Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions. This exercise is intended to help you better understand VPF interests and values, as well as offering the opportunity for meaningful self reflection to determine whether VPF funding is a good fit for your organization.

Your Vision:

1. Do you have a compelling, powerful idea that will improve education
   in New York City?
2. Does your idea confront the problem at its roots and propose an innovative, sustainable, high-impact solution to the problem?
3. Do you have a deep understanding of the community you will serve, and a strong connection to its members?
4. Have you researched who else is working on your issue and can you articulate the difference between your proposed solution or approach and theirs?

Your Plan:

1. Do you have a concrete, realistic plan to bring your idea to life?
2. Does your plan include ways to identify or measure your impact?
3. Is your organization an active member of any coalitions or community groups?
4. Can you articulate short and long-term goals for your organization?

Leadership:

1. Does your organizational leadership have the experience and knowledge necessary to execute your idea?
2. Has your organizational Board invested significant personal time, money, or in-kind to ensure the success and sustainability of your organization?

Technical Requirements:

1. Does your organization have an annual budget of $500,000 or less?
2. Is your organization qualified (or on its way toward qualification) as tax exempt under sections 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and not classified as a private foundation under Section 509 (a)?
3. Do you have a minimum of three members on your Board?
4. Is your organization based in NYC and server New Yorkers?

If you answered Yes to all of these questions, congratulations!
You are now ready to start your application.

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