Spring Deadline: April 15, 2010

Application Form
Request for Proposals
Checklist

First Opportunity Partners (FOP) is the Foundation for Independent Higher Education’s (FIHE) signature initiative. Launched in 2005, FOP strengthens the ability of private higher education to serve first-generation, low-income, minority, and new American students (“first opportunity students”).  Its three-fold purpose is to broaden the accessibility of higher education, to strengthen student retention and academic experiences, and to prepare students for the future world of work.

The FOP Venture Fund supports projects that enhance FOP student access and success through institutional/organizational collaboration. Through the leadership of FIHE’s network of state and regional fundraising organizations, the FOP Venture Fund encourages participation in such efforts from foundations, corporations, government agencies, individuals, and other not-for-profit organizations.

Criteria - the proposal will be evaluated on the following elements:

1. The proposal clearly demonstrates the significance of the problem or need facing FOP students with respect to their access and success in private higher education.

2. There is a clear description of the proposed project (e.g. goals, strategies, and timelines) and how institutions are working together to increase access and/or enhance achievement within the targeted populations of first-generation, low-income, minority, or new American students.

3. The project proposes a creative and relevant solution to this issue.

4. The proposal contains a concise description of the proposed collaborative effort, the degree (intensity) with which institutions are working together, and the project’s distinctive value.

5. The role and responsibilities of the state/regional association(s) in the project’s implementation are outlined.

6. A clear, complete budget that requests “fundable” items with a budget spreadsheet and a budget narrative is provided.

7. The proposal shows evidence that the partnering institutions and the state association have the capacity, knowledge, and skill to implement the proposed project.

8. The proposal describes an evaluation plan that is representative of the project’s stated goals and objectives.

9. The proposal provides a description of how the project is a potential model for others.

10. The proposal outlines the process by which UPS, FIHE, and the matching organizations will be publicly recognized.

Checklist:

Email The Above Required Documents To:  jcox@fihe.org

If you have questions about the First Opportunity Partners Venture Fund Request For Proposals or Application, please call Jacalyn Cox (202) 367-0333.