NGO Funding Request


The recipient entity's full legal name:  Spark Up Outreach Baton

The recipient entity's physical address:
           *** Confidential Address ***

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           8188 Plank Rd
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70811


Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          Chisolu Isiadinso
M. Ruffy Henderson
Jada Stewart


The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  7186

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $100,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Dr. Girard Melancon
Po Box 66394
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70896

Dr. Nichola Hall
Po Box 65394
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70896

Steven Smith
Po Box 65394
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70896

Christina Anderson
Po Box 65394
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70896

Shonel LeDuff
Po Box 65394
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70896

Chisolu Isiadinso, Administrator
Po Box 65394
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70896

M. Ruffy Henderson, Administrator
Po Box 65394
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70896

Jada Stewart, Administrator
Po Box 65394
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70896


Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Overview: Spark Up Outreach aims to bridge educational and workforce development gaps for underprivileged students in North Baton Rouge through specialized programs in STEM, workforce readiness, and after-school academic support. By addressing the unique needs of elementary, middle, and high school students, the program seeks to foster essential skills, improve academic performance, and open pathways to sustainable careers.

Mission: Our mission is to empower youth with the skills, confidence, and knowledge necessary to break the cycle of poverty, paving the way to brighter futures and strong communities. Spark Up Outreach works to create lasting impact by investing in the potential of our youth through education, character building, and career exploration.

Program Components:

Workforce Development:
Spark Up Outreach offers high school students real-world skills through hands-on learning in fields such as healthcare, construction, technology, and trade occupations. Workforce training will include resume building, interview skills, job shadowing, and workshops on practical skills such as financial literacy and communication. Students will have the opportunity to network with local professionals, participate in internships, and gain certifications that improve employability upon graduation.

STEM Education:
STEM programs will engage students with projects and activities that build foundational knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By introducing coding, robotics, environmental science, and digital technology early, students gain problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and innovation that are crucial for modern careers. Field trips, guest speakers, and hands-on projects will be incorporated to help students make connections between their studies and real-world applications.

After-School Academic Support:
This program component focuses on academic reinforcement through tutoring and homework assistance. By collaborating with local educators and volunteer tutors, Spark Up Outreach provides a structured, supportive environment where students can improve literacy, mathematics, and other core subjects. By boosting their academic performance, we aim to increase students’ self-confidence and motivation, ultimately helping them stay on track for graduation.

Outcomes and Impact:

Short-Term: Improve student grades, enhance STEM engagement, and provide exposure to career pathways.
Long-Term: Reduce dropout rates, increase workforce readiness, and build a community of skilled, knowledgeable young adults ready to contribute to North Baton Rouge’s economic and social well-being.


What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $50,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $0
          Operating Services. . . . $50,000
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $0

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          Not Applicable

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          The public purpose of Spark Up Outreach is to empower underprivileged youth in North Baton Rouge by providing them with essential skills, resources, and educational opportunities that help bridge socioeconomic gaps. Through workforce development, STEM education, character-building, and academic support programs, Spark Up Outreach aims to reduce barriers to success for these youth, fostering community growth and long-term economic resilience. By investing state monies into these initiatives, we strive to build a well-prepared, skilled, and socially responsible generation that contributes positively to the state’s workforce and overall quality of life.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          Expand Program Reach and Impact

Objective: Increase access to educational, workforce, and character-building programs to underserved youth and adults in North Baton Rouge.
Actions:
Launch new initiatives such as after-school tutoring, STEM workshops, and Saturday academies.
Collaborate with local schools and community organizations to promote program accessibility.
Aim for a 20% increase in program participation within the first year.
Enhance Skill Development and Employment Readiness

Objective: Equip students and young adults with workforce skills essential for sustainable careers.
Actions:
Develop partnerships with industry experts to provide hands-on learning experiences in fields such as technology, trades, and health.
Offer career-readiness workshops and certifications, targeting a 15% improvement in post-program employment rates.
Provide regular feedback assessments to track progress and adjust content based on participants' needs.
Promote Academic Growth and Achievement

Objective: Support academic success by offering tutoring and academic enrichment programs.
Actions:
Offer targeted tutoring sessions focusing on key subjects such as math, science, and literacy, tailored to different grade levels.
Integrate study skills and time management workshops into programming to support overall academic development.
Monitor and report a measurable improvement in academic performance among participants over time.
Increase Community Engagement and Support

Objective: Build a community network of supporters, including donors, volunteers, and local businesses.
Actions:
Organize community events like Thanksgiving and Christmas giveaways and seasonal donor engagement activities.
Develop a communication plan to keep stakeholders updated on program milestones and community impact.
Set a goal of increasing the donor base by 25% within the next two years to sustain and expand program offerings.
Foster Organizational Sustainability and Growth

Objective: Strengthen the foundation’s internal structure and financial stability to support long-term success.
Actions:
Implement a robust financial strategy, including budgeting, grant applications, and fundraising efforts to support a $100,000 annual operating budget.
Offer leadership development for team members to ensure continuity and high-quality program delivery.
Conduct quarterly evaluations to assess program effectiveness, with a focus on continuous improvement.


What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           one year

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 N/A
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 N/A

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                 N/A

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  N/A

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               N/A

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
               N/A

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
                N/A

          What is the nature of the relationship?  N/A

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                 N.A

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               N/A


Contact Information
name:  Chisolu Isiadinso 
                                       address:  Po Box 65394
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70896

                                       phone:  225-800-8428
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  sparkupoutreach@gmail.com
                                       relationship to entity:  Administrator