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.
All Sachs Program grant 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
- The application is clear and thorough: it is understood what the applicant is proposing and how they will implement the project if it’s successful; the budget supports the proposed activities.
- When a Fiscal Conduit is needed, the applicant has confirmed a department, program, or center to manage the funds if the grant is awarded. See the Grants Disbursement page on the Sachs Program website for more information.
- When appropriate, the applicant has identified who their audiences or intended beneficiaries are, and the proposal includes a realistic and thoughtful plan for engagement, marketing, and communication.
- The applicant clearly outlines why Sachs Program funding is important, how it will be used, and if and where other resources might be coming from.
- There is no other Penn funding source that would be more appropriate to support the proposed project.
- If the applicant’s budget is larger than their request to The Sachs Program, they discuss in their application how they intend to implement the project if they are not able to obtain additional support.
- The partners listed represent the expertise and experience necessary for the proposed project; roles and responsibilities are clearly defined.
- Project partners are confirmed whenever possible, OR: a)it is clear that the applicant has discussed the project with them; b) 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 be funded through The Sachs Program now (in relation to Sachs Program priorities).