Grant Evaluation Criteria

The NEF evaluates grants on a number of factors. Included below are some of the ways in which the evaluation factors might be defined. Please note that the list is neither definitive nor exhaustive.

Grants that are INNOVATIVE might…

~ Introduce something new

~ Approach a task or subject creatively

~ Feature new, advanced, or original methods

~ Offer a new curriculum tie-in or way to bring/deliver curriculum

~ Offer a modification/improvement to the learning environment to increase/improve learning

~ Offer a new way to meet the needs of learners

~ Encourage students to think and learn in a new way

 Grants that are ENRICHING might…

~ Offer students a meaningful take-away

~ Offer new/deeper perspectives, experiences, and/or connections

~ Offer a real world connection

~ Add value

~ Inspire

~ Resonate with students

Grants that are IMPACTFUL might…

~ Affect a large number of students (“breadth of impact”)

~ Affect a smaller number of students deeply (“depth of impact”)

~ Affect students in a lasting way (“longevity of impact”)

~ Affect the wider community, including students, parents/community members, teachers, and/or administrators

Grants that are SUSTAINABLE might…

~ Be able to be continued or maintained over a period of time

~ Include plans for upkeep and availability for use in the future (as with equipment)

~ Be reasonably expected to be supported financially or continued after the grant period ends (as with a project or program)

~ Include lessons that will be reinforced in other ways (as with a presentation that is then discussed in the classroom)

~ Include opportunities to share lessons learned with colleagues and/or students (as with professional development)

Grants that are COLLABORATIVE might…

~ Demonstrate a partnership between/among teachers, specialists, classes, departments, disciplines, and/or schools

~ Bring together people who have different perspectives/approaches to a subject