Criteria

The Sachs Program grantmaking criteria and priorities are its guideposts for the grantmaking process—intended to clarify for applicants and those evaluating the applications what is expected and required for an application to be considered competitive.

Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:

The applicant makes the case that their project supports some, if not all, Sachs Program grantmaking priorities
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 be funded through The Sachs Program now (in relation to Sachs Program priorities)
If the applicant is not a department chair or program/center director, the applicant has received approval from their chair or director, as well as from any other necessary parties, to apply (Note: Approval is not required for Ben Art Bucks applications or for Alumni Art Awards.)
The applicant has confirmed that their department, program, center, or another department, program, or center will manage the funds if the grant is awarded (not applicable for Ben Art Bucks or for Alumni Art Awards)
The applicant clearly outlines why Sachs funding is important, how it will be used, and if and where other resources might be coming from
The applicant notes if they have requested or plan to request additional support from other sources; if those requests were successful and to whom/which entities those requests were or are being made
There is not another Penn funding source that would be more appropriate to seek support from (and which could feasibly support the project at the level requested)
The proposed budget (including Sachs funds and other support) reflects and supports the plan for executing the project and includes overhead costs, where applicable
If the applicant’s budget is larger than their request to The Sachs Program, they are clear about how they will, if possible, execute the project if they are not able to obtain additional support
The expertise necessary for the success of the project is represented amongst project partners
Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and agreed upon by all necessary parties
When project partners are mentioned, it is clear that the applicant has discussed the project with them and that the partner has agreed to participate
The art to be produced, exhibited, and/or performed is described in a clear and thorough manner
When appropriate, the proposal includes a realistic and thoughtful plan for audience engagement, marketing, and communication