Programmatic Partners are organizations that provide creative, innovative programming at DPR recreation centers at no-cost to participants. An applicant interested in becoming a Programmatic Partner must submit a vetting application to DPR. In the event that an applicant previously received an approval letter from DC Public Schools (DCPS) to be an After School Provider, the applicant should submit a copy of such approval letter to DPR prior to submitting a DPR vetting application. In some instances, the DCPS approval may be sufficient to allow an applicant to become a DPR Programmatic Partner. However, if DPR determines that additional information is required from an applicant with DCPS approval, DPR reserves the right to require the applicant to complete the DPR vetting process. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee participation in the Programmatic Partners program. Applicants are not eligible to receive funding from DPR in connection with the application and/or approval process. If an application is approved, the provider will be required to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with DPR prior to entering a facility and commencing any programming.

Examples of Programmatic Partnerships with DPR:

• After-school programs
• Senior health and wellness programs
• Youth athletic programs
• Creative arts programs

Application Process:

Step 1 - Organization submits DPR Programmatic Partner Vetting Application or DCPS Approval Letter
Step 2 - DPR staff reviews applications
Step 3 - Applications are approved, conditionally approved, or disapproved
Step 4 - If approved, DPR and applicant shall enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

Timeline:

Please submit all applications at least two months prior to proposed start date.

Requirements for Programmatic Partners:

In addition to the vetting application, organizations must provide a certificate of liability insurance, pre and post assessments, and all staff members and volunteers working directly with youth must pass a criminal background check in order for the Memorandum of Agreement to be finalized.

Organizations that have been vetted and approved by the Office of Out of School Time of DC Public Schools can submit their approval letter, the Provider Profile Form (pages 1-4 of the DPR vetting application), and the requested attachments (listed on page 6). DPR reserves the rights to request more information.

1. Certificate of Liability Insurance

All Programmatic Partners shall procure and maintain the following types of insurance coverage and provide DPR with an insurance certificate evidencing such coverage prior to commencing a program at a DPR facility:

1. Workers' Compensation insurance covering full liability in accordance with District of Columbia law and Employer’s Liability insurance of at least $500,000; Comprehensive Commercial General Liability insurance with coverage on an “occurrence” basis of at least $1,000,000 covering bodily injury, personal injury, death and property damage (with DPR, the District of Columbia and their respective officers and employees named as additional insureds); and Automobile Liability Insurance of not less than $500,000 combined single limit covering bodily injury, death and property damage. Any variations of the types and amounts of coverage specified above must be approved in advance by DPR.
2. Umbrella liability insurance coverage of at least $2,000,000.

2. Pre and Post Assessments

Programmatic Partners should provide a copy of pre and post assessments given to participants to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs. The pre-assessment survey should establish a baseline of knowledge and/or skills of the participant prior to beginning the program. The post-assessment survey should capture the knowledge and/or skills the participant gained as a result of the program.

3. Criminal Background Checks

All staff members and volunteers working with approved DPR Programmatic Partners must undergo criminal background checks prior to beginning programming. Once approved please email dpr.volunteer@dc.gov to schedule a background check.

If you have questions or would like more information about becoming a DPR Programmatic Partner, please contact DPR's Office of Partnerships and Development at (202) 671-0129 or dprpartnerships@dc.gov. 

Please view the checklist document to ensure all required information is included in your application. If you would like the Office of Partnerships and Development to send you a vetting application you can type directly into, please email dprpartnerships@dc.gov with "Request for Vetting Application" in the subject line.