For those considering applying for the FY 2024 Good Jobs Challenge, it’s important to understand the requirements around third-party evaluation, which is a critical component of this funding opportunity. If your project is selected for a grant, you may be required to participate in a third-party evaluation funded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA). With $25 million in federal funding available, here is what you need to know:
- Due Date: The deadline for application submission is September 27, 2024.
- Award Amount: EDA anticipates awarding approximately between 5-8 grants ranging from $1 to $8 million. The size of the award available under this FY 2024 Good Jobs Challenge will depend on the proposed geographic, industry, and occupation coverage of a given regional system or partnership.
- Third-Party Evaluation: As a condition of a grant award, grantees are required to participate in an EDA-funded third-party evaluation.
- Select Your Third-Party Evaluator Now (see page 50 of the NOFO): When applying for grants, particularly those as competitive as the FY 2024 Good Jobs Challenge, including the name of your third-party evaluator in your application can significantly strengthen your proposal. Here’s why this practice is beneficial and how it can set your application apart.
Why Name a Third-Party Evaluator?
- Demonstrates Preparedness and Commitment: Naming a third-party evaluator in your grant application shows that you’ve thought ahead about the evaluation process. It signals to the funder that you’re not just focused on securing funding but are also committed to assessing the impact of your program rigorously and transparently. This preparedness can increase the confidence of the funder in your ability to deliver on the project’s goals.
- Strengthens Credibility: By identifying a reputable evaluator, you enhance the credibility of your application. Funders are more likely to trust that your project will be evaluated objectively and accurately if a well-regarded, independent evaluator is involved. This can be particularly important in competitive funding environments where demonstrating accountability and rigor is key.
- Clarifies the Evaluation Plan: Including the name of the evaluator helps clarify your evaluation plan. It shows that you’ve already considered who will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data. This level of detail can make your application stand out, as it provides a clear picture of how you will measure success and make data-driven decisions throughout the project.
- Facilitates Early Collaboration: Naming your evaluator early allows you to establish a working relationship from the outset. This collaboration ensures that the evaluator is familiar with your project’s goals and objectives, which can lead to a more tailored and effective evaluation strategy. Early involvement of the evaluator can also help you refine your project design based on their expertise.
Best Practices for Selecting and Naming an Evaluator
- Choose an Experienced Evaluator: Select an evaluator with a strong track record in the specific area your project addresses. This could be someone with experience in workforce development, economic impact analysis, or another relevant field. (That’s us!)
- Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, briefly outline the evaluator’s qualifications and past experience with similar projects. This not only strengthens your application but also reassures the funder that the evaluation will be in capable hands. (That’s us!)
- Include a Letter of Commitment: If possible, include a letter of commitment from the evaluator as part of your application. This letter can outline their planned role in the project, further demonstrating your readiness and commitment to rigorous evaluation. (We can provide this!)
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