We are glad to see that your project proposal has met all the criteria set forth and welcome you to fill out the application for sponsorship!
Below you will find the 15-question application along with a 1 page budget. Please answer each question with as much relevant information as possible. We have also included a guide below that will help you address some of the questions, as we want to make the process as simple as possible for all of us.
Mission Statements - Please read before filling out application
One of our requests is that your mission statement be made specific to your project's focus. Some examples of mission statements are highlighted below for your review.
Example 1:
"Our goal is to promote fair treatment for all humankind and achieve peace throughout the world."
Why this mission is not suitable: It's too vague and does not encompass the actual work being conducted by the organization. Those are great goals but the author needs to be more specific to his particular cause.
A better option:
"Our goal is to help transform the lives of low-income immigrant and refugee women in becoming economically self-sufficient and integrated members of our society."
Example 2:
"It is our mission to help dogs from being homeless."
Why this mission is not suitable: We have a better understanding of the scope of work of this organization but we still don't have a true idea of the project's nature. Do they have spay/neuter campaigns? Do they run a shelter? Do they promote adoption? Perhaps they do all three, which is why they should include that.
A better option:
"It is our mission to reduce the numbers of unwanted and homeless dogs in Southern California by implementing programs that deal with spay/neuter campaigns, increased shelter space and effective adoption outreach."
Project Budgets
Another section of the application that we ask you pay special attention to is the budget. SEE's minimum amount of activity per project annually is $3,400 in which 6.5% of covers our annual minimum fiscal fee set at $225.
When completing the budget we ask that you first consider the expenses your project may incur in the first year. Please only focus on realistic costs such as website maintenance and development, printing and copying, travel, etc. By calculating expenses, one can gain a better understanding of the amount of income that must be generated to stay in the black. We are not interested in projects that say they are going to raise $1 million in their first year of operation for two reasons: (1) demonstrates that you have not researched your project's funding potential before submitting your proposal to us and (2) we do not factor in the size of your project's finances in the decision to sponsor.
The more realistic your application is, the easier it will be for us to consider your proposal.
Acceptance of Application
Please note that submission of the application does not guarantee acceptance. We request that you do not call the SEE office to inquire on the status of the application while it is still under review.
To be considered for an interview, the application must be filled out completely. Incomplete applications will not be considered. (i.e. which do not answer every question or provide a first-year budget). Please type all of the answers and mail or deliver the application, as SEE does not accept proposals by facsimile or email. In addition to a completed application, the applicant must have read the Operations Manual in its entirety.
