An exemplary application presents a clear, student-centered vision and a strong plan for achieving meaningful, long-term impact. It aligns with one or more of NYF’s funding priorities, addresses local challenges, supports district goals, and demonstrates the potential to positively impact a significant number of students through expanded opportunities, stronger systems, or lasting capacity-building. The proposal is teacher-driven and district-supported, incorporates strong family and community partnerships, and shows how the work will build momentum and sustainability over time. A compelling application also includes measurable outcomes and a budget that prioritizes direct student impact through meaningful experiences, resources, and opportunities.

A strong application presents a clear vision for improving student outcomes and demonstrates alignment with one or more of NYF’s funding priorities. The proposal addresses a meaningful local challenge, supports district goals, and provides opportunities that will benefit students through expanded learning experiences, stronger supports, or increased access to resources. It reflects collaboration between educators and district leadership, includes family and community engagement, and outlines a realistic plan for implementation and growth over time. Strong applications include measurable outcomes and a budget that is generally aligned with project goals and student benefit.

A developing application identifies a worthwhile need or opportunity but lacks a clear long-term vision for how the work will improve student outcomes over time. While the proposal may align with a NYF funding priority, connections to district goals, equity, sustainability, or broader student impact are limited or underdeveloped. Implementation plans often focus on activities rather than measurable outcomes, and it may be unclear how success will be evaluated or sustained beyond the grant period. Budgets frequently prioritize educator stipends, professional development, or operational costs without clearly demonstrating how those investments will translate into meaningful and lasting benefits for students.

A weak application lacks a clear vision for improving student outcomes and does not present a cohesive strategy for creating meaningful or lasting impact. Connections to NYF funding priorities, district goals, local challenges, or student needs are minimal or unclear, and the proposal often focuses on isolated activities rather than measurable outcomes. Implementation, sustainability, and evaluation plans are vague or missing, making it difficult to understand how the work will be carried out or sustained over time. Budgets may prioritize salaries, stipends, travel, or other adult-focused expenses without a clear connection to student learning, opportunity, or long-term benefit.