Sessions at Independent Sector’s National Summit will serve as the primary vehicle for strengthening and equipping participating nonprofit, philanthropic, and corporate social responsibility leaders with the knowledge and tools to drive impact.
Use this guide to understand how Independent Sector will evaluate proposals to select sessions for the national summit.
Evaluation Criteria:
1. Summit Topics Alignment (30 Points)
We assess how effectively your proposal connects to the summit’s core objectives and broader goals for sector transformation. Strong proposals demonstrate:
- A clear connection to summit topic areas.
- A deep understanding of systemic challenges and their root causes.
- A compelling vision for how your session catalyzes the moment to build towards the future of the charitable sector.
2. Session Design & Audience Engagement (20 points)
We assess how your session will create an engaging learning experience. Successful proposals feature:
- Innovative formats that utilize diverse voices in the space for solution-making.
- Design thinking as a clear approach for facilitation strategies that adapt to the size and makeup of your audience, maximizing engagement.
- Clear and strong learning outcomes that illustrate the depth of the subject matter.
3. Practical Application & Implementation (20 points)
We evaluate how participants can apply session learnings to their work. Successful proposals feature:
- Ready-to-use tools and frameworks adaptable across different contexts.
- Relevant case studies with clear outcomes and lessons learned.
- Detailed implementation guidance, including potential challenges and solutions.
4. Equity Integration (25 points)
We assess how equity is embedded throughout your session. Strong proposals demonstrate:
- The use of a lens that assesses different needs and power dynamics as it relates to the topic.
- Tools that are accessible to wide audiences.
- Inclusive delivery methods that foster participation across different learning styles.
5. Presenter Qualifications (5 points)
We evaluate the expertise and experience of presenters. We seek:
- Subject matter expertise through field leadership or research.
- A track record of successfully facilitating engaging workshops.
- Joint presenters representing nonprofits, philanthropies, and/or corporate social responsibility leaders.
6. Bonus Points
We see how proposals stand out among the rest. Examples include:
- Independent Sector members receive an additional 3 points.
- Proposals with facilitators across the charitable sector receive an additional 2 points.
- Innovative use of technology or novel engagement methods earns additional consideration.
- Effectively addressing an urgent sector need in a distinctive way strengthens a proposal.
What Makes A Strong Proposal?
The strongest proposals will demonstrate:
- Energy: Inspires audience members to leave sessions and be motivated to be active builders of the future of the charitable sector.
- Innovation: Moves beyond traditional formats, incorporating multiple interactive elements to create a dynamic learning experience.
- Practical Value: Delivers comprehensive, ready-to-implement tools supported by real-world examples.
- Equity Focus: Fully integrates equity considerations into content and delivery.
- Systems Thinking: Demonstrates a deep understanding of interconnected challenges and proposes systemic solutions.
- Clear Outcomes: Defines specific, measurable learning objectives and actionable implementation pathways.
- Adaptability: Willingness to refine the session based on feedback and evolving sector needs.
