The following information is primarily for organizations that have been invited by the Foundation to submit a formal grant proposal. These are the criteria that Foundation program staff use to review and assess proposals:

Key organizational characteristics

• The organization is eligible for Irvine funding (see eligibility requirements)
• The organization's mission and/or program goals are aligned with Irvine's mission, and the proposed work is relevant to one or more of Irvine's program goals and priorities
• The proposed work is clearly aligned with the applicant organization's mission
• The organization has demonstrated its capacity and/or experience to undertake the direction, scope and scale of the proposed work
• The organization's leadership has demonstrated an ability to deliver results

Key features of proposed grant activity

• The rationale for the proposed work is clearly defined
• The constituency to be served by the proposed work is identified
• There is a clear relationship between the organization's activities and its constituency
• The applicant is aware of related work of other groups
• The organizational or program strategy is attainable and where applicable, reflects research about what works or promising practices
• Anticipated outputs and grant period outcomes are clear, specific, measurable and appropriate to the program or organization
• A realistic timetable for implementation is included
• A complete, detailed budget is included and is adequate to accomplish the proposed work
• Where applicable, other funding for the proposed work is in hand, or there is a plan to obtain it
• Current and potential funding sources are listed
• A plan exists for sustaining the work at the end of grant period, if applicable
• The grant amount requested is proportional in view of the organization's total budget, and the organization has a diverse and/or broad set of funders and sources of revenue