Innovation fellowship
The Foundation believes that there is extraordinary potential in the provision of structured research and development time for people in the community based sector, and that this form of work could lead to pioneering ways to approach seemingly intractable social issues and advance charitable purpose.
We want to give people of vision and creativity, who have deonstrated outstanding talent and originality, the opportunity to investigate powerful ideas, models and practices that have the potential to lead transformational change. The focus could involve the development of new ideas, or explore new applications or contexts for existing ideas or practise. The Innovation Fellowship would enable these individuals to free themselves from other responsibilities to pursue a course of exploration not available under normal circumstances.
This is an intentionally flexible initiative that does not prescribe a specific course of action. Individuals involved in social change work may propose any type of project they wish to pursue bearing in mind that it must contribute to the mission of the Metcalf Community Program which is: to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of people and organizations working together to address the root causes of poverty.
We encourage applicants to be as creative as possible in their proposal in order to push at the boundaries of knowledge and practice.
The Innovation Fellowship is designed to contribute to fostering a reflective, diverse community sector capable of responding to our complex social challenges. Upon project completion it is expected that Fellows will produce some form of publicly available work for distribution in order to share their learning with their peers and other interested constituents.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The Innovation Fellowship is aimed individuals with vision, a passion for their issue, intellectual rigor, and a willingness to ask questions and propose solutions that may surprise. Innovation Fellows may come from such places as nonprofits or higher education, and include policymakers, managers, academics and entrepreneurs. Eligible applicants must have a significant record of achievement and worked in an area related to their proposed exploration for a minimum of three years.
What are the Funding Parameters?
Funding can be used to support costs associated with project activities. We will consider supporting applications from more than one individual to jointly pursue a course of research and development. Awards of up to a maximum of $40,000 will be made available for Innovation Fellowships.
What is the Application Process?
The Foundation will accept applications on an ongoing basis. Decisions will be made at quarterly Board meetings. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Community Program Director in advance to discuss their proposals. Applications should not exceed 4 pages, double-sided, containing:
- A completed Metcalf application cover page
- A detailed overview of the idea, issue or model you want to explore including: what social challenge this initiative is intended to address, why it is important and innovative, a rationale for, and description of fellowship activities, a brief overview of what are others doing in this area, and how you think this fellowship will contribute to Metcalf Foundation’s Community Program goals
- A list of who you envision involving in your fellowship to advance your thinking
- A preliminary budget of expenses associated with fellowship activities.
- A comprehensive resume including key accomplishments and career highlights
- Three letters of reference from professional colleagues who can comment on the idea, issue or model you want to explore and your capacity to undertake the proposed work
- A letter from the Board Chair or senior leadership of the organization, as applicable, confirming support for the initiative
Proposed applicants associated with an organization must also submit a:
- List of current Board members
- Copy of your organization’s most recent annual report
- Copy of the organization’s most recent audited financial statements
A separate letter of introduction may be included. Additional print materials may also be attached as background information. Please provide five paper copies of all proposal materials and attachments and submit an electronic version in word to cmurphy@metcalffoundation.com.
How will Applications be Assessed?
Applicants will be reviewed by the Foundation’s Board and staff, assisted by advisors from the community. We will assess applicants based on the following criteria.
- Skills, resources and expertise to undertake the proposed project
- Career history and accomplishments
- Scope of the project, its creativity and originality and potential contribution to addressing issues of poverty
- Demonstrated willingness to learn and effectiveness in sharing ideas and knowledge
- Organizational readiness to support individual to undertake a fellowship
How will the Fellowships be Evaluated?
Each Fellow determines the goals and objectives for their project and, in consultation with the Foundation, the final deliverables. They will meet with us at the beginning of the fellowship, so we can jointly discuss how we will learn from our work and monitor progress and results. Upon completion the Fellow will prepare a publicly available form of the work. The Foundation will work with the individual to disseminate their findings. We will also seek to create opportunities for peer learning with other Fellows in the program and colleagues in the community. You can read more about the Foundation’s approach to evaluation in How We Learn.
Deadlines
Please see Deadlines.
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