Official Rules for the Philanthropic Challenge on Economy & Finance

  1. All entries must be from a 501c(3) organization that can receive the funding. Multiple people from the same organization may apply, but only one entry per organization may win.
  2. There is no entry fee for applicants.
  3. Awards will be presented as follows:
    - First place (1 winner) = $40,000 to applicant’s organization 
    - Runner Up (1 winners) = $10,000 to applicant’s organization
  4. Entries must be submitted through the COF website starting on March 19, 2015, with the deadline for submissions being 11:59 pm (eastern time, US) on April 9, 2015. Winners will be selected at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Council on Foundations in April 2015.
  5. The audience’s decision is final. Proposals will be judged on the following: 
    Expertise – Reflects subject matter expertise and evidence-based practice; leverages existing resources; has a clear understanding of existing landscape
    Replicability – Will inform the field and increase the body of knowledge for economy and finance grant making 
    Measurable Progress – Clearly explains how progress might be measured, along with milestones
    Feasibility – Directed toward achievable goals, that are commensurate with proposed resources and timeline 
    Collaboration – Demonstrate interest in partnering with others to increase efficacy
    Sustainability – Has a long-term impact that is self-generating
  6. Three finalists will be selected, based on criteria above, to ‘pitch’ their proposal via video or live presentation at the Annual meeting in San Francisco. Finalists will be notified April 13, 2015. The live competition will take place at 11:59 (PST) on April 28, 2015.
  7. Finalists will receive individual coaching on preparing their 3-minute pitch via Skype or other means from the Philanthropy Challenge’s entrepreneur partners.
  8. Application proposals should be original to the applicant who submits an application.
  9. Each entrant may only submit one application. However, organizations may have multiple people within their institutions submit applications. Applications must comply with all local and national laws of the country of origin and the United States. Content must not 1) promote illegal behavior; 2) support racial, religious, sexual or other invidious prejudice; 3) advocate sexual or violent exploitation; 4) violate rights established by law or agreement; 5) invade the privacy of any person; or 6) be otherwise inappropriate as determined by the Council on Foundations.
  10. The only compensation for submitting an application is the opportunity to be awarded a prize if the entry wins. The Council on Foundations will pay applicants no additional compensation nor be liable to the entrant under any circumstances.
  11. In the event of a tie, the Challenge Administrator, Katie Merrow, will call a re-vote or select a winner.
  12. Ownership of the underlying intellectual property of the project remains with the entrant, with the following exceptions:
    - Entrants grant the Council on Foundations the right to use their names, photographs, statements, quotes, testimonials, and video submissions for advertising, publicity, and promotional purposes without notification or further compensation. 

    - Council on Foundations maintains the right to reproduce, reprint, distribute, perform, display, or exhibit the project for advertising, publicity, and promotional purposes on their website, at conferences, or at any other venues.
  13. No copyrighted materials (music, images, etc.) may be used for this contest unless you own the copyright or have a license to use the material for this contest. Written permission must be obtained and provided upon request for all copyrighted materials.
  14. All portions of the online application form must be completed for application to be eligible. By accepting the grants, winners agree to hold the Council on Foundations and all Council on Foundations employees harmless against any and all claims and liability arising out of use of such grants. Winner assumes all liability for any injury or damage caused from participation in the contest or use/redemption of any prize.
  15. Entrants agree to be bound by the official contest rules and decisions of the judges.

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