Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation

5. Where to Apply

Proposal materials should be submitted electronically to:

Erin Lloyd, Program Officer – erin@switzernetwork.org
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6. Evaluation of Proposals

Projects are evaluated on their ability to identify and address critical environmental problems, directly improve environmental quality, achieve quantitative results, provide scientific or technical expertise to organizations with limited resources, and advance the professional career of the participating Fellow.

All Leadership Grant Program proposals submitted for review are evaluated in a three step process. First, Foundation staff evaluate proposals for completeness and have phone or in-person interviews with the lead contact for the organization, and with the Fellow. Then, proposals are reviewed using the Leadership Grant Review Evaluation Matrix that identifies the qualities and parameters by which each proposal is evaluated. This matrix is meant as a tool to help applicants hone their narrative towards issues of greatest interest to the Foundation, and to help Switzer staff and trustees in their evaluation of the proposals. All proposals are reviewed by the Board of Trustees who make the final grant decisions.
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7. Grant Reports & Requirements

Organizations receiving Switzer Leadership Grants are required to submit a detailed final report at the end of their grant period. (Click here for grant report budget guidelines.)  Final reports are used by the Foundation to track progress of projects funded through the program, and to assist us in program planning. In addition, all Fellows participating in a Leadership Grant Project will be asked to present their results or project to other Fellows at a Switzer Fellows Retreat, convening, via webinar, or in writing for Switzer Foundation publications.
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8. How to Find A Fellow or An Organization

Organizations seeking a Fellow with whom to develop a proposal should contact the Switzer Foundation office, but may also browse the Directory of Fellows.  The Directory is searchable by Fellow name, geographic location, or area of expertise.

Organizations wishing to be listed on the Leadership Exchange should submit the following information to Erin Lloyd, Program Officer (erin@switzernetwork.org):  organization name, contact name and title, full organization contact information including email and website address, brief organization description, and a summary describing the position or project you hope to fill with a Switzer Fellow. Please indicate any time restrictions if applicable.

Fellows interested in finding an organization with which to partner on a Leadership Grant project should visit the Leadership Exchange section of the website and contact the Switzer Foundation office to express their interest in the program. The Foundation may be able to facilitate connections between Fellows and prospective organizations suited to a Fellow's interests and skills.

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9. Frequently Asked Questions

Following is a list of our most frequently asked questions about the Leadership Grant Program. Please see tips for FELLOWS and ORGANIZATIONS following the questions.

