Writing a Strong Proposal

The Foundation program staff review and assess each proposal using the following criteria:

Organizational Qualifications
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  1. The organization is eligible for foundation funding (see eligibility guidelines)
  2. The organization’s mission and/or program goals are aligned with the Chao Foundation mission.
  3. The proposed work is clearly aligned with the applicant organization’s own mission.
  4. The organization has demonstrated its capacity and/or experience to undertake the direction, scope and scale of the proposed work including the organization’s size and history.
Grant Qualifications
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  1. The objectives of the project and target constituency are clearly stated.
  2. The organizational or program strategy is attainable and where applicable, reflects research about what works or promising practices.
  3. Anticipated outputs and grant period outcomes and their documentation process are clear, specific, measurable and appropriate to the program or organization.
  4. A realistic timetable for implementation is included.
  5. A complete, detailed budget (total and annual, in the case of a multi-year project) is included and is adequate to accomplish the proposed work. Where applicable, other funding for the proposed work or plans to obtain it should be listed with current and potential funding sources.
  6. A plan exists for sustaining the work at the end of grant period, if applicable.
  7. The grant amount requested is in proportion to the organization’s total budget.

Transparent Fish Partner Application

Chao Foundation requires all its partners to follow the transparency requirements of Transparent Fish Fund. To apply for a grant, please follow the process below.1. Please fill out the TFish Fund Partner online application.
2. TFish Fund Transparency Reporting requirements
  • Weekly - Partners are encouraged to share any updates or stories on East Villagers Non-Profit Community
  • Monthly - Fill out a project update report form with 3-5 photos online.
  • Quarterly - Update the NGO Workbook with your actual expenses for the quarter attached with major expense receipts.

Four Stars Rating Criteria

Partner NGOs Financial Disclosures
☑ 1. Total revenue, expenditure, cash balance and itemized expense
☑ 2. Donor name and donation list
☑ 3. TFish audit compliance
☑ 4. Sign-off from organization’s representative
☑ 5. Itemized expenditures and receipts
☑ 6. Performance on key project indicators 
☑ 7. Monthly case stories and project progress reports 

Partner NGOs must complete requirements #1 to 4.  If partner NGOs do not meet this minimum, they cannot receive funding from us until the next quarter.  If they consistently fail to meet these requirements, they will be disqualified from being our partner and will no longer have access to our services.