
•
Completing at least 3 take-home activities with their children.
Measurement Method:
•
Pre/post caregiver knowledge surveys
•
Activity completion logs or caregiver self-reports
•
Facilitator observations or feedback
Measurable Goal No. 3
At least 80% will report that increased social support and reduced isolation by:
•
Attending at least 2 FFN socialization events, and
•
Reporting at least one new connection or resource gained through participation.
Measurement Method:
•
Event attendance records
•
Post-event surveys assessing connection, support, and resource awareness
•
Follow-up questionnaires on ongoing engagement
Part 4: Funding Request
Total Community Partnership Grant Funding Requested
7,200.00
Minimum Community Partnership Grant Funding Requested
5,000.00
Is program or project implementation contingent upon receiving the full award?
No. Program implementation is not contingent upon receiving the full award. LSS-SW has existing funding
allocated for supportive services and will use those resources to continue programming activities. In the
event of partial funding, services will be prioritized to serve families with the greatest need, ensuring that

critical support remains available. The project will also seek in kind donations and partnerships to
supplement remaining needs and extend impact.
If approved for an amount less than 100% of your request, how will you address the shortfall?  
With partial funding, the number of families served may be reduced; however, funds will be directed first
toward life saving equipment for the most vulnerable FFN households. The project will also seek additional
in kind donations and partnerships to supplement remaining needs and extend impact.
Part 5: Program or Project Budget
Section A: Total Program or Project Budget 
Total Cost of the Program or Project Operations
7,200.00
Total Program or Project Funding from Other Funding Sources
575,000.00
What other funding sources presently support this program or project? 
While First Things First funding allows LSS-SW to deliver caregiver education and developmental
programming, it does not cover the costs associated with safety equipment, participant incentives, and
expanded outreach efforts.
Section B: Total Budget for Program or Project – Grant Award
Only 
Grant Award Budget Narrative 
Wages/Salaries
0.00
Employee-Related Expenses (ERE)
0.00
Professional Services & Outside Services
Training
0.00
Materials & Supplies
5,500
General Office Supplies
0.00
Administrative Cost (not to exceed $1,000 or
10% of grant request)
500.00
Program/Project Incentives (gift cards, food,
certificates of achievement)
1,000.00
Marketing/Outreach
0.00
Other
0.00
If you selected "Other" to the previous question,
please explain.
While First Things First funding allows LSS-SW to
deliver caregiver education and developmental
programming, it does not cover the costs associated
with safety equipment, participant incentives, and
expanded outreach efforts.

Explain how grant funds will be utilized to support administrative costs for your project.
Grant funds will be used to cover basic administrative support needed to run the program smoothly and
effectively. Funds will also support tracking participation, collecting data, and completing required reports
to ensure the program stays on track and meets grant requirements. In addition, a small portion will be
used for budgeting, expense tracking, and overall program oversight. Administrative costs will be kept low
and focused only on what is necessary to support direct services, ensuring most of the funding goes
directly to benefiting caregivers and families in El Mirage.
Section C: Program or Project Funding Sustainability 
How will your organization generate or secure additional funding to sustain services for the
continued operation of this program or project? 
LSS-SW’s Children and Family Services have contracts with First Things First and the Department of Child
Safety which funds the Family Resource Centers, Family, Friend, and Neighbors program (West Valley),
and Foster Kinship Services. The grants and fund development teams focus on developing and retaining
corporate and foundation grants, contracts, and individual donors. LSS-SW also maintains long-term
relationships with donors and foundations dedicated to supporting children and youth.
If the program receives less than the requested amount of funding, what adjustments, if any, would
be made to the program and services provided to El Mirage residents?
With partial funding, the number of families served may be reduced; however, funds will be directed first
toward lifesaving equipment for the most vulnerable FFN households. The project will also seek additional
in-kind donations, volunteers, and partnerships to supplement remaining needs and increase impact.
Part 6: Operational and Financial Status
Please upload the following required attachments: 
Applicant organization's last two IRS Form 990 filings.   
If your organization is not required to file a 990, upload a brief explanation. 
Please upload attachment (1). 
990 - 2024-2025.pdf
Please upload attachment (2). 
990 - 2023-2024.pdf
If your organization does not have either document available, please explain below.

Authorized Representative Signature