1. HOW DO WE START TO PURSUE A LEADERSHIP GRANT?
   Organizations should start early and get a Switzer Fellow’s commitment first. It is critical that you connect with a Switzer Fellow before you begin the process. A specific Switzer Fellow must be named, and you must work together to submit a proposal. Fellows seeking a particular organization to work with should cultivate the relationship in advance of a concept letter deadline. Switzer Foundation staff are available to clarify guidelines.  
2. HOW DOES AN INTERESTED ORGANIZATION FIND A SWITZER FELLOW?
   • First and foremost, contact Switzer Foundation staff and indicate your interest in finding a Fellow. Often, we know of Fellows who may be looking and can suggest possibilities.  
   • After initial contact with Switzer Foundation staff, organizations can post a description of their interest on our LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE. Organizations should send us a written description of your project idea and the description of your ideal candidate (several paragraphs), and we will post it on our Leadership Exchange and notify Fellows. 
   • Organizations should look through our DIRECTORY of Fellows. Using keywords, you can search for Fellows in your field and can then contact them directly. Generally, Fellows who are just graduating from their academic programs are the most flexible.
3. WHAT ARE THE KEY CRITERIA FOR LEADERSHIP GRANT PROGRAM PROJECTS?
   • Your project is relevant: You have related the goals and objectives of your project to a current and critical environmental issue. The project has the potential to solve a problem or improve a condition.  
   • The project advances the professional career of the Switzer Fellow. The Fellow's role is substantive in carrying out the project. The project will utilize the skills and professional interests of the Fellow in a way that advances their leadership skills. 
   • The project and the Switzer Fellow will help build the capacity of the organization. The Fellow has special skills needed to fulfill the project. The skills and expertise of the Fellow will leverage the organization to make a significant contribution on the environmental issue described in the proposal.  
4. CAN A SWITZER FELLOW BE HIRED AS A CONTRACTOR RATHER THAN AS FULL TIME STAFF OF THE ORGANIZATION? Yes. Many Leadership Grant projects are for a specified term with the Fellow hired as contract staff. If this is the case, the applicant will need to specify the exact working arrangement between the parties (full time or part time, length of term, payment rate and pay periods, whether the Fellow will work in the organization’s office or at home, use of supplies and computers, etc.) In fact, hiring a more experienced Switzer Fellow for a contract position can be a very effective strategy for certain projects. However, staffing arrangements will be reviewed by Foundation staff to make sure they are tailored appropriately to the Fellow’s needs.  
5. HOW SHOULD THE PROPOSAL BE WRITTEN AND PRESENTED? All proposals should be prepared jointly by the organization and the Fellow. Follow the program guidelines and be sure to include all the requested materials. Be sure your proposal is clear, free of jargon and emphasizes outcomes. Furthermore, responsibilities for accomplishing the project should be clearly articulated. The roles of the Fellow, the Fellow’s supervisor, and other members of the organization involved in the project must be addressed.
6. HOW SHOULD WE ADDRESS EVALUATION IN THE PROPOSAL? Describe the lasting results expected from the project. Include a plan to evaluate the successes and failures of the project and measurable outcomes. (Note: Outcomes are the specific conditions you hope to achieve - like reduction in pollution, increase in community involvement or changes in policy. This is different from outputs, or the things you will do - like hold meetings, write reports, etc.) How will the impact of your project live on after the grant period has expired?  
7. WHAT TIME FRAME SHOULD WE PLAN FOR THE PROJECT? Your project should match the resources available. Be realistic about what can be carried out within the time schedule and with the budget you propose.  
8. ARE MULTI-YEAR GRANTS AVAILABLE? At this time, multi-year grant proposals are not accepted. Grants of up to $40,000 may be requested for a one-year period. Successful applicants may be permitted to apply for a second year of funding if needed. If possible, please specify if you expect to apply for a subsequent year's funding.  
9. ARE MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRED? Yes. We expect that additional funds will be required to carry out the proposed project, and a plan for raising those funds should be articulated in the project budget. For organizations invited to apply for a second year of funding, we anticipate that the organization's share of funding the Fellow and the project will increase over time and the Switzer Foundation’s share will decrease.  
10. WHAT IF WE NEED TO RAISE ADDITIONAL FUNDS IN ORDER FOR THE PROJECT TO HAPPEN? Fundraising and professional commitments must be made clear at the outset. The proposal must address who will raise other needed funds for the project and the role of the Fellow in any fundraising activities. For start-up projects, the Foundation may be willing to take on more of the costs, but a funding strategy for the duration of the project should be described.  
11. HOW DO WE ENSURE THAT THE SWITZER FELLOW'S PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVES WILL BE MET? Applicants should have discussed the Fellow’s career goals prior to drafting the proposal. The proposal should address specific steps to build the professional standing of the Fellow and appropriate training or professional development opportunities for the Fellow that will be available during the project period. If known, outline specific trainings or professional development opportunities that will be made available to the Fellow.  
12. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANT REPORTING? One FINAL REPORT (including a FINAL BUDGET) is required at the end of the grant cycle, one year from the time the grant is awarded. If a second year of funding is requested, an interim or progress report should be included with the renewal request.
13. WHAT OTHER EXPECTATIONS DOES THE FOUNDATION HAVE FOR LEADERSHIP GRANT PROJECTS?
    • We expect that any media stories generated by the project will be shared with us, and that the Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation will be acknowledged as a funder of the project. 
    • The Switzer Fellow and a representative of the organization will be invited to attend a fall or spring Switzer Fellowship Retreat or convening where they will have an opportunity to present strategies and results from the project, or to engage Switzer Fellows in the project, or to take part in a training or professional development opportunity.  If it is not possible to attend a retreat or convening in person, the Foundation expects that the Fellow and an organizational representative will present findings or results to the Switzer Network via webinar, conference call or other shared learning opportunity.
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10. Tips for Organizations

