1. Fit with Focus: Does the proposal target our focus on providing children and teens, with education and/or recreation programs? (PASS/FAIL)

2.  Impact on a Top DOWGIVES Priority: Does it impact one or more key priorities which include:
   • Youth development including: Leadership Training; Character Education in such core ethical values as respect, responsibility and honesty; Conflict Resolution; and, Service Learning
   • After school youth activities and recreation
   • Educational enrichment
   • Community beautification

   (PASS/FAIL)

3. Size of Grant Request: Are you requesting a grant of $30,000 for use over one or up to three years? The Initiative will give consideration to programs requiring a grant of $30,000. If a viable proposal for $30,000 does not emerge, proposals for grants from $5,000-$25,000 will be considered. (PASS/FAIL)

4. Geographic Location: Does the program/project target one or more of the following communities on either side of the Delaware River: Bristol Borough; lower sections of Bristol Township, bordered by New Falls Road, Edgely Road and Neshaminy Creek; the City of Burlington and/or, western sections of Burlington Township, bordered by Jamestown/Van Sciver Parkway and Sunset/Rancocas. (Please see map on below to confirm eligibility) (PASS/FAIL)

   Grant Geographic Boundaries

   

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   * Maps courtesy of google maps.

5.  Grant Eligibility: Does your organization pass the test for eligibility? The following organizations are not eligible for consideration:
   
   
   • Organizations that do not have IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit tax status. A non-profit verification letter from Pennsylvania is not an acceptable substitute. Eligible organizations must have a documentation letter from the IRS.
   • Capital Requests (proposals may include capital expenditures but the proposal must focus on creation and/or implementation of a youth program.)
   • Veterans organizations
   • Labor organizations
   • Fraternal organizations
   • Entertainment groups
   • Goodwill advertising
   • Endowment funds
   • National organizations unless organization has a local presence in our target communities
   • Individuals
   • Political parties or candidates for public office
   • Religious organizations (except a program/project used by the entire community on a non-sectarian basis)
   • Special events (one-time/short term events such as walk-a-thons or dinners)
   • Scholarship support organizations

   (PASS/FAIL)

If your proposal passes all of the Primary Evaluation Criteria, it will move on to the second stage of our evaluation process. The CAC scores each proposal based on its ability to meet the Supporting Evaluation Criteria. The Point Scores indicate the number of points that could be awarded for each of the following items.

1. Importance of the program: What level of importance does this program have for the community? What is its potential to impact a high priority community need?
   (Point Score: 0-9)

2. Geographic Target: What percentage of our geographical focus which spans both sides of the Delaware River including: Bristol Borough; lower sections of Bristol Township, bordered by New Falls Road, Edgely Road and Neshaminy Creek; the City of Burlington and/or, western sections of Burlington Township, bordered by Jamestown/Van Sciver Parkway and Sunset/Rancocas; is reached by the proposal?
   (Point Score: 0-6)

3. Demonstrated Need: Does the proposal address a high priority need for the Initiative? Does it duplicate existing efforts or fill a true void?
   (Point Score: 0-9)

4. Specific Projects: Is the proposal for a specific project? Does it offer structure and adult supervision? Capital requests will not be considered unless they are part of a proposal to create or implement a specific program.
   (Point Score: 0-3)

5. Goals/Strategy: Does the program have realistic goals and a strategy for achieving them?
   (Point Score: 0-9)

6. Broad and Diverse Representation: How many youth will participate in the program. Does the program reflect the diversity of the local population?
   (Point Score: 0-3)

7. Long-Term Impact: What is the long-term potential for the program to impact the Initiative's focus and will it be sustainable after the conclusion of the grant?
   (Point Score: 0-6)

8. Budget Allocation for Proposed Program: Does a major portion of the budget clearly go towards providing services to youth?
   (Point Score: 0-6)

9. Financial Outlook for Proposed Program: Are the current and potential sources of income viable and sufficient to carry out the proposed program? Is the organization operating with a balanced budget?
   (Point Score: 0-6)

10. Program Evaluation: Does the organization have a plan and timetable for evaluating the success and impact of the program?
    (Point Score: 0-9)

1. April 15: Request For Proposal Conference for non-profits

2. May 28: Grant Application Deadline 
   (You will be sent a letter confirming that we have received your proposal.)

3. June 21: Proposal Evaluation:The DOWGIVES Committee will review all proposals for completeness. If the Committee identifies questions, concerns or missing information, you will receive a letter giving you an opportunity to revise and resubmit your proposal.
   
   
4. July 9: Proposal Resubmission Deadline
   
   
5. September 14 Grant Decision 
   The CAC will hear presentations from the finalists and select the 2010 grant recipient.