Research Done (5 points): 

• Evidence of community, background, expert, and/or market research conducted. 
• Shows understanding of the problem space and potential challenges. 

Awareness of Landscape and Existing Solutions (5 Points): 

• Clearly identifies similar innovations or existing solutions in their chosen field, if any. 
• Provides concrete examples on how the proposed innovation distinguishes itself from these existing solutions and is unique. 

Expected Impact (10 points): 

• Clearly identifies the target users or beneficiaries of the innovation. 
• Describes concrete ways the innovation will improve the lives of the target users or beneficiaries. 

Feasibility of Implementing the Innovation (5 points): 

• Presents a well-thought-out plan for full implementation of the innovation. 
• Addresses potential barriers and offers feasible solutions. 

Collaboration (5 points): 

• Identifies relevant collaborators and community partnerships. 
• Explains how these collaborations will support the innovation throughout the process. 

Plans For Use of Award (5 points): 

• Provides a clear and detailed plan for how the cash award will be used to support the innovation. 
• Shows a strategic approach to utilizing the funds for maximum impact. 

*Definition of Innovation 

Innovation is something different that has impact. It might be improving upon or innovating a product, service, or process, or creating something new that solves a problem or makes the world a better place.  

The project should be advanced beyond the idea or concept stage and have demonstrated that it has been put into action. Projects do not have to be full-fledged innovations, commercialized or have the ability to monetize, e.g., social or community innovations may have different valuable impacts. 

Rubric: