What We Are Looking For

Social Impact

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.

Innovation

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.

Collaboration

Projects that 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 Sample Proposals, like Environmental Education for the Next Generation.

Personal Connection

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

Sustainability

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 afterward are strongly encouraged.

Planning for the Project

Key Planning Elements

Include:

(1) a budget

(2) a realistic timeline

(3) how success or impact will be measured

(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).

Institutional Support

Suppose the project is to be done with a parent/partner institution. In that case, 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.

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

School-Year Timeline

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.