
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
The project proposes a creative and relevant solution to
this issue.
-
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.
-
The role and responsibilities of the state/regional
association(s) in the project’s implementation are
outlined.
-
A clear, complete budget that requests “fundable” items
with a budget spreadsheet and a budget narrative is
provided.
-
The proposal shows evidence that the partnering
institutions and the state association have the
capacity, knowledge, and skill to implement the proposed
project.
-
The proposal describes an evaluation plan that is
representative of the project’s stated goals and
objectives.
-
The proposal provides a description of how the project
is a potential model for others.
-
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.