Peregrine Accelerator 2025 evaluation criteria

Your proposal will be assessed by expert evaluators based on the rubric below. Following the evaluation process, a cohort of selected applicants will be invited to participate in a 6-month accelerator program to further develop their proposal ideas. Regardless of your application status, you will receive thoughtful feedback from the evaluators who review your proposal, with ideas and recommendations for strengthening your project and moving forward.

Evaluation Rubric

Each criterion is comprised of the elements described below it; a high score means a proposal demonstrates most or all of those elements, and a low score means a proposal demonstrates few or none. These criteria are equally weighted, with a maximum score of 5 and a minimum score of 1 for each criterion. In addition to scores, evaluators will be able to provide comments on each criterion, as well as make a final recommendation, raise questions for staff to potentially pursue in the semi-finalist interview process, and include feedback that may not align directly with a specific criterion.

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Designed to deliver multiple benefits**What are multiple benefits? We define multiple benefits as the different positive outcomes generated by a proposed project or approach, which may address multiple objectives across various domains, such as environmental, social, and economic goals. We use “multiple benefits” to emphasize the full spectrum of potential positive outcomes to be derived from a single initiative, and we value different impacts for nature and people equally, rather than prioritizing some outcomes as primary and others and secondary, ancillary, or incidental. For example, restoring a wetland provides multiple benefits such as improved biodiversity, flood control, water filtration, carbon sequestration, and recreational opportunities, and each of these outcomes may be considered primary or equal benefits. for people and nature

  1. The proposed project seeks to deliver outcomes that sustain or enhance biodiversity native to the region
  2. The proposed project seeks to deliver outcomes that increase climate resilience and/or mitigate or adapt to the impacts of climate change for natural systems and human communities
  3. The proposed project seeks to deliver outcomes that support community wellbeing, and that address environmental inequities and injustices if/where they exist
  4. Anticipated outcomes and impacts of the proposed solution are responsive to and will benefit diverse and under-recognized communities; benefits will be equitable in their distribution and impact, with consideration given to both racial and socioeconomic equity
  5. Where the above outcomes are uncertain or not fully defined, the team articulates a desire to explore and expand how their project can deliver positive impact through the Accelerator experience
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Collaborative, inclusive, and community-centered

  1. Frontline communities are meaningfully engaged and will be involved in project development, decision-making, and implementation throughout the lifespan of the proposed project
  2. Multiple ways of knowing and working are recognized and included in the proposed project design, implementation, and impact to drive a textured**What is a textured outcome? A “textured” outcome is nuanced and multidimensional, achieved by incorporating diverse perspectives, approaches, and methodologies. It should reflect that the project is designed to be inclusive and holistic, accounting for the complexity of social, cultural, environmental, and technical factors involved. outcome(s) that is inclusive and contribute to multiple benefits
  3. Where the above relationships and frameworks are lacking or under-developed, the project team recognizes its shortcomings and articulates an authentic desire to intentionally address gaps and opportunities for deeper engagement as part of the Accelerator experience
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Feasible

  1. The team demonstrates the collaborative capacity and stability necessary to work well together and to design and execute the defined, agreed-upon outcome of their specific project; this may be exemplified by an already established protocol, strategy, or other evidence of working together effectively
  2. The team has some track record of success in the region
  3. The team has demonstrable relevant expertise, experience, and relationships that position them for success
  4. The barriers/challenges they enumerate are surmountable, and the team has reasonable expectations of how much the Accelerator can help address them
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Timely and potentially transformative

  1. The proposed project offers a compelling intervention to a context-specific and critical natural resource challenge in the region (you may also consider the outcomes if this project doesn’t get implemented)
  2. The value-add of the proposed project for both people and place is new or complementary/additive to other efforts in the region, rather than duplicative or competitive
  3. The target landscape, species, or natural resource is of significant conservation value (including but not limited to characteristics such as habitat, cultural significance, landscape connectivity, or ecosystem services) and is under threat