2025 Grant Application Scoring Criteria

Mission (6 points)

  • Clearly stated organization mission.
  • Alignment of the project with the organization’s mission.
  • Demonstrates commitment to the mission and inclusion of people with disabilities in other core programs.

History (8 points)

  • Strong organizational history.
  • Previous successful Grantee partner.
  • Relevance of past activities to the current project (serving people with disabilities).
  • Significant accomplishments and milestones.

Core Programs (9 points):

  • Description of the organization’s core programs.
  • Connection between core programs and the proposed project.
  • Demonstrated expertise and experience in the relevant field.

Project Description (15 points):

  • Clear and concise explanation of the project goals and objectives.
  • Includes activities and strategies to achieve the desired outcomes.
  • Explanation of why the organization is well-suited to implementing the project.

Goals, Activities, and Timeline (13 points)

  • The proposed goals are reasonable and achievable.
  • The proposed activities and strategies to reach the goals are solid, make sense, and are feasible.
  • The timeline is aligned with the scope of the project.
  • The milestones are aligned with the goals. 

Measurement and Impact (4 points)

  • The plan for measuring project impact is clear, including details on data collection and analysis.
  • The quantitative measurements in place are likely to show impact
  • The qualitative measurements in place are likely to show impact.
  • If all goes to plan, the impact is likely to last beyond the project period. 

Number of People with Disabilities Served (6 points)

  • The estimated number of people with disabilities to be served through the project is reasonable.
  • The estimate takes the reach, scale, and overall potential impact of the project.

Beneficiaries (6 points):

  • Identification of direct and indirect beneficiaries of the project.
  • Inclusion of people with disabilities, family members, care teams, etc.
  • Consideration of the project’s impact on the identified beneficiaries.

Engagement & Knowledge Sharing (15 points):

  • Strategy for reaching target audiences and beneficiaries.
  • Plan for sharing project results publicly with peers and relevant stakeholders.
  • Willingness to participate in Grantee Gatherings to present highlights and lessons Number of People with Disabilities Served (6 points):
  • Reasonable estimate of the total number of people with disabilities that will be served through the project.
  • Consideration of the reach, scale, and overall potential impact.

Partners and Collaborators (9 points):

  • Identification of organizational partners and potential collaborators.
  • Indication of previous collaborations and successful outcomes.
  • Confirmation status of partnerships (pending or confirmed).

Key Bios and Subject Matter Expertise (SME) (3 points)

  • Key Bios and information on SME were included and are complete in the application.
  • The SME is appropriate for the project.
  • The project has the SME it needs to accomplish the outlined goals.

People with Disabilities in Leadership (15 points):

  • Demonstrates the organization’s inclusion of people with disabilities in paid leadership positions.
  • Includes examples of individuals in paid leadership roles or advisory positions.
  • Emphasis on the organization’s commitment to promoting disability leadership.

Project Budget (5 points)

  • The request size is appropriate for the project as proposed.
  • The budget as outlined makes sense for the project.
  • The budget is clear.

Organization Budget (5 points)

  • The organization submitted a profit and loss statement that shows finances that were balanced or in the positive.
  • If the profit and loss statement shows a deficit, the applicant provided a reasonable explanation.

Needs Assessment (3 points)

  • The project feels necessary.
  • The organization has the capacity and SME to complete the project.
  • The project feels appropriate for the organization, subject matter experts, and other collaborators involved.

Alignment with Ability Central Priorities (10 points):

  • How well the project’s design and planned execution support either of our funding priorities (Career and Leadership Development and/or Training Healthcare Professionals) for people with communication disabilities.
  • Explanation of opportunities to scale or replicate project to increase dissemination and impact.
  • The project is considered outstanding and meets or exceeds the expected criteria.