There are several factors that help us determine which programs to apply grant funding to.  What follows are some common considerations we make when reviewing applications.

• Past Performance – Likelihood of success, based on previous performance related to delivery of complete and on-time reports
• Outreach – Scope & clarity of plan to recruit the target population, particularly NEW participants within that group
• Program hours – Number of program hours to be provided to participants through the proposed funding and whether they are in balance with the funds requested
• Program plan and objectives – Scope & clarity – is it easy to understand the planned outputs and outcomes.  Are they SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound)?
• Program Evaluation – Detail of plan to evaluate success of program goals and agreement to use DSUSA survey tool
• Feasibility of budget – Reasonable expenses that support target population’s participation in program at low or no-cost to the participant (grant dependent – check parameters)

Once the grant review process has been completed, all applicants will be contacted, whether or not a grant is awarded.

If you’ve received a grant, you will be sent a grant agreement, along with supplemental attachments, and reporting instructions.  This is a very important step in the process as this is your final opportunity to review the requirements and make sure they can be fulfilled by your organization.  It is better to ask questions or raise concerns at this point rather than into the grant period when it is harder to make adjustments.  Lack of communication regarding your chapters ability to complete the program can harm your future requests for funding, and potentially can negatively impact our collective relationship with funding partners.

• Review – Make sure you can deliver on what’s expected.  It is important to note that some details may differ from what was applied for (amount, etc.).  Ask questions during this stage.
• Sign – Your signature indicates to us that you have read and agree to all the requirements and that you have accepted the grant offer.  Lack of response may result in loss of funding.
• Invoice –  You may, at this time, invoice for 50% of the grant award amount.  This is optional and can only be requested if program dates have been finalized and provided to DSUSA.

The reporting requirements for a particular grant are communicated when the award is given, but most of the awards require some, if not all, of the components listed below.

• Online Report – Narrative of program results and impact of funding
• Mid-Term Report*
• Invoice – Request from grant recipient organization to DSUSA for funding amount
• Participant List – Includes mailing address, e-mail, telephone number(s), date of birth, disability
• Expense Report – Inline with specific expenses applied for within your grant application
• Receipts* – Line item receipts that support the expenses applied to the grant award.  Must not include prohibited items.
• Physical Activity Surveys – Distributed to all program participants either as hard copy or via link provided

*Not a requirement for ALL grant reports.  

For more information on grant report requirements, please visit the Grant Reporting page.