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With so much of what you fund changing, why are you continuing to support RADP II and LCODF II?
These two programs fit within the larger goal of developing leaders and engaging communities in solving problems. We know from research that people who are engaged in the arts tend to be more creatively engaged in the larger community. We also know that arts and culture can provide powerful insights and connections that help people to better understand complex issues and see common ground. Both of these programs support organizations with the creativity and potential community connections to advance some of our work. And so we see RADP II and LCODF II as having a strong role as we strive to meet our goal that 75% of people in the three-state region believe their communities are effective at solving problems.
As we have stated, we are honoring the commitment the Foundation has made to RADP II and LCODF II, and these programs will continue to accept new applications until 2014 and 2015, respectively.
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Given your new goals, what changes do you foresee in RADP II and LCODF II and when do you anticipate implementing them?
We don’t have preconceived notions about the specific program adjustments. The Foundation also has a history of seeking input from RADP and LCODF program participants to provide ideas and insights about how the programs might evolve to better meet Bush Foundation goals while maintaining relevance to the missions and work of the participating organizations. As in the past, we will include program participants in consultative processes that will lead to the program changes. We anticipate that the planning will begin in the fall and parallel the Foundation’s further planning. We anticipate that program adjustments will be completed and in place by the end of calendar 2009. We will be in touch with program participants soon with more details.
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So what does that mean for current program participants that were admitted under the old rules of each program?
We’ll honor commitments to current program participants—specifically, those completing terms in RADP I, those already admitted under RADP II, those completing LCODF I grants and those that have received LCODF II grants.
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What about organizations that have expressed interest in submitting letters of intent for the September 1 deadline for LCODF II?
The letter of intent deadline will occur as stated under the current guidelines for LCODF II. If you have several ideas or priorities, however, you might consider choosing one you think might be most strongly aligned with our new goal of leadership and community engagement as described here.
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What about subsequent letter of intent deadlines for LCODF II?
We anticipate we will involve LCODF II participants in a consultative process to see how the program may be adjusted to meet the Foundation’s new goals. We hope that through the planning process it will become evident whether the program guidelines will change for the April 1, 2009, or the September 1, 2009, submission deadlines. At this point, the current guidelines will remain in effect until we announce changes sometime in 2009.
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| Q. |
Will there be a preliminary proposal round for RADP II in November 2008?
Yes. The preliminary proposals are due, as stated in current guidelines, on November 15, 2008. The preliminary proposal review criteria and process remain in effect until we adjust the program. |
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How will the Foundation involve RADP II participants in the program changes?
We anticipate focusing the fall RADP II convening on this work. RADP II Peer Learning Facilitator Janet Brown will be contacting you via the listserv to identify potential dates in November for this convening. We hope to get you more details on structure and content by September 15. Program adjustments would likely be announced sometime in spring 2009 and be incorporated into guidelines for all existing and potential RADP II participants by fall 2009.
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If my organization was admitted to RADP II in 2008, will we still follow the existing guidelines?
Yes, nothing has changed until we announce the revised guidelines.
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My organization is currently under review for RADP II admission in 2008. What does this mean for my proposal’s consideration?
We will review your proposal according to the current RADP II review process and the Bush Foundation Board will act on the proposal at its November 2008 meeting.
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| Q. |
Who should we contact if we have questions?
If your questions are specifically about RADP (I and II) or LCODF (I and II), you can contact Nancy Fushan. If you have general comments/concerns or questions related to the overall goals, you can send them to newdirection@bushfoundation.org and we will respond within 24 hours. |
