Evaluation Criteria

In considering grant applications, the SVCF will use the following evaluation criteria in addition to the Guiding Principles:

1. Importance of the Problem. The group is addressing (or proposes to address) one or more serious and important social problems or conditions crying out for improvement. The problem or condition is one that affects the public generally not merely a narrow group or sector of society.

2. Need. The group proposes to fill a gap, meet a need, or address an issue that is not adequately being addressed by existing institutions or groups.

3. Originality of the Solution. The group proposes an original vision, novel solution or approach with significant potential to deal with the identified problem, preferably one that addresses root causes and includes preventive approaches that will provide general benefit for society.

4. Demonstrable Benefit. The group suggests specific indices or metrics to be used to measure the effectiveness of the proposed solution it advances in addressing the identified problem or challenge.

5. Feasibility. There is basis to believe that the proposed solution or approach is feasible and may have a reasonable chance of succeeding, albeit perhaps in the long run rather than the short.

6. Value Adding Potential. The grant, even in small amounts of money, and accompanying technical support will significantly enhance the likelihood of the grantee being able to become self-sustaining and carry out its general charitable mission and specific proposed program (i.e., succeed in helping to solve the identified problem).

7. History of Accomplishment. The group or its leadership has a past history of accomplishment (with respect to this or other problems) that suggests the ability to contribute significantly to solution of the problem.

8. Special Characteristics and Capabilities. The group and its leadership have talents, characteristics and capabilities that make it likely that they can succeed in making a significant contribution to solving the problem. Click here for more information on the Characteristics of Leadership that we look for in the groups we seek to fund.

9. Critical Mass. The group includes a cadre of supporters who share the vision proposed and are dedicated to help realizing it.

10. Sustainability. The group and its leadership understand the importance of the need for sustainability and self-sufficiency if they are to be an effective vehicle of social change, and are committed to creating and maintaining self-sufficiency through entrepreneurial approaches.

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