RFP COAEREF27001 for Refugee Mentoring
🏛 Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
✓ Free, no account · Source: IowaGrants.gov · Last verified Aug 30, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations providing youth mentoring to refugees. Applicants must serve Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) eligible youth ages 15–24 in Iowa. Services include one-on-one or group mentoring paired with case management for educational and career development. Mentoring and support must occur within five years of youth eligibility date. This is a state-level RFP with multiple contract awards anticipated. Iowa-based organizations with refugee resettlement experience are the primary focus.
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Program description
Purpose The purpose of this RFP #COAEREF27001 is to select qualified applicants to provide Youth Mentoring (YM) services to Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) eligible youth ages 15–24 in Iowa, consistent with ORR guidance. Program goals are to promote positive civic/social engagement and support educational/vocational advancement. Services include matching youth with mentors (one-on-one or group) and providing case management to support educational and career development, within five years of the youth’s date of eligibility. The Agency anticipates awarding multiple contracts from this procurement. Schedule of Important Dates (All times and dates listed are local Iowa time.) The following dates are set forth for informational purposes. The Agency reserves the right to change them. EVENT DATE RFP Issued April 30, 2026 Written Questions and Responses: Round 1 Questions Due: Responses Posted By: May 7, 2026 May 14, 2026 Round 2 Questions Due: Responses Posted By: May 21, 2026 May 28, 2026 Final Questions Due: Responses Posted By: June 4, 2026 June 11, 2026 Applications Due June 18, 2026 by 4:00 PM Local Iowa Time Post Notice of Intent to Award On or about July 16, 2026
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Cover letter
- Organizational background and qualifications
- Program design and implementation plan
- Mentor recruitment and training procedures
- Case management protocols
- Evaluation and outcomes measurement plan
- Budget and budget narrative
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
Program contact
- 👤 John McMullen
- 📧 john.mcmullen@hhs.iowa.gov
- 📞 (515) 416-8565
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Organizations providing youth mentoring services to ORR-eligible refugees in Iowa. You must be able to match youth with mentors and provide case management.
What is the deadline?
Applications are due June 18, 2026 by 4:00 PM Iowa time. Questions can be submitted in rounds (May 7, May 21, June 4 deadlines).
What activities are funded?
One-on-one or group mentoring matched with case management. Services support educational advancement and career development for ages 15–24.
How competitive is this grant?
Multiple contracts will be awarded, but competitiveness depends on your experience with refugee populations and mentoring infrastructure.
Will I know how much funding I can receive?
Award amounts are not specified in the RFP. Contact the agency for funding range details.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Review ORR guidance documents on refugee mentoring requirements before writing. Alignment with federal ORR standards is critical.
- Demonstrate clear mentor recruitment and training processes. Reviewers want evidence of quality control.
- Show measurable outcomes for educational and career advancement. Use data from past mentoring programs if available.
- Build strong partnerships with Iowa schools and workforce agencies. Collaboration strengthens your application.
- Submit questions early. The three Q&A rounds help clarify expectations and reduce application risk.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak mentor training plans or no clear matching process. Failing to demonstrate understanding of ORR-eligible youth populations. Vague goals instead of specific, measurable educational and career outcomes.
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