Grant Guidelines Section 2

In this application packet you will find detailed information about how to apply for a grant.

5. Grantmaking Criteria

All applications will be considered carefully and weighed against The Foundationıs criteria, including:

I. Project Design / Need (15 points) Are the goals, project design, implementation plan, and expected results clear and realistic? Does this project respond in concrete ways to an important need in the target community?

II. Youth Ownership and Participation (10 points) Have youth been involved in identifying their needs and in designing the project? Will they play leadership roles in its implementation and evaluation?

III. Innovative Model / Expected Impact (20 points) Does the project address one of the competitionıs priority areas? Is this a group or issue that has had little access to funding from other sources? Why? What is the expected impact over the short and long terms? Who will benefit from this project? Does this project propose a model or strategy for positive youth development that can be replicated in other areas? How will lessons be shared? How widely?

IV. Community Support (5 points) How is the proposed project integrated with other programs in the community? What evidence is there of community involvement and support for this effort?

V. Self-Evaluation and Follow-Up Plans (10 points) What information will be gathered during the life of the project and how will this be used? Are evaluation mechanisms designed to measure not simply project results (e.g. how many brochures were produced), but rather, how this project is contributing to positive change in young peoplesı lives? Are there mechanisms for incorporating lessons learned into future program decision-making once the official project period is over?

VI. Cost-Effectiveness/ Budget (15 points) Is the cost of the project reasonable for what it is trying to achieve? How do costs compare with other similar projects? Are there low administrative costs and does most of the funding go towards the direct benefit of youth? Does the budget include all items required to implement the program/project?

VII. Plan for Leveraging Funding (5 points) Will the funds provided by the Foundation enable the organization to attract attention and funding from other sources? Does the organization have a specific plan to use this grant to leverage funding from other sources? Are there any matching contributions from other sources?

VIII. Staff and Organizational Capability (15 points) Is there a realistic and clear implementation plan? Are there sufficient qualified staff or volunteers capable of carrying out the project? Is the organization financially stable with financial controls appropriate to the size of the organization and the proposed project?

IX. Equality and Diversity within the Organization (5 points) How is diversity prioritized in the organizationıs work and within the community to be served? Do program organizers demonstrate a commitment to welcome people from a range of backgrounds in all aspects of programming?

6. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE GRANT

If your application is accepted, you must accept our standard terms and conditions of grants. We may also make additional conditions applying specifically to your grant. We suggest that you read all terms and conditions that may accompany the award letter before accepting the grant. Once grants are awarded, we will require an annual project report. In addition, we require that you make public recognition of your funding award (i.e. news release, newsletter, etc.).

7. APPLICATION PROCEDURE APPLY ONLINE AT OR MAIL THREE (3) COPIES OF COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

The Grants Committee
The Dorsey Levens Foundation
P.O. Box 1106
Syracuse, NY 13201-1106

Your application must be received by September 29, 2002. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications by e-mail or fax.

8. NECESSARY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Applicants must submit one copy of the following:

• By-laws or charter with proof of 501 (c) (3) status

Applicants must submit three copies of the following, if applying in writing:

• Completed proposal (no more than 3 pages) following the enclosed guidelines
• Original letters of support from collaborating organizations (if applicable)

9. Timeline and Review Process

Timeline for Current Grant Round

• Application Packets available - -July 16, 2002
• Deadline for submission of completed Application Packets* - - September 29, 2002
• Announcement of Grants - - October 27, 2002

*Please note that applications must be submitted electronically (www.levensfoundation.org) and/or received by The Foundation by September 29, 2002 in order to be considered under this grant round.

Review Process

Each proposal will be carefully reviewed and assessed according to pre-established criteria. The Board of Directors, who will make final decisions, will evaluate each proposal. The Foundation may contact applicants for additional information if needed.

1. OTHER INFORMATION

• All decisions are final and at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
• When the grant ends, the Foundation has no obligation to provide any further funding for the project.
• If there is any breach of the terms and conditions, or if your organization ceases to operate before the grant has been spent, the grant may have to be repaid.
• You must acknowledge that you have received our grant in your annual report and accounts covering the period of the project.
• Grants are not final and funds will not be disbursed until we have received your written acceptance of the terms and conditions attached to your grant offer.