Funding Criteria In addition to focusing on its three-pronged mission, the Foundation looks for particular characteristics in potential funding opportunities. Among the most important are the following: We will only make grants to certified 501(c)(3) organizations that are not private foundations. Although occasional large grants will be made, successful proposals will typically be those whose focus and scope can be accomplished with a grant of less than $10,000. Since our average grant is relatively small, it is important that a gift of this size make a significant difference to the success of the project. We are particularly interested in projects that have not attracted a lot of attention and therefore have previously received limited financial support. Among projects of this kind, we will be principally interested in efforts that motivate individuals (or groups) to do something of a special nature on their own, that allow for the display of personal initiative, that empower people, or that involve launching of novel enterprises. Within this context the Foundation wants to be convinced that its grants will make a significant difference towards the success of a project. All else being equal, we prefer to fund projects in the early (or start-up) phase, rather than near their conclusion. We are especially interested in making challenge grants so that our gifts can be used as leverage for raising additional gifts. Both established institutions and young, avant-garde organizations are eligible for funding, but we are looking primarily for projects that embody creative thought, calculated boldness and prudent risk taking. We will fund appropriate projects regardless of their geographical location, although preference will be given to organizations and activities in the Greater Philadelphia area. We will actively monitor all funded projects, requiring interim reports and summation evaluations stating how the money was spent and what was accomplished.