In 2017, PA is Ready! will build on the 2016 Service Model by creating a collective funding pool that will continue to use a collaborative grantmaking process led by immigrant-serving organizations to fund collaborative projects.

Funding can be used to support:

• Legal Assistance Projects: a collaboration between a Community Based Organization and a Legal Service Provider to provide access to quality legal services to previously un(der)served communities and build the capacity of the Community Based Organization to provide basic immigration services. Services provided through these projects can include:
  • Comprehensive legal screenings
  • Application assistance for citizenship applications, status adjustment, and potentially DACA 2012 renewals and applications
  • Preparation of deportation defense packets
  • ITIN/financial literacy for immigrant communities
  • Fraud prevention & education/outreach
  • Internal training needed to achieve stated goals for above services
• Organizational Mentorship Projects: a collaboration between a Community Based Organization and a Technical Support Organization that aims to build the capacity of the Community Based Organization in a specific area that achieves PA is Ready! goals, such as:
  • Community-led deportation defense organizing
  • Building access to legal service by supporting creation of BIA program
  • Financial services for undocumented communities

Proposals for the following will not be considered:

• General operating or project proposals for individual organizations
• Individuals or scholarship programs
• Research, litigation, or legal expenses
• Capital or endowment campaigns
• State agencies or government programs
• Businesses or business associations
• Reimbursement for services provided by private attorneys

All projects are expected to fulfill the established goals of PA is Ready! to:

• Build statewide capacity to provide immigration assistance, including: comprehensive legal screenings, citizenship applications, deportation defense packets, and potentially DACA 2012 renewals and applications
• Prevent the exploitation of immigrants through immigration service (or “notario”) fraud
• Build immigrant leadership and organizing capacity to engage in local, state, and federal immigrant rights campaigns
• Reach the diverse immigrant communities in Pennsylvania