Key Criteria

Equity Action Advisory Council members, with Foundation staff will use the following key criteria in evaluating your proposal: community relevance, impact, importance and sustainability. We pay particular attention to diversity (as a means of building bridges between populations, communities and issues) and leadership within your organization and project as well.

Community relevance of the project:

• What is the evidence that this project is needed?
• What is your organization's connection to the community served by this project? Please describe any relevant collaborations, including specific roles of each collaborating organization.
• Who is involved in the project design and delivery?
• Describe how this initiative will allow you to address the priorities identified in the Meet the Neighbors Community Scan report (see Priorities and Demographics sheet).
• How is diversity reflected in such things as your organization's leadership, membership, recruitment and resource allocation?

Impact and evaluation of the project:

• What are your proposed outcomes? (Include tangible outcomes.) How will they be measured and who will measure them?
• What is your vision for change? Specifically, if you carry out this initiative, what will be different in the community?

Importance and timeliness of the project:

• Why is this opportunity critical now?

Project sustainability:

• If this is a long-term initiative, how do you plan to finance it after the Equity Action grant period?  Indicate potential sources of support such as fundraising events, individuals, in-kind, other grantmakers, etc. Will you have the time, volunteers, staff and expertise to secure these funds, or will you need further assistance?