In making funding decisions, the Trustees of the Foundation are responsive to sound strategic planning, organizational stability, leadership, creativity, entrepreneurial visioning, leveraging of resources, collaboration and empowerment of people. Additionally, there is a focus on providing funding to worthy efforts that otherwise struggle to find vital support.

In all of our work we are demanding in terms of understanding how the proposed work will result in a desired outcome. Here we look to how well the applicants have done their homework. Do they know what others in the area and around the country are doing and how well those other efforts have worked? Does the plan seem practical and realistic in terms of level of participation and expected effects of the program, or do the applicants seem to be overstating these things? In addition to scrutinizing the plan of work, we want to know how well prepared the applicants are to execute the plan. Here we look at track record, leadership, and passion. Does the organization have what is necessary in terms of the staffing talent and capacity, an established network, and the commitment to succeed? Do their trustees evidence their support through participation in meetings and procurement of resources for the agency?

In summary, we are interested in projects that figure out how to make an impact and do it broadly with an efficient use of resources. And, we like to see our funding and involvement serve a catalytic role in turning possibilities into reality.