Do you have an idea that will advance the field of evaluation? Apply for a Faster Forward Grant and support innovation in our field.
We are now accepting applications from universities, nonprofits, other organizations, individuals and groups working to move the field of evaluation into the new millennium. We review applications on an ongoing basis.
WHAT DO WE FUND?
In general, we fund proposals that produce new understanding or evaluative information about evaluation. Typically these involve research that is suitable for publication in a paper, chapter, or a set of these.
WHAT DON’T WE FUND?
We do not fund work that has previously been published, online or in hard copy. We also do not fund evaluations–even if they use a novel methodology. Instead, the research focus must be on that novel methodology, not just embodying it.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Applicants must be affiliated with a registered 501(c)(3) university, non-profit, or other tax-exempt entity. Evaluation students are encouraged to apply, as well.
WHAT BUDGETS DO WE FUND?
Applications for a few thousand dollars are more likely to be supported than those requesting or requiring tens of thousands. This is partly because there can be more grants if we fund small amounts; and also because large grants are beyond current 3F capacity.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To apply, submit an application that provides detail on the following areas. While we welcome “out-of-the-box” application formats; you are also welcome to respond to the following prompts in Word or PDF format. All applications should be submitted to fasterforwardfund@gmail.com with “FFF – Grant Application” in the subject line..
- Project title: Provide a name for your project.
- Contact details: Provide the name, organization, title, email address, website, and phone number for the primary contact person. Note: While partnerships are welcome, one Principal Investigator must take primary responsibility for the application.
- Proposed project: Describe what you or your group/organization wants to do, when, where and how. Include the methods to be used, and any materials required.
- Timeline: Provide a proposed timeline for your work.This timeline must include proposed mid-point tasks and dates, along with a proposed completion date, usually within a 12-month period.
- Indicators: Describe indicators to be used to assess progress and conclusion of the project (if your application is successful, these will be incorporated into the payment schedule);
- Rationale: Provide an argument, and perhaps evidence (e.g., a needs assessment), that this effort is consistent with the aims of 3F, including social payoff.
- Feasibility and importance: Give your estimate (and evidence) of the project’s feasibility and importance, including qualifications of the personnel involved*, with some emphasis on expected tangible results that will be widely available;
- Budget: Submit a detailed budget and, if appropriate, evidence for its accuracy and cost-effectiveness, (e.g., don’t include travel when video can do the job). Note that 3F will expect to pay no more than 10% overhead. Grants will be released in three installments: a small sum for start-up costs, a mid-project payment for demonstrated results at that point, and a final payment for demonstrated final results.
- Bios: Include very brief bios of relevant project personnel.
Please keep all applications to between 3,000 and 5,000 words (including bios of relevant personnel).
We aim to provide applicants with a funding decision within the feasible limits of reviewing and modifying applications, as required.
Note! 3F reports results openly, which we think is important. This means that a summary of results and support will be posted on the web and perhaps elsewhere.
QUESTIONS?
Please send all questions relating to project applications to fasterforwardfund@gmail.com with “FFF – Grant Application Question” in the subject line.
FEEDBACK?
Evaluators should practice what they preach, and for good reasons, so we welcome suggestions for improving this proposal or its presuppositions. Send them to our email at fasterforwardfund@gmail.com with “FFF – Suggestions” in the subject line.