11th Hour Racing’s 2016 Request for Proposals
Improving Ocean Health through Sailing, Innovation, and Stewardship
Organization Description
11th Hour Racing is a w o r k i n g program of The Schmidt Family Foundation, based in Newport, Rhode
Island. We are committed to mobilizing the sailing and marine communities to create systemic change
for the improved health of our oceans. Fostering environmentally sustainable practices on and off the water
is critical and the sailing industry is an important conduit to the preservation of our ocean and its vital
resources. Recognizing the unique platform offered by the sailing and marine industries, we see the
opportunity these communities present to advance innovative practices, promote sustainable initiatives, and
to develop new ways to use resources in a more responsible manner. 11th Hour Racing seeks not only to
drive change in the sailing and marine industries, but also to facilitate a more responsible use of energy and
resources among the private sector, governments, and individuals.
At 11th Hour Racing, we engage natural advocates for the health of our oceans and waterways: the sailing
community and the maritime industries, each of which rely on our waters intimately for their livelihood and
recreation. Our vision for the future is one where the oceans are cleaner and healthier because sailors and
coastal communities are strong ocean stewards helping to improve and protect our oceans, and sustainable
practices and technology are widely utilized throughout sailing and maritime industries ranging from
increased use of renewable energy, a reduction of waste and plastics going into both landfills and into the
ocean, and improved water quality nearshore and offshore.
Project Description
11th Hour Racing’s 2016 Request for Proposals seeks to advance innovative projects that improve the health
of our oceans and address the dynamic environmental challenges facing the sailing and marine communities.
We are currently seeking Letters of Interest for projects that align with 11th Hour Racing’s program strategy
to advance one or more of our program’s focus areas:
• Support and promote solutions that reduce ocean pollution;
• Advance clean technologies and best practices that reduce the environmental impact of the sailing
industry and maritime communities; and
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Educate and foster ocean stewardship amongst sailing and coastal communities.
Strong consideration will be given to: projects that involve collaborations and stakeholder
engagement; model best practices; can demonstrate measurable outcomes in a one-year timeframe; and
share successes broadly. For anything we fund, and especially demonstration projects or place-based work,
we would like to see opportunities for broader impact through replicating or scaling.
Examples of potential projects include but are not limited to:
Reducing Ocean Pollution: Innovative efforts that foster stakeholder engagement around
reducing ocean pollution, showcase a new approach to addressing coastal pollution, or increase
action within communities. Does not include: community beach clean ups, storm water education,
or agricultural runoff.
Advancing Clean Technologies & Best Practices: Efforts that advance emerging methods,
equipment, and/or technologies that reduce the environmental footprint of the sailing-related
activities; environmentally responsible vessel disposal methods or construction materials; sailmaking material alternatives or processes; alternative hull paints; or academic research that
informs or advances initiatives that reduce the environmental footprint of the sailing and marine
communities. Does not include: policy development; proven technologies (i.e. conventional solar
photovoltaic), advertising.
Ocean Stewardship: Outreach and educational initiatives for sailors of any age focused on
improving knowledge of ocean health issues and best practices. Target audiences may include:
professional or amateur sailors, maritime industry members, or waterfront communities.
Emphasis will be given to projects focused on innovative communication campaigns, citizen
science, and new methods of engagement. Does not include: curriculum development; or general
funding for educational programming.
Evaluation Criteria
All Letters of Intent submitted will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
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Environmental impact: magnitude of the project’s environmental benefits
Sailing and marine community engagement: level of outreach to or involvement with the sailing and
marine community
Capacity and Organizational Expertise: organizational capacity and qualifications necessary to
implement the proposed project
Innovation and Creativity: how unique the project is or the methodology used
Feasibility of implementation: technological, financial, and political factors that may influence
success of the project
11th Hour Racing 2016 Request for Proposals
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Available Funding
11th Hour Racing support can be allocated to project, operating, and/or capital expenses. 11th Hour
Racing anticipates awarding a total of $150,000 in funding through this solicitation, with individual grant
awards ranging between $10,000- $40,000.
Eligibility
We will prioritize projects led by 501c3 organizations but other types of entities may apply as long as the
proposed project addresses one or more of 11th Hour Racing’s strategic goals outlined above.
Projects seeking funding for political advocacy, lobbying, litigation, fundraising, or legally mandated
mitigation projects are not eligible. This process is only open to organizations that are not currently
receiving funding from 11th Hour Racing. Previous grantees are welcome to apply.
Application
Letters of Interest must be submitted electronically using this Google Form by May 2, 2016 prior to 11:59
PM EST. All submissions must contain the following information:
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Organization Name & Website
Point of Contact
Amount of Funding Requested
Total Budget of Project
Short Description of Proposed Project describing the following:
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Scope and purpose of project;
Anticipated outcomes of this project by the end of the 1-year grant;
Brief methodology or approach that will be used to attain outcomes;
How this project supports 11th Hour Racing's goal of transforming and/or leveraging the
sailing and marine communities for the betterment of the marine environment; and
Partners or collaborators on the project.
Based off the Letters of Interest received, a number of projects will be selected to submit full proposals.
11th Hour Racing anticipates awarding a total of $150,000 in funding through this solicitation, with
individual grant awards ranging between $10,000- $40,000.
RFP Process
The anticipated timeline for the RFP process is as follows:
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April 4, 2016: RFP Issued
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May 2, 2016: Letters of Interest Due
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June 15, 2016: Invitations Issued for Full Grant Proposal Submission
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July 13, 2016: Submission of Full Grant Proposal Due
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August 2016: Grant Award Notification
Questions? Please submit your questions here. All questions will be answered and made publically
available on the same page within five business days. Similar questions will be combined.
11th Hour Racing 2016 Request for Proposals
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