Approach to addressing systems-level barriers
Systems-level impact refers to how well the proposal’s solution addresses systems-level barriers to advance structural change.
A system is composed of multiple institutions. For example, the system for ensuring public health includes health agencies at every level of government, labs and hospitals, educational institutions, and private organizations. Meaningful shifts in a system require institutions to change their practices. For that reason, this category assesses the extent to which the proposed solution works with, leverages, and has the potential to shift the work of multiple stakeholders — other nonprofits, policymakers, and commercial interests.
Questions to Ask
- If successful, will this proposal address systems-level barriers and provide opportunities for structural change in the field of social impact it operates within?
- How well does the proposal’s solution leverage and influence the work of existing stakeholders — other nonprofits, policymakers, commercial interests — to address the problem it seeks to solve?
- How strong is the program’s plan for scaling its solution?
0
The proposal has negligible impact on existing policies, institutions, or power structures, and shows little understanding of how to leverage existing efforts. There are no plans for scaling or adapting its work for greater impact.
1
The proposal makes incremental shifts in policies, institutions, or power structures; and has a loose connection to existing efforts. Plans for scaling impact are cursory.
2
The proposal makes demonstrated shifts in policies, institutions, or power structures; and has an established connection to existing efforts. Plans for scaling impact are cursory.
3
The proposal makes notable changes to policies, institutions, or power structures; and complements existing efforts, and includes detailed plans for scaling impact.
4
The proposal makes substantial shifts in policies, institutions, or power structures; and fills a crucial gap in existing efforts. It catalyzes the work of other organizations throughout their field. The proposal outlines a specific strategy for scaling impact and adapting the solution to new contexts.
How to Score This Element
Highest-ranked solutions (3-4) demonstrate an ability to shift policies, institutions, or power structures. Such solutions often build on existing work, and outline strategies for scaling impact and adapting the solution to new contexts. Mid-range proposals (2) may demonstrate an ability to shift certain policies, institutions, or power structures, and have an established connection to existing efforts. However, plans for scaling impact are cursory. Low-scoring proposals (0-1) do not articulate an intended shift in policies, institutions, or power structures. Plans to scale are cursory or nonexistent.