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Grant Evaluation Criteria

Grant Proposal Evaluation and Criteria  

Grant proposals are reviewed and evaluated competitively within each grant type by StopWaste staff members. Outside experts may be consulted as needed. During the review process, program staff may contact the applicant for more information and elect to interview applicants or conduct a site visit before making a funding recommendation. However, an expression of interest by staff should not be construed as an indication of forthcoming grant approval.  

Projects are reviewed using the following criteria:   

  1. Project Conception and Technical Feasibility:  Proposal is clear and comprehensible; project activities are well defined and technically feasible to implement; milestones and timeline are realistic; resources to implement project are available; project is innovative and non-duplicative of existing Agency projects, programs and/or services. Proposal is clearly articulated, includes targeted audience and strategies to reach intended audience. Proposal addresses markets and supply chain issues. 

  1. Outcomes/Measurement/Impact: Objectives clearly stated, specific, realistic, and measurable through an identified methodology; project monitoring and evaluation strategies thoughtfully planned. The proposed project offers a significant contribution to reuse and recovery programs and infrastructure in Alameda County; transferability of successful waste prevention/reuse tasks and strategies. Economic development, public education or technical advancements will be attained by funding.  

  1. Leadership and Organizational Capacity: Management and staff are qualified to implement project and achieve stated objectives; facilities, equipment, resources, and community support are adequate and appropriate for proposed project. The applicant has demonstrated commitment and readiness to implement the project. Organizational capacity is one of the most critical indicators of future project success. 

  1. Financial Viability:  Organization demonstrates sound fiscal management; project budget is realistic and appropriately leverages other resources; project is cost effective, financially feasible and sustainable; there is adequate oversight and accountability of project income and expenses. 

  1. a. Equity: Organizations and businesses with proposed projects that ties to their community’s pressing needs. Equity considerations include but are not limited to: communities served (including diverse and/or historically underserved populations), increasing access to supportive services and products and job training/job creation opportunities. The Agency seeks to support entities that are women and/or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) owned or operated. 

b. Partnerships: The applicant clearly identifies partners, their roles, and deliverables for the project, and provides letters of support from each identified partner. The proposal articulates how the partnership creates a stronger and more effective project by fostering cooperation and resource sharing between groups. 

New Applicants: Priority will be given to applicants with strong proposals who have not received funding in the past.