The Project Itself

​

• Projects focused clearly on social change/public service/social entrepreneurship.

  • It is not the intention of the Foundation to fund internship requirements, research without parallel service, development of a website without parallel service, or creation of a publication without parallel service.  

​

• A demonstrated connection between the project and the applicant’s passion, life experience.​

​​​

• ​Projects that are innovative and timely; an idea, angle or approach that has not been pursued widely and /or that addresses important current issues.

  • If the project is an expansion of an existing program, there must be a clear demonstration of new features or major additional outreach or impact.

​​​

• Projects which engage other students or local participants in public service. We like to see a “multiplier effect”.

  • Tutoring/school based projects need to be clonable- multiple classes or ideally, multiple schools. (See Environmental Education for the Next Generation in Sample Proposals)

​

• Sustainability and Continuity 

  • Projects sustained over the school year, rather than one or two-day events or projects carried out only in the summer.

  • Plans for future leadership and a timeline for implementation afterwards.

​

Planning for the Project

​

• Include (1) a budget (2) a realistic timeline (3) how success or impact will be measured and (4) strategies for actual implementation (such as how to find and mobilize volunteers, acquire necessary resources such as a permit or space for workshops, etc., as applicable).

 

• If the project is to be done with a parent/partner institution, proof of an established relationship with that organization’s leadership, and its support for the project (and where the project will be housed) should be included with the proposal. 

  • Ideally, this is verified through a Letter of Support from the parent/partner institution. (See Sample)

 

• A timeline that indicates when the project starts, what occurs during the school year, and closure or evaluation by April, in time for the Strauss Scholar Presentations.​​

 

​​