Evaluation

In order to compile a strong application, applicants may want to understand the basic steps in the application evaluation process. All applications are scored according to four criteria: Alignment, Capacity, Impact, and Context. These criteria each have multiple measures within them and are summarized here so that applicants can align their applications appropriately.

  • Alignment: Demonstrated alignment with our departmental funding priorities and grant program areas of focus through the Targeted Grants/Responsive Grants.
  • Capacity:  Evidence of financial and programmatic capacity that illustrates organizational stability, strong financial position, and future vision for sustainability.
  • Impact: Clearly articulated organizational goals, plan for achieving results, tracking outcomes, and impacting the community members served.
  • Context: Relationship to specific behavioral health needs, unmet or emerging problems with an eye on collaboration and health equity to address significant community needs.

What we look for:

  • Alignment with BHS’s funding priorities and targeted areas of focus
  • Clearly presented goals, objectives, and strategies
  • Provision of unduplicated, needed programs and services with specific outreach to underserved populations and geographic areas
  • Sustainable and diversified funding streams
  • Solid financial statements and cash reserves
  • Proven track record of success with positive outputs and outcomes
  • Effective and qualified leadership
  • Strong, effective, and ongoing organization and program evaluation
  • Community buy-in and support as evidenced through donations, volunteer engagement, collaborations, and partnerships

Evaluation Process
Grant applications are as concise as possible so that our grant reviewers can readily grasp the proposal and how it measures against our evaluation criteria.

Once the evaluations are complete, award recommendations are reviewed by Behavioral Health Policy Council (BHPC). Then, recommendations are presented to the Board of County Commissioners for final review and approval.

Timeline
July-August: Review and evaluation
September: Funding decisions and awards announced