Susan G. Baker and Elizabeth Boyle Innovation Fund

Geographic Scope: United States

Background: Established in honor of two co-founders and longest-serving board members, this fund supports people with lived experience of homelessness in their pursuit of innovative professional and creative endeavors. The fund aligns with a deep commitment to ending homelessness and investment in the aspirations of people who have experienced homelessness.

Focus Areas

Professional Endeavors:

• Specialized training in pursuit of a professional endeavor
• Seed funding to start a small business or innovative project (website development, marketing materials, licensing/certification costs, operational expenses)
• Funding to increase capacity of established professional projects (hiring staff, investing in technology/tools, marketing, conference attendance for networking)
• Funding for research materials, software, data collection, travel expenses for field work, and publication costs

Creative Endeavors:

• Specialized training in pursuit of a creative endeavor
• Support for producing works of art (visual arts, literature, film, music)
• Support for writing, editing, and publishing books (including self-publishing costs)
• Funding to stage performances, concerts, and art exhibitions

Eligibility

• Must have experienced homelessness in the past
• Must not be a current member of the Alliance's Community Strategic Team
• Applicants must be pursuing a professional or creative endeavor

Award Details

• Award Amount: Up to $25,000 per individual
• Spending Timeline: Funds must be spent within two years of receiving the grant
• Tax Implications: Funding may be considered taxable income depending on grantee's circumstances

Grantee Commitments

• Attend one Alliance conference over the two-year grant period (at Alliance's expense)
• Engage with Alliance staff for interim project updates as scheduled
• Submit requested reports electronically via bbfund@naeh.org as scheduled
• Consent to Alliance to publicize the grant or award

Alliance Commitments

• Provide complimentary registration to one Alliance conference
• Provide transportation support (up to $750)
• Provide three nights of hotel accommodation
• Provide clear timeline and templates for reporting deadlines
• Promote grantee's work through appropriate channels (social media, newsletters, events)

Contact Information

For any inquiries or assistance regarding the application process, contact bbfund@naeh.org

Step 1: Review Materials

• Review the Susan G. Baker and Elizabeth Boyle Innovation Fund Application (PDF)
• Review Sample Application for Professional Endeavors
• Review Sample Application for Creative Endeavors
• Review Sample Outline for Recommendation Letters

Step 2: Complete Application

• Complete the grant application form in full
• Note: Only fully completed applications will be considered. Incomplete applications will be automatically disqualified.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Materials

• Prepare recommendation letters following the Sample Outline for Recommendation Letters
• Compile all supporting documentation as requested in application

Step 4: Submit Application

• Submit the completed application and all supporting materials via email
• Email: bbfund@naeh.org
• Deadline: December 30, 2024 by 11:59 p.m. ET

Step 5: Virtual Presentation (if selected)

• If selected as a final candidate, complete a virtual presentation and interview with the selection committee
• Timeline: January 21–29, 2025

Selection Process and Criteria

Review Process:
The Alliance will conduct a formal review using a cross-functional team of staff, Community Strategic Team members, and Board members.

Scoring Criteria:
The team will assign numeric scores to each project narrative question. Scored criteria include:

• Clarity and feasibility of project proposal
• Impact of the project on the applicant's profession or creative goals
• Budget justification and alignment with the project's objectives
• Demonstrated commitment to the pursuit of the project
• Demonstrated plan for sustainability of the work beyond this funding

Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Important Dates

• October 24, 2024, 3–4 p.m. ET - Informational Webinar
• November 7, 2024, 3–4 p.m. ET - Office Hour
• December 18, 2024, 3–4 p.m. ET - Office Hour
• December 30, 2024 - Applications due (11:59 p.m. ET)
• January 21–29, 2025 - Virtual presentations and interviews with final candidates
• January 31, 2025 - Applicants notified of award/decline status
• February 15, 2025 - Project Implementation Begins
• February 26–28, 2025 - Alliance's Innovation and Solutions for Ending Unsheltered Homelessness Conference
• August 30, 2025 - Interim Project Update 1 (virtual meeting/call)
• April 30, 2026 - Interim Project Update 2
• January 31, 2027 - Project Implementation Ends
• February 28, 2027 - Final report due

Reporting Requirements

• Interim Updates: Grant recipients must participate in two brief interim project update calls over the two-year grant period to identify obstacles and adjustments needed
• Final Report: Submit a brief report upon project completion outlining how funds were utilized and outcomes achieved
• Submission Method: Reports submitted electronically via bbfund@naeh.org

Disbursement of Funds

Funds will be disbursed in two installments:

• First Installment: 75% disbursed 2–4 weeks after Alliance receipt of signed grant agreement
• Second Installment: 25% disbursed after completion of first interim project update