Most types of health-related projects are eligible for support. The following are generally not eligible for support:

• Biomedical research.
• Capital campaign.
• Direct influencing of legislation.
• Expenses already incurred.
• Fundraising events.
• Ongoing operating expenses.
• Out of state projects.
• Replacement of public or government funding.
• Sectarian or religious programs.
• Support of political activities.
• International travel expenses.

The grant proposal is the fully developed solution for which you are requesting support. The proposal takes the form of a written description of the project, including the project narrative, project and grant budgets, project workplan, and supporting documents, such as letters of commitment and a copy of the current annual operating budget of your organization.

Remember that the quality of the proposal is determined by how well you develop and communicate your solution to the need.

If your proposal relates to an Endowment theme, be sure to read the theme summary for the appropriate theme:

• Theme Summary: Oral Health
• Theme Summary: Economic Barriers to Accessing Health
• Theme Summary: Social-Cultural Barriers to Accessing Health
• Theme Summary: Geographic Barriers to Accessing Health
• Theme Summary: Mental Health of NH Children

• A description of Endowment grant types so you are sure you are applying for the appropriate grant type.
• Previous awards made by the Endowment, in order to gain a better understanding of the ideas that have received funding.
• Frequently asked questions about Endowment grantmaking.

As you are developing your proposal, reference the glossary to be sure you and the Endowment are using the same interpretation of terms. Review Procedure

The Endowment uses the following procedure to process all proposals that it receives:

1. Upon receipt of the proposal, Endowment staff enter the applicant into the grants management system where proposals are screened for eligibility.
2. Eligible proposals are evaluated by a team of reviewers for the characteristics of the chosen grant type and the review criteria listed in the Proposal Guidelines.
   
   All actions taken in this step are documented for reference. Reviewers may also call the applicant and others to clarify information at this time.
3. Award recommendations are submitted to the Endowment for Health Board of Directors for final approval.

Proposals for Theme Implementation Grants are reviewed by a team of objective professionals (not the Board of Directors, Advisory Council, or staff) who are qualified in the subject matter of the theme and experienced in grantwriting and analysis.

Solicited proposals for Applied Research Grants and Data Grants are reviewed by staff, and other qualified professionals as needed.

Applications for Planning, Convening, and Technical Assistance Grants are reviewed by staff in conjunction with the Program Development Committee of the Endowment Board of Directors.

Solicited proposals for Public Policy Grants are reviewed by staff and approved by the Endowment Board of Directors.

Applications for Discretionary Grants are reviewed by staff and approved by the Program Development Committee of the Endowment Board of Directors.

• Presents a compelling case for why the project is important by documenting the scope and seriousness of the need and demonstrating an understanding of its root causes.
• Has the potential to create systemic change.
• Is supported by internal, regional, and national data; community needs assessments; relevant literature and best practices; and meets Healthy NH 2010 goals when possible.
• Improves health in a broad sense (physical, mental, and social well-being), not just the absence of disease.
• Addresses a vulnerable and/or underserved population.
• Contributes to the Endowment goal of distributing funds to a wide geographic area of New Hampshire, when compared to the geographic areas served by other submitted proposals.
• Fosters prevention and wellness, not just the treatment of an existing need, when possible.
• Presents realistic, attainable, and measurable activities, outputs, and outcomes that address the identified need.
• Provides preliminary evaluation planning that identifies outcome indicators and data collection methods.
• Demonstrates theoretical soundness and technical feasibility.
• Provides a dissemination plan that outlines how to share the knowledge and understanding gained through the project.
• Demonstrates planning for sustainability of improved health outcomes and resources.
• Proves the applicant’s ability to successfully implement the project.
• Reflects the applicant organization’s mission statement.
• Demonstrates awareness of existing programs that address the need.
• Involves collaboration with other organizations, when possible.
• Provides realistic project and grant budgets that are appropriate for the workplan.
• Makes effective use of other funders.
• Offers opportunities to leverage other funds.

Applicants who are funded will submit semi-annual progress reports that indicate whether project activities, outcomes, and financial resources are proceeding according to plan.

Grant payments are distributed to grantees as defined in their Terms of Award. Generally, payments are distributed semi-annually.

Full payment of any award is based on grantee performance.