Question 1

What will selected awardees receive?

Accepted Answer

Four individuals or organizations will each receive $400,000, to be spent over a 2-year grant period to launch new, or expand existing, innovative, early-stage projects. Awardees are eligible for up to an additional $20,000 to be used for individual or organizational capacity building (e.g., coaching, evaluation, expert consultation) to support the project’s future success. The Aviv Foundation will provide grant funding over two consecutive years, with the second year contingent on achieving agreed-upon benchmarks. The first year of funds will be disbursed soon after the awards are announced in Summer 2025 and at the same time in 2026.

Question 2

What will applicants who are not selected receive?

Accepted Answer

We are acutely aware of the need for more funding in the child welfare community. While we will only fund four finalist projects, we plan to promote promising applicants’ work to other potential funders and leaders in the child welfare field.

Question 3

Watch Round 2 Webinar Here.

Accepted Answer

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://springboardprize.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Springboard-Round-2-Webinar.mp4"][/video]

Question 4

How do I submit my second-round application?

Accepted Answer

All invited second-round applications must be submitted through the link provided via email by April 7, 2025 before 11:59 pm Eastern Time. The application form will be available beginning on March 19, 2025 and will be sent to the primary applicant.

Question 5

How will second-round applications be assessed?

Accepted Answer

Applications will be reviewed by the Springboard Prize’s Advisory Committee and the Aviv Foundation team. As was the case in round one, we are looking for ideas that are innovative and achievable, and have the potential to make a meaningful impact. We are especially interested in projects that serve those most affected by the child welfare system, including low-income, Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Additional details can be found on the Eligibility page.

Question 6

Will second-round applications be evaluated differently than first-round applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Second-round applications will have a greater focus on the Scalability and Achievability criteria. However, all information included in your first-round application will continue to inform reviewers’ decision-making to ensure a holistic assessment of each project proposal.

Question 7

When will I be notified if I made it to the second-round application?

Accepted Answer

We will notify all applicants on the status of their application by March 19, 2025.

Question 8

How many more steps will there be in the application process?

Accepted Answer

Following the round-two application, we will have a semi-finalist round that consists of a virtual interview with invited applicants’ project leadership teams. References will also be requested at this time.

Question 9

Can I submit a Letter of Support?

Accepted Answer

No. However, we will solicit up to three references for those applicants invited to participate in a final interview.

Question 10

Do character limits include spaces?

Accepted Answer

Question 11

What are the video requirements?

Accepted Answer

The video provides the team with another opportunity to learn about your project.

Videos do not need to be professional quality, but must be publicly accessible.

Video submission requirements:

Duration: The video must be no longer than 1 minute.
Content: Introduce yourself, explain your idea, and its role in positively impacting the child welfare field.
Format: Web-based that can be accessed by the evaluation team (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive etc.).
Quality: Ensure good audio and video clarity (avoid background noise and poor lighting).
Language: The video must be in English or include subtitles.
Originality: Content must be original and created by the applicant.
No Edits: Minimal editing is allowed; avoid heavy filters, special effects, or background music.
Submission: Upload the video link via the provided application portal before the deadline.
Permissions: Ensure you have the rights to any content used and consent from visible individuals.

Question 12

What is your allowable indirect cost rate on proposal budgets?

Accepted Answer

While we do not have a hard and fast rule, we will generally allow an industry rate. There is no cap on indirect costs. The Springboard Prize for Child Welfare is intended to provide support to awardees to implement their vision for a project. Funds should be spent within the limitations of supporting your early-stage project.

Question 13

Can Springboard Prize awards be used towards lobbying efforts?

Accepted Answer

No. Please note that awarded funds may only be used for 501(c)(3) eligible activities. This means that funds typically may not be used for direct lobbying efforts, although other advocacy activities may be permitted.

Question 14

I am partnering with another organization. How do I ensure that my budget is not disqualified per the Prize’s exclusion of projects that use a subgranting model?

Accepted Answer

While one lead organization may apply in partnership with other organizations, your budget should clarify that both organizations are equally contributing to your proposed project. In the case that the partner organization is unable to receive funds directly, your organization may act as a fiscal sponsor assuming there are no administrative costs associated with managing the funds for the partner organization.

Question 15

Can I subgrant to other organizations (such as through an incubator or prize-within-a-prize)?

Accepted Answer

No. It is not the intention of the Springboard Prize to award funds that would be subsequently sub-granted to other organizations. However, applicants can apply in partnership with other organizations. As stated above, we expect that all listed partners substantively contribute to achieving the project's goals.

Question 16

I still have questions. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

In an effort to center equity across the application process and due to the large number of questions we have received about the Prize, we will not host 1:1 calls with applicants. Instead, please send your questions to springboardprize@avivfoundation.org and we will be happy to answer them! All questions will be reviewed and answered by a core member of the Aviv Team.

FAQ

General FAQ

Round 2 Specific FAQ