Since the advisory board uses different “criteria points” to evaluate applications, a Weighted Scoring System is usually the most effective way to quantify subjective opinions. This makes the Chairperson’s job of consolidating the data much faster.
Here is a draft of a professional Philanthropic Application Scorecard tailored for the Jackie Kallen Foundation.
📋 Philanthropic Grant Evaluation Scorecard
Applicant Name: ___________________________
Reviewer Name: ____________________________
Date of Review: ____________________________
Scoring Legend
- 1 – Poor: Does not meet expectations/Mission-misaligned.
- 3 – Average: Meets basic requirements but lacks “wow” factor.
- 5 – Exceptional: Perfectly aligned with high potential for impact.
Section 1: Core Evaluation Criteria
| Criteria Point | Weight | Score (1-5) | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Alignment: How well does this align with Jackie Kallen’s legacy/foundation goals? | 30% | ||
| Community Impact: How many lives are touched, and how deep is the positive change? | 25% | ||
| Operational Viability: Does the organization have the leadership to execute this? | 20% | ||
| Financial Transparency: Is the budget realistic and the need clearly demonstrated? | 15% | ||
| Sustainability: Will this project survive after the foundation’s funds are spent? | 10% | ||
| TOTAL SCORE | 100% | — | 0.0 / 5.0 |
Section 2: Qualitative Feedback
- Primary Strengths: (e.g., “Strong community partnerships, proven track record.”)
- Primary Concerns: (e.g., “Budget for administrative overhead seems high.”)
- Unique Considerations: (e.g., “This project fills a gap no other organization is currently addressing.”)
Section 3: Final Recommendation
- [ ] Highly Recommend: Immediate priority for funding.
- [ ] Recommend with Reservations: Recommend funding if certain conditions are met.
- [ ] Table/Hold: Potential for future funding, but needs more development.
- [ ] Do Not Recommend: Does not meet the foundation’s current standards or focus.
The Chairperson’s Consolidation Formula
To provide the Board with a final recommendation, the Chairperson can use a simple average of the weighted scores:
\text{Final Score} = \frac{\sum (\text{Advisory Board Member Scores})}{\text{Total Members}}