Ireland Fund for New Initiatives

Criteria for Proposal Evaluation

The Ireland Fund Review Committee considers the following criteria in determining which proposals are funded and at what level. 

1. The proposal must include a faith-based consideration of vocation as an integral element of its objectives and activities.

2. The proposal must explicitly address itself to one or more of the three themes of Beyond Career to Calling: 1) vocation to priesthood or religious life; 2) vocation to faithful lay activity in the world, especially that which integrates faith with career preparation; 3) vocation of the University as a Catholic institution.

3. The proposal must state, and provide supporting documentation for, how it will be sustained beyond the Ireland Fund grant period.  This includes providing a long-term timeline of activities and evidence of a strong likelihood of future funding from other sources than Beyond Career to Calling.

4. The proposal must be for a new initiative rather than extended or supplemental funding for programs already in operation, including those previously funded by Beyond Career to Calling. The proposal should not duplicate what has been done before or is already being done.

5. The proposal should be well thought out and reasonable; i.e. the review committee should have reason to believe that the planned activities can be executed at this time with the resources that will be available.

6. The proposal should demonstrate how its activities will have a significant effect on the experience of students, especially undergraduates.  It should not be primarily oriented to faculty development unless an obvious benefit to students will result.

7. Preference may be given to:  1) to proposals that affect a larger group of people and provide a greater impact for the money invested.  2) to proposals for which other sorts of support are not available.  3) to individuals, departments, or programs that have not previously received an Ireland Grant.