APPLY FOR FUNDING

IMPORTANT: The application has been updated as of March 24, 2008. Please use the new application form for the May 1, 2008 deadline.

The Lab accepts application proposals three times per year. 

May 1, 2008  -  proposals evaluated in June 2008 

September 1, 2008 - proposals evaluated in October 2008 

January 1, 2009 - proposals evaluated in February 2009

TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE LAB:

1. Attend both of our Training Workshops!
   
2. Download the Proposal Application Form below. Click on the icon and save it to your hard drive.
   
3. Name the file as LastnameFirstname.doc (i.e. SmithJane.doc).
   
4. Complete the proposal application, answering the questions in 10 pages or less.
   
5. Once finished, resave your document and e-mail it as an attachment to apply@civicinnovationlab.org. We will notify you regarding application receipt.

We will contact you if there are questions or concerns regarding your proposal. If you have questions, use the Contact Us section to submit your inquiry to the Lab.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY FOR CONSIDERATION.

HAVE A GREAT IDEA? HOW DO I QUALIFY> SIGN UP FOR STRATEGY SESSION>

 PROPOSAL APPLICATION FORM

Proposals to the Civic Innovation Lab must be submitted electronically via this Web site. Click on the "Download Form" button.

 

TIPS FOR SUBMITTING
AND PRESENTING IDEAS:

The following questions should be considered as you formulate your idea. The mentors will expect you to include this information in your application. These tips will help you explain your idea's outcome and the impact it will have on the economy.

1. Define your idea - What service are you offering to the Cleveland community?
2. Know your audience - Who is going to use this service?.
   
3. Explain demand - Why does your audience need this service?
4. Market your message - How will you reach your audience?
5. Know your space - Do some research to be sure your idea is unique and innovative. Who are your competitors?
6. Understand Costs - How much will it cost to launch this idea?
7. Address Sustainability - Can you charge for the idea or will you need to raise funds?
8. You, the Champion - You will be the one to make your idea a reality! Considering the above questions will help you define how much time, energy and risk you can give to your idea.
   
   

APPLICATION PREP AND COMMUNICATING YOUR IDEAS SESSIONS:

The Lab offers two free sessions to all applicants. We recommend applicants attend the sessions to improve written and oral expression of ideas.

1. Application Prep. This one-hour session gives you insight on writing a clear and concise application. You will learn the process, how the Lab evaluates applications, and topics the mentors expect you to cover.
2. Communicating Your Idea. This interactive three-hour session focuses on an elevator pitch and other verbal communication strategies. Space is limited to 10 applicants per session. Preference is given to individuals who have submitted an idea to the Lab.
   
   

To register, send an email with "Register" in the subject line to info@civicinnovationlab.org and include your name and company. Parking is available, at your expense, in several surface lots around the building. One lot is on Euclid, near E. 17th, another lot is at the corner of E. 14th and Prospect (walk up E. 14th to Euclid).

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

To promote integrity and fairness in the submission process, we ask that you read and understand the following before you submit ideas to the Civic Innovation Lab. Our goal is to be a potential source of support and funding for civic projects that we believe will have an economic impact in Cuyahoga County. If you submit a proposal to the Lab, we will not acquire any ownership interest in your idea. That being said, it's possible that we could receive proposals that are similar to yours and we reserve the right to accept such alternative proposals.

Second, we expect to receive many proposals requesting support and/or funding from the Lab. While we will consider all proposals submitted to the Lab, we will have sole discretion to accept or reject proposals. No proposal will be entitled to priority based on its subject matter or the order in which it was submitted relative to any other proposal we receive. If we do select your proposal for support and/or funding, you will be asked to agree to additional terms and conditions before we accept your proposal for implementation or funding.

Third, we reserve the right to make policy and procedure changes from time to time that we deem appropriate.

THANK YOU.