We look for organizations with an active, reflective, and committed board of directors who consistently monitor and guide the organization’s financial and programmatic performance. The organization should have an effective administrative infrastructure and qualified staff to support its programs.

We look for organizations that align their projects and programs with their mission, goals, and financial resources. The program design should demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles of children and youth development and reflect an appreciation for diverse cultures and ethnicities.

We encourage organizations to have plans in place for keeping the organization and programs in existence. This means the organization should have the ability to acquire funding from multiple sources and contingency plans for unexpected circumstances.

We want to assist organizations that measure the quality and effectiveness of their programs and can demonstrate results. These organizations continue to identify and learn from models of best practices and share their experiences with other agencies. Feedback from participants and their families, schools, and community, as well as the needs of the staff, are considered when designing their programs.

We support organizations that work with other agencies to reduce duplication efforts and fill gaps in programming. These organizations understand the importance of including neighborhood and community participation and actively engage these groups when planning their programs.