Lease and Operation of a Nonprofit Childcare and Community Services Facility at Horace Mann

The City of St. Joseph, Missouri, is soliciting proposals from qualified nonprofit organizations to lease and operate the City-owned Horace Mann Building. The primary objective is to ensure the continued availability of quality childcare services, which is a mandatory component of any proposed use of the facility. The City also encourages the integration of complementary nonprofit programs such as early childhood education, youth tutoring, senior services, and workforce development. The selected organization will be responsible for the daily administration of services, staffing, and maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and local licensing, health, safety, and zoning regulations. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Ionwave portal by 3:00 p.m. on November 23, 2026, as paper, email, or faxed submissions will not be accepted. Applicants must provide documentation of their nonprofit status, evidence of financial stability, a detailed operational plan, and a proposed implementation schedule. The City will negotiate the final lease agreement, including the lease term, rental payments, and maintenance responsibilities, with the successful proposer. All proposed facility alterations or collaborative arrangements with other organizations require prior written approval from the City.