Grantmaking

Evaluates whether an organization’s proposed work will enhance existing programs or extend services to new populations.

Assesses an organization’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all individuals, including both staff and participants.

Evaluates the fiscal health and stability of an organization. Key considerations include revenue diversification, consecutive annual losses, the presence of a reserve account for financially challenging periods, and expenditure management.

Assesses the level of need for services within the community.

Examines whether the organization employs evidence-based methodologies, which are crucial for achieving successful outcomes due to their foundation in rigorous research. Key considerations include the implementation of evidence-based programs and interventions, continuous evaluation of program effectiveness with a focus on improvement, and the provision of training and professional development for staff to effectively serve the organization’s population.

Evaluates the presence of internal controls to ensure the organization’s integrity and compliance. Key considerations include the separation of staff and board responsibilities or policies to address this issue.

This category focuses on programs and services delivered by licensed mental health clinicians. Key considerations include the provision of therapy by licensed clinicians, training in trauma-informed therapies or access to professional development for such training, and services addressing suicide, addiction, and transitions after service completion.

This category is designated for organizations focused on systems change and policy work to reduce adverse childhood experiences, eliminate health disparities, improve healthcare access, or enhance civic engagement in state and local public policy.

This category is for organizations offering programs and services that prevent or mitigate adverse childhood experiences. Decisions are guided by widely documented and published evidence-based best practices. Key considerations include programs addressing homelessness, access to education and healthcare, parenting skills and education programs, victim-centered services – including crisis intervention, medical and legal advocacy, social support, access to community resources, and school supports.

This category focuses on organizations providing programs aimed at building resilience in children to mitigate the negative impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Decisions are guided by evidence-based research outlining specific components that foster resilience. Key considerations include leaders in programs that facilitate a sense of belonging and connectedness, support and facilitation of strong peer connections, programs offering opportunities for family involvement or providing parenting support; measures in place to prevent and address bullying; trauma training for staff; education and skill-building for children in areas such as time management, organization, flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving; education for children on managing stress, cultivating empathy, coping with challenges, and improving emotional awareness and regulation; and programs that foster self-esteem, positive self-worth, self-efficacy, and effective management of interpersonal relationships.

This category is for organizations providing quality early childhood care. Key considerations include program accreditation and licensure, home visitation programs, opportunities for family involvement, education or supportive parenting tips for parents, preschool enrichment programs, staff training or professional development in adverse childhood experiences, trauma-informed care, or other evidence-based practices, and the provision of sliding fee services.