Judging Criteria

The Fisher Service Award recognizes, awards, and celebrates innovative programs that support and strengthen our military and veteran communities. Applications will be evaluated through a two-step process involving the Fisher House Foundation Leadership and an esteemed Judging Panel. This document outlines the evaluation criteria to ensure a fair and thorough assessment of each application.

Evaluation Process

The evaluation will occur in two phases:

  • Phase 1: Fisher House Foundation Leadership
    • Purpose: To perform an initial review of applications based on the established criteria.
    • Outcome: Eligible applications will be forwarded to the Judging Panel for detailed evaluation.
  • Phase 2: Judging Panel
    • Purpose: To conduct a comprehensive assessment of applications based on the established criteria.
    • Outcome: Selection of award recipients based on in-depth evaluations.

Evaluation Criteria

Each application will be evaluated against the following criteria, each carrying an equal weight of 25%. The sequence of criteria does not imply their relative importance.

  1. Program Summary and Problem Statement (25%)
    • Description: The application must provide a detailed overview of the program, including its goals, target audience, and the issue it seeks to address. Fisher House Foundation accepts applications from programs that have not yet begun; however, your program must be able to be operational by March 20, 2026 to be considered.
    • Details to Include:
      1. A clear and concise description of the problem or need being addressed.
      2. An overview of the program’s objectives and strategies.
      3. The relevance and significance of the problem within the context of the target population.
  2. Innovation (25%)
    • Description: The application should explain how the program is innovative and distinct from existing solutions.
    • Details to Include:
      1. Unique features or approaches of the program.
      2. Implementation of novel methods, technologies, or processes.
      3. Demonstrated creativity and originality in addressing the identified problem.
  3. Impact (25%)
    • Description: The application should illustrate the program's impact on the community it serves.
    • Details to Include:
      1. Quantitative and qualitative measures of the program’s success.
      2. Evidence of positive outcomes for the target population.
      3. Long-term benefits and measurable changes resulting from the program.
  4. Budget Narrative and Sustainability (25%)
    • Description: The application should outline the program’s financial management and sustainability plans.
    • Details to Include:
      1. A detailed budget and budget narrative that demonstrates financial stewardship.
      2. Strategies for securing ongoing funding and resources.
      3. Plans for sustaining program operations and impact beyond the award period.

Evaluation Process Details

  • Review Method: Applications will be assessed based on the submitted documentation, including program summaries, budget narratives, and relevant attachments.
  • Scoring: Each criterion will be scored individually, and the cumulative score will determine the ranking of applications.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Fisher House Foundation Leadership: Responsible for the initial review and screening of applications based on the established criteria.
  • Judging Panel: Tasked with performing a detailed evaluation based on the established criteria and making the final selection of awardees.

A Little Kindness Can Change Everything

Fisher House Foundation ranked a Four Star Charity for twenty-one consecutive years.