Outputs: We do not seek identification of outputs in your LOI or proposal. Rather, we include this definition so that you may distinguish outputs from outcomes. Outputs are the end product of inputs and activities and should not be confused with outcomes, which are the ultimate desired effect. Some evaluation models refer to outputs as “milestones,” while others lump activities with outputs and call them “objectives.” For models that have a “process” step, outputs are the final one-third of this step. Examples of advocacy outputs include the number of people contacted, town hall meetings held, talking points developed, baseline poll results, volunteers trained, signatures gathered or letters written, reports produced, and curriculum developed.
Benchmarks should be included in your proposal if the ultimate desired outcomes are not achievable in the grant year. Benchmarks are measurable progress indicators that are just beyond the direct control of the program, and are short of victory. They are the results of outputs and often a necessary step toward an ultimate outcome. They are not always included in logic models. Examples of benchmarks within advocacy include, improved poll results, expressions of support, or policy advancement short of passage. An increased individual fundraising base or additional institutional support for the proposed project are also acceptable benchmarks. As with an outcome, a benchmark should be stated in a single sentence with a measurement and time frame.
Outcomes are measurable benefits for people during and after a particular project. They are a portion of mission accomplishment. On a logic model, they result from the inputs, activities, and outputs of an effort. Outcomes should state what change is occurring, how the change will be measured (if other than a single policy change), and a deadline for when the change is expected. There can either be a single outcome, or outcomes can be staged from short- to long-term based on time, degree of control, and degree of impact. Goals can be considered outcomes as long as they are quantifiable, measurable, and beneficial to the desired constituency. Examples of outcomes include the enactment of legislation, corporate policy change, executive orders, and court rulings, all by a certain date. Outcomes should always be stated in a single sentence.
A bibliography of other sources for outcome model information is available by request. Please contact Elizabeth Akalin at StateEqualityFund@gillfoundation.org.
Lobbying : There are two types of lobbying: direct and grassroots. Direct lobbying is communication of any kind expressing a view on specific legislation or ordinances (introduced, proposed, or draft) with a legislator. Grassroots lobbying is communication of any kind expressing a view on specific legislation or ordinances (introduced, proposed, or draft) to the general public with a call to action. For both definitions, “legislators” includes members of city councils, county commissions, state legislatures, United States Congress, executive branch officials who participate in legislative policy, and the general public on a ballot measure. A “call to action” includes urging people to contact a legislator, giving them the means or contact information, or identifying legislators who will vote on the legislation. Certain nonpartisan analysis or requested technical advice can express a view and not be considered lobbying. Communications and efforts directed toward the following are not considered lobbying: businesses for workplace policies, courts for rulings and opinions, NGOs for policies, schools boards for policies, special purpose boards (railroad commissions, oil commissions) for policies, administrative entities for rules and regulations, public chief executive officers (mayor, county executive, governor, President) for executive orders. You may refer to lobbying for context purposes only in your full proposal, if a proposal is invited. No grant dollars may be used for lobbying activities.
Electoral Work: Efforts to support or oppose a candidate for public office, including partisan voter identification work, partisan or single-issue voter guides and voter education, partisan voter registration or efforts in five or fewer states, partisan get-out-the-vote efforts, partisan or single-issue candidate debates or forums, and partisan candidate education are all types of electoral work. The State Equality Fund chooses to treat all voter registration activities as electoral work. Your proposal and all submissions to the State Equality Fund may not mention electoral work. No grant dollars may be used for electoral work.
