II. Types of Projects to be Considered:
The Horse Industry Board will review and support efforts that address the promotion and economic development of the horse industry in Virginia as described in the Virginia Horse Industry Board’s strategic plan. Projects will be considered in the areas of education, research, and marketing.
III. Eligibility:
Applicants must demonstrate a proven ability and experience to carry out elements of the proposed project. Those applicants proposing to rely on the expertise of another individual or organization to undertake any part of the project must clearly define the responsibilities of the party and provide evidence of that party’s ability to achieve that area of responsibility.
IV. Proposal Format:
1. Proposals to be considered by the Virginia Horse Industry Board should be prepared as follows.
- Title: This should be a concise, specific project definition.
- Date: This should list the proposed initiation date for the project.
- Project Length/Timeframes: This should contain the proposed timeframe to complete the objectives of the project. Projects are limited to 3 years. [Grants are awarded only on a yearly basis. Applicants must re-apply each year.]
- Objectives: Clear, concise, logically arranged statements should define the purpose of the project.
- Justification/Practical Importance: Brief statements should indicate the importance of the project to the Virginia horse industry and explain how the project will impact the industry on a statewide basis.
- Background: Several brief paragraphs should outline the existing research or information on the project.
- Procedures: One to two paragraphs should outline the working plans and methods that will be used to achieve each objective.
- Personnel: Brief descriptions of the project leader as well as additional persons who will work on the project should be included.
- Other Cooperating Entities: Any governmental, agricultural, or equine-related organization as well as any other entity that will be cooperating in the project should be listed.
- Additional Funding Sources: Cost sharing by other organizations or entities is encouraged and additional funding sources (anticipated or in hand) should be listed with the amounts indicated.
- Budget: A total budget must be provided, as well as a year-by-year breakdown including salaries and operating costs. Project costs should be broken down as well. For example, if seeking seminar sponsorship, list each specific program area [and the dollar amount] that Board funding would be used for [speaker expenses, printed materials, etc.].
Note: Although funding is guaranteed only for the first year of a project, subsequent year funding should be estimated and included. The applicant needs to re-apply annually.
2. Fifteen (15) copies of the original project proposal must be received by 12p.m. (noon), March 1, 2010. This is an absolute deadline. No extensions or exemptions will be granted. Faxed proposals, corrections, or addenda will not be accepted.
Project proposals should be forwarded to:
Virginia Horse Industry Board
c/o Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
102 Governor Street, Room #318
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Questions can be addressed to the
Program Manager, 804/786-5842.
3. Proposals are limited to five pages (8 ½" x 11"), typed double-spaced.
4. Signature/Notarization: The project leader is required to sign the original proposal. The original proposal must be notarized and include the notary’s stamp.
5. Review Procedure and Selection Criteria: Projects are divided into three categories: education, research, and marketing. Proposals are then reviewed by the corresponding Board Committee. The Board will then meet and vote as a whole according to the recommendations for funding by each Committee.
V. Evaluation Criteria:
Projects will be evaluated on the following weights:
- 50% = Value/benefit of the outcome of the project to the Virginia Horse Industry
- 10% = Written presentation [including work plan & timeframes]
- 15% = Cost-effectiveness of project & financial co-sponsorship by other entities
- 25% = Credentials & experience of project staff
___
100%
Grant recipients will be notified within 60 days following the Board’s decision (which is generally made in April).
VI. Awarding of Monies:
Grants $4,000 and under will be awarded as a lump sum. A six-month interim written report {text and financial} will be required in addition to a final report at the conclusion of the proposed project or event.
Grants over $4,000 will be awarded on a quarterly basis throughout the fiscal year upon presentation of the appropriate invoices and paperwork for that time period. Research projects will be awarded on a similar basis upon submission of budget reports through the institution’s office of sponsored programs or a similar office. A six-month interim written report {text and financial} and a final report at the conclusion of the project will also be required.
Failure to file interim and final reports may result in termination of current funding and/or elimination from future grant consideration.
Monies will be reimbursed only for those categories and for the dollar amounts as specifically outlined in the original grant proposal budget. Final paperwork must be submitted to the Virginia Horse Industry Board 30 days before the close of the fiscal year, which is June 30th.
Monies will not be awarded for:
1) Tuition Reimbursement
2) Salaries
3) Equipment
4) Any Type of Construction Project
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