How to Apply – and Connect

For foundations and other possible collaborators, feel free to call Ruth Schimel for an exploratory phone chat. 202.659.1772

Step One

For Prospective Participants (aka recipients of pro bono consulting services and seed money): When your idea or vision relates well to the information on our home page and other relevant aspects of The Schimel Lode website, we look forward to receiving your inquiry. Please follow closely the four bullets below. E-mail you inquiry to [email protected] Alert: We avoid supporting current efforts and duplicating similar or closely related ideas already in our area or elsewhere.

Your focused inquiry of no more than two pages must include a:

summary of your original idea or vision
very brief explanation of why you want to do this, including its purpose and proposed outcomes
mention of main skills and experience supporting your capacity to do this work
bulleted list of specific seed money and consulting services you’d want

If your inquiry does not seem to relate to our approach, we’ll inform you as promptly as possible so you can connect elsewhere.

Step Two

When a good match with the Lode’s approach seems possible, we’ll invite you for a conversation and/or request a longer description for review by our Board and relevant collaborators. For your information, following is the description of well-focused information we may request. Please keep it to less than 10 pages and avoid boilerplate.

short description of what you want to do and its purpose
what is unique about it or how it differs from or builds beyond extant efforts by others
basic action plan outline from start to finish (Include enough flexibility and focus for specific, viable action, as well as to adjust for natural challenges along the way. In other words, how would you address nonlinear as well as linear aspects and plan for possible roadblocks?)
your team and their relevant skills, backgrounds, experience, and interests
processes for communicating with the Lode Board about your progress and issues (e.g. meeting benchmarks, problem-solving, and honoring your commitment to the memo of understanding)
specific measurable and qualitative outcomes, with basic methodology, that are likely and sustainable
potential for applications of your approach elsewhere
anticipated budget and how specific money and Lode consulting opportunities will be used

We appreciate your interest and attention to our guidelines.