Drishtipat Challenge Guidelines

TO ENTER:

A. Assemble a team (optional), develop and submit an entry that defines a solution for a development challenge in Bangladesh. Examples of such challenges include any category of human development work including, but not limited to, human rights, social entrepreneurship, healthcare delivery, environmental safety, basic education, etc. Projects based on underserved human rights issues may get a favorable consideration.

First submit an executive summary which must briefly explain in 350 words or less the problem your project will address and how your solution will help to solve or mitigate it. Contestants must include in their summary a statement as to why they believe their idea is a winning solution. Solutions can include ideas that you’ve already submitted for loans/grants to groups other than Drishtipat, as long as you clearly indicate any other source of funding you have already secured or may be eligible for.

 A checklist for what to include on the online registration form available at http://drishtipat.org/dpchallenge:

 Executive summary submissions should be made as soon as possible. We anticipate detailed proposals will be submitted after initial ideas are selected, and fund awards will be made by end of May 2008.

 B. Based on our review of the Executive Summary, a shortlist of finalists will be invited to submit detailed proposals via email or other appropriate channels. The list of finalists will be updated on http://drishtipat.org/dpchallengeon a rolling basis.

 C. Finalists must submit a detailed business proposal. Mail your submission to dpchallenge@drishtipat.org as soon as possible after you are notified of being selected as a Finalist. Be certain to follow the online instructions for submission. Final Round detailed proposals should be no longer than 5-10 pages in length and should include the following:

RECOMMENDED - Microsoft WORD, Microsoft Powerpoint, PDF, jpeg, gif or mpeg format containing any supporting documentation, as defined in the above Finalist Submission Form. Submissions in Bangla are also welcome if that is more convenient.

 All detailed proposals can be mailed to Drishtipat at dpchallenge@drishtipat.org. We expect all awards to be finalized by end May 2008, so please submit your detailed proposals as soon as possible.

 Candidates for award may be required to present their ideas on a conference call or at a mutually convenient meeting if logistically feasible to arrange. Teams may be required to submit additional material in support of their project proposals. Drishtipat will not bear the cost of any travel or other costs related to creating or presenting the project proposals.
 D. Drishtipat Challenge judges are eligible to submit proposals or collaborate with others on project ideas. Full disclosure of any such proposals will be made at the http://drishtipat.org/dpchallenge.

 A person is eligible to enter multiple ideas, as well as participate in and lead multiple teams. Contestants are welcome and encouraged to team up with colleagues to develop and solidify individual entries The Challenge administrators reserve the right to remove teams or individuals for disciplinary or legal reasons related or unrelated to the Challenge.

JUDGING:

A. All eligible entries received will be reviewed by a panel of judges whose decisions on all matters relating to this competition are final. Proposals will be evaluated based on whether or not they meet the challenge criteria posted in the Challenge Guidelines. Proposals that will be likely rejected include those that do not meet the challenge criteria; those that are not practical in terms of the solutions, scope, and costs; and those where benefits and sustainable growth are not clear.

 B. Detailed Proposals will be based on evaluation in the following focus areas:

CONTACTS:

Finalists and projects eventually selected for award will be posted at http://drishtipat.org/dpchallenge. Email all contest-related questions to dpchallenge@drishtipat.org. If you do not have access to email, you may contact us by writing Drishtipat Challenge at the contact address below.

FUNDING:

A. One or more projects may be funded by the Drishtipat Challenge. Each project will be provided a loan aimed at meeting business expansion and operational costs, and in compelling cases may be used for startup costs. The total number of projects receiving awards will be restricted by the amount of total funds available to Drishtipat, which for 2008 is US$25,000. The loan will be provided in one disbursement immediately following the competition, unless a project has unique needs. Drishtipat may decide to disburse portions of the loan based on the project team meeting initial success milestones. All funds will be paid in Bangladeshi currency and drawn on Bangladeshi registered bank accounts.

FINALLY:

All applicable federal, state and local governmental rules and regulations apply.
 Entry constitutes permission for Drishtipat and its affiliates to use grant recipient’s names in public forums, websites or press releases, unless prohibited by law. By accepting a grant, winners agree to hold Drishtipat, its Officers and Members harmless against any and all claims and liability arising out of use or a receipt of grant.

 Drishtipat reserves the right in their sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend this request for proposals. In the event of termination, a notice will be posted online. Drishtipat reserves the right to modify the process or disqualify any participant or voter if a fraud, misconduct or technical failure affects the integrity of the process as determined by Drishtipat, in its sole discretion.

 Drishtipat is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization registered in the State of New York. For more information visit www.drishtipat.org


 Void where prohibited by law.