• Remember that Fellows must have completed their academic studies before beginning a Leadership Grant project. Proposals can be submitted while the Fellow is still in school, but start dates should be coordinated with the Fellow’s degree completion.
• Be clear about the scope of your project. Although it is tempting to think you can accomplish all the big-picture plans you have, remember that Leadership Grants are for a one year time frame. It is much better to temper your plans to a realistic level. This will be scrutinized during the grant review process.
• Use the LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE and Switzer staff as resources in finding a Fellow and posting your interest. Start early! Working out a project idea with a Fellow is time-consuming and you must have developed the project jointly before submitting a concept letter or proposal.
• Work with the Switzer Fellow to prepare the proposal. The proposal should be written jointly so that it captures not only the essence of the project, but also how the project fits into the overall career and leadership goals of the Switzer Fellow.
• Be prepared to support the Fellow’s leadership development. The Leadership Grant Program is designed to foster the leadership development of our Fellows. It is not simply a project grant program. Supporting leadership development could involve setting up trainings for the Fellow to participate in, guided leadership on the project itself, or other professional development opportunities.
• If you are not sure about the long term commitment to the Fellow’s position, be honest and frame a realistic one-year project. If it goes well and you are in a better position to commit to a longer term project later in the grant year, you may be eligible to apply for another year’s funding.
• For grassroots organizations, be sure that your organization can handle the commitment to a professional salary for the Fellow. This will include being able to handle the additional fundraising commitments that may be required.
• Be open to how a Switzer Fellow can bring project design and other skills to the project.
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11. Tips for Fellows

• If you are contacted by an organization, get to know the organization first, to be sure it is a good fit.
  • If it is a start-up or has minimal staff, talk to us about questions to ask of the organization before you sign on. You will want to be clear about the ability of the organization to support your project to completion.
  • Review the overall mission of the organization. Although you will be working on your particular project or in your specified position, be sure its mission is aligned with your interests and goals.
  • If you are unfamiliar with the organization, talk to as many people as possible (staff, if appropriate; ex-staff, if appropriate; other colleagues) about its work, perceptions of the organization, and staffing stability.
• Work carefully with the organization to define the project scope and expectations. Be sure you are a part of the proposal writing process.
• Be as clear as possible about the roles of all parties and the relationship between you and your potential supervisor. Be sure your potential supervisor is also a part of the proposal process. This is particularly true if you will be working offsite. If that is the case, we recommend making an agreed upon schedule of meeting times with your supervisor to maintain regular contact.
• Be clear and honest with the organization about your expectations for leadership development. Ask about professional development trainings or opportunities that may be available.
• Understand the pros and cons of working for small or large organizations. Small, grassroots organizations can offer opportunities to lead and shape projects, but they may have limited fundraising experience or capacity. Large organizations may have so many good projects underway simultaneously that it can be challenging to get supervisors to focus on your work.
• Realize when you are approaching an organization that the interview process should work both ways. Not only will the organization want to know about your background and experience, but you should be sure to question the organization as well.
• Inquire as to how much of your time, if any, will be devoted to raising funds for the position or project. Is there a development director at the organization, or someone who is dedicated solely to raising money?
• Look carefully at the structure of the organization in terms of number of staff in comparison to the work the organization does. What is the culture of the organization in terms of work hours, communication and collaboration among staff as well as expectations for performance, overtime, or travel? Talk openly with your supervisor or the executive director about expectations and the work culture of the organization.
• Ask about staff support available to you. Depending on the specifics of your position, you may want to inquire about development staff, administrative staff, GIS staff, etc. If many of these duties will fall on you, you will want to be especially clear about expectations for job outputs during the course of the project.
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