"Homework" has been completed

• Mission is clearly defined and the purpose is reasonably limited in scope.
• Need for the program is well defined and baseline indicators of health status/quality of life prior to implementation have been collected.
• The local community is invested in the project.  Cash and in-kind support has been pledged from local businesses and/or the local government.
• The proposed service appears cost-effective, even in the first few years of delivery, and is supported by a business plan.

Infrastructure is in place:

• Protocols for quality assurance and quality improvement have been established for the provision of services.

• Community outreach activities have been identified to connect the target population with the new service.

• Specific plan to communicate project highlights has been developed to keep community supporters invested and involved.

• The proposed budget is comprehensive (includes line items for personnel, rent, utilities, capital projects, office supplies, travel, insurance, etc.) and demonstrates sound fiscal planning.

Management capacity is strong:

• Project management has a demonstrated record of success.

• Association with an “umbrella” agency, if it exists, is well defined and all involved parties understand their respective roles.

• Coordination with other community programs exists; efforts to collaboratively work together are evident; and a conscious effort to avoid fragmentation and duplication of services has been made.

• The value of data as a management tool and as a fundraising/public relations tool is recognized and data collection systems are in place.

• The value of public relations as a means of generating financial support and attracting new patients is understood and media events are regularly scheduled.

• Evaluation activities exist and are well targeted to answer specific questions about the program.  These activities monitor the quality and quantity of services provided as well as measure the short and long-term impacts of the program.

Vision for the future exists:

• A long-term plan to sustain the project has been developed and appears viable.  While it is acceptable to include partial reliance on future grant awards, the project should also identify some steady sources of income.

• A strong and committed board of directors is in place and understands its role.

• Continuation of the project is not dependent on a single factor that is likely to change, such as a project director who is working around the clock to keep the project afloat, a limited pool of volunteer providers who cannot meet the tremendous demand for services, or a lone donor or revenue source.