Grantmaking Criteria

The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation grantmaking criteria serve as guideposts for our grantmaking process, intended to clarify for applicants and evaluating committees what is expected of a competitive application.

All grant applications will be evaluated using the following criteria.

Weighted Criteria

These are the essential criteria considered by committee members during the application evaluation process.

The creative concept is compelling and supported by strong work samples.
The application is clear and feasible. It is understood what the applicant is proposing, how they will implement the project on their proposed timeline, and the budget supports the proposed activities.
The applicant makes the case for urgency and impact of the funding.

Additional Criteria

These are additional criteria that are critical to developing a successful proposal and can help an applicant meet the essential criteria reviewed by evaluation committees.

The proposal is aligned with the guidelines for the specified grant category.
The applicant makes a compelling case for how their project supports Sachs Program mission priorities. These priorities are the guiding principles for our program, intended to align our grantmaking with our mission, and developed in dialogue with our advisory board and with input from other community members.It is understood that not all priorities are relevant to every project or grant category.
When a Fiscal Conduit is needed, the applicant has confirmed a department, program, or center to manage the funds if the grant is awarded. Please refer to our general information page about grants disbursements for complete guidelines about receiving grant funds.
When an applicant’s proposal includes events, such as demonstrations, protests, rallies, or guest speakers on campus, the applicant has confirmed that they have reviewed and intend to follow the University of Pennsylvania Temporary Standards for Campus Events and Demonstrations and that they have read and understand the university’s Guidelines on Open Expression.
When appropriate, the applicant has identified audiences or intended beneficiaries for their project, and the proposal includes a realistic and thoughtful plan for engagement, marketing, and communication.
If the applicant’s budget exceeds their request to the Sachs Program, they must discuss in their application where the additional necessary resources are coming from and which elements of the project will be specifically supported by a Sachs Program grant.
The partners listed represent the expertise and experience necessary for the proposed project with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
Project partners are confirmed whenever possible, it is clear that the applicant has discussed the project with them, or there is a clear plan for approaching project partners on a reasonable timeline. This includes departmental approval and venues, when applicable.
If an applicant’s project has been supported by the Sachs Program or another Penn entity previously, the applicant makes a strong case for why this proposal should receive additional Sachs Program support at this time, in accord with Sachs Program mission priorities.