Review Process
Grant applications will go through a multi-step review process.
- Eligibility screening: Program staff will review each application to ensure the organization and project are eligible for funding.
- Scoring panel review: Applications that pass the screening for eligibility will be scored by a panel consisting of program staff. The scoring panel review includes the following steps: each reviewer will score applications, reviewers will be provided with scoring criteria and guidance, each reviewer’s scores will be compiled to generate an average score for each application.
- Portfolio development: Program staff will finalize a portfolio of recommended applications based on grant tiers.
- Committee approval: A committee composed of City Transition Team staff, City Auditor Elections staff, and Multnomah County Elections staff, as well as contractors hired to support the city with its first ever voter education efforts will review and approve the final portfolio of recommended grants.
Scoring Criteria
Applications will be scored on criteria that apply to their project type. Each application will have an opportunity to receive up to 72 points.
Scoring criteria are grouped in four categories
Organization and project team (12 possible points)
Project plan and benefits (57 possible points)
Budget (3 possible points)
Organization and project team (12 possible points)
Organization has a track record of delivering programs that benefit Portland Votes priority populations. Organization is well positioned to deliver voter education to Portland Votes priority populations. (3 points)
To receive full points, applicants must demonstrate that the primary purpose of their organization is to deliver programs that benefit one or more of the communities identified as Portland Votes priority populations. This must be the majority of the work they perform. Organization has an innate or personal understanding of the Portland Votes priority population(s) the project serves.
Project team including nonprofit staff, contractors, and other partners have demonstrated experience that will support project success. (3 points)
To receive full points, the project team must have relevant professional and/or life experience and qualifications. The applicant has identified all key team members.
Application demonstrates competence with navigating compliance with tax and other regulations. (3 points)
Application demonstrates strong understanding and practice around community organizing, outreach, and/or stakeholder engagement, particularly focused on one or multiple Portland Votes priority populations. (3 points)
To receive full points, project engagement reflects an innate or personal understanding of the Portland Votes priority populations the organization serves. If applicable, engagement activities are informed by cultural competence, principles of inclusion and/or collaboration.
Project plan and benefits (57 possible points)
Project description is complete and intended outcomes are clear. Services, activities, and timeline described in scope will result in intended outcomes. Project includes mock election(s). (3 points)
To receive full points, the project description clearly states what the applicant intends to do, why, who the intended beneficiaries are, and what outcomes are expected. Project services and activities have a strong likelihood to result in stated intended outcomes.
Program will support Portland Votes goal to ensure every voter understands the new system and is ready to make their voices heard by ranking candidates in the order of their preference, with outreach to priority populations. Project is in alignment with Portland Votes guiding principles. (3 points)
To receive full points, the project must be aligned with the Portland Votes guiding principles on voter education.
Project will benefit Portland Votes priority populations.
To receive full points, project beneficiaries are members of Portland Votes priority populations. (Up to 39 points)
And, if applicants include additional or other populations, they include an explanation of how the population has historically lacked access to city decision making and who the city has had a hard time reaching. (3 points)
Each priority population and additional population is weighted 3 points. Each of the City’s minority languages is weighted 1 point. (Up to 9 points)
Budget (3 possible points)
Project budget is complete and reasonable.
To receive full points, the budget must be complete, clear, and appropriately scaled to the proposed project.