During the review of applications, Blue Ridge focuses on the quality of the idea and the leadership team and the compatibility of the potential organization with the rest of our portfolio.
 
Some important criteria throughout our selection process include:

 

• Substance.  The applicant should be focused on an important problem so that its success will be meaningful. It should also be able to grow or share its success in a way that will influence others working on similar problems.
  
  
• The need for the proposed organization in light of existing resources. We look for innovation and a compelling rationale for why it is better to start a new organization than to expand others already in operation. Being unique for its own sake is no advantage - we favor proposals that soundly incorporate proven practices over speculative theories about what might work.  In all cases we look to build new organizations that fill gaps within their fields. 
  

• The clarity of the idea and the implementation strategy. We look for models that are tailored to the specific problem they are trying to address. We also want to see realistic plans for execution.
  
  
• The ability to measure the organization's effect. We look for organizations that have a clear vision for what their success will look like, and a well-reasoned approach for gauging their own performance.
  

• A sound budget projection. We look for groups that budget wisely. We expect - but do not require - that the first year budgets of most groups, including salaries, will be in the $100,000 to $300,000 range.
  
  
• Long-term fundraising prospects.  We consider the opportunities that might exist for the applicant to raise money beyond the amount offered by Blue Ridge.

• The capacity of the person or people submitting the proposal. We look for leadership experience and familiarity with issues and strategies in the applicant’s area of concern. 

• Programmatic connections. We look for ideas that offer potential synergies with other organizations being supported by the Foundation. For example, our youth organizations may complement each other by serving different age groups to jointly provide longer term service to their clients, or may focus on specific needs that in combination offer a more comprehensive service.
  
  
• Open to Blue Ridge “Family.”  Applicants should be enthusiastic about working with the directors of our portfolio groups, and amenable to sharing and learning from others within the Blue Ridge network.
  
  
• Commitment to high performance.  Blue Ridge works intensely with Portfolio organizations to support their ability to achieve operational and programmatic excellence.  Applicants must have a sincere interest in being part of Blue Ridge’s highly engaged, performance-oriented model of philanthropy.