The purpose of this document is to provide general guidance on responding to a StEPP Foundation Request for Proposal. While these tips apply to all of the StEPP Foundation's RFPs, please refer to the Specific Project Criteria included in the RFP for more detailed requirements and guidelines.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

What types of projects are being requested?

• Projects are being sought that have the maximum environmental impact per dollar spent
• Quantifiable environmental benefits associated with the project are imperative
• Projects must demonstrate their potential for positively benefiting air sheds, watersheds, land, energy and/or waste management
• Projects should contain a significant capital investment or equipment component
• Projects must be initiated within six months of the grant award and be completed within three years of award
• Applicants may be public, non-profit, private sector or business entities. Private sector and business entities are encouraged to partner, where possible with public or non-profit entities.
• Projects must clearly benefit the public.

Ineligible projects include:

• Projects with a request of less than $25,000.
• Budget deficits or operating expenses for established programs.
• Specific Project Criteria sheets will include a list of any other ineligible projects, based on the requirements of the specific funding cycle.

Ask questions.
Technical assistance workshops may be scheduled to offer guidance on preparing proposals. These workshops also offer the opportunity for applicants to ask specific questions about proposed projects. If a Technical workshop is scheduled, it can be found on the StEPP Foundation website under the Request For Proposals section.

Be patient, but persistent.
If your project did not receive funding, it will remain in the Strategic Environmental Project Pipeline (StEPP) indefinitely for potential further consideration. Projects can sometimes be made more competitive by responding to feedback from staff and outside peer reviewers. If your project has been unsuccessful in two or more RFP cycles, you may want to explore other projects that may better compete for funds.

Read the entire RFP thoroughly prior to responding.
You are encouraged to read the entire RFP to understand all of the criteria and requirements. If questions do arise, StEPP Foundation staff may be contacted for clarification prior to your completing the proposal.

Respond to all requests for information.
All StEPP Foundation RFPs are divided into three sections: online project submittal form, eligibility criteria and selection criteria. Please respond to all three sections and answer all questions as specified on the Request for Proposal Specific Criteria Sheet.

Write a clear and concise proposal.
If your project did not receive funding, it will remain in the Strategic Environmental Project Pipeline (StEPP) for up to 12 months for potential further consideration. Clearly state your project objectives and avoid duplication. It is often helpful to have someone unfamiliar with the project review the proposal prior to submitting it, to make sure he or she understands the need for the project, exactly what will be accomplished by the project and how grant funds will be used. Sometimes people applying for funds are so close to the project that they may not provide information that would be helpful to someone less familiar with the project.

Demonstrate the need for your project.
Make sure the proposal describes in detail and documents the community need for this project. Be sure to describe how the project will meet that need. Remember that while the benefiting community may be very familiar with the need for and benefits of your project, project reviewers are not.

Document your project's urgency.
There is high competition for limited dollars in each RFP cycle. All else being equal, a more urgent project will rank higher than one that does not clearly demonstrate why it must proceed in the current, rather than a future, RFP solicitation. Explain the opportunity lost if your project does not proceed now.

Describe how the project fits within a community plan.
Proposals that demonstrate how the proposed project fits within a broader community plan or vision are sometimes more competitive. Has there been a community decision-making process that has been used, including surveys, petitions, or bond elections, to determine the need for the project?

Create partnerships and leverage dollars.
Projects that involve multiple partners contributing cash and/or in-kind services are generally more competitive. Depending on the type of project you are proposing, a match might include:

• Grants or donations of cash from local/state/federal government, private foundations, businesses, community groups;
• Donations of in-kind services, such as professional services; and
• Donation of materials and equipment.

Document partnerships and community support through letters or news articles.
Demonstrated community support for a project can increase its competitiveness. Support letters might come from local governments affected by the project, community groups that would use or benefit from the type of project you propose, community leaders or individuals, schools, businesses, youth organizations, etc.

The number of letters received is less important than the content of the letters.
Letters that (1) identify specific support (and any cash or in-kind donation) by groups which have a real interest in the project; (2) document benefits to the community, and (3) show how the project fits with other community efforts are the most valuable.

Balance your budget and make sure it sufficiently describes how funds will be spent.
Provide as much detail as possible in your budget. Request a reasonable amount - do not "pad" your budget. Check to be sure that the project objectives discussed in the proposal track with the uses of funds listed in your budget and the tasks listed in your timeline. Remember - top points are given to projects demonstrating maximum environmental benefit for each dollar spent and leveraged.