To encourage a learning community in which program ideas are generated from and developed by members, GCYF has developed a Call for Program Ideas through which members are encouraged to submit new program ideas relevant to children, youth, and family philanthropy. This process is intended to gather new ideas from GCYF membership, as well as to identify affinities and opportunities for collaboration between GCYF members and other grantmakers.

Deadlines:
Although program ideas will be accepted and considered throughout the year, please submit ideas at least two months in advance of any suggested timeline for implementation. In addition, the following deadlines for submissions are suggested:  

Idea Submitted by:	To Be Implemented by:
July 31	October – December or later
October 24	January – April or later
December 31	May – July or later

Note: During the months of August and September, programming typically revolves around the GCYF Annual Conference. Program ideas submitted for implementation in these months will be considered but are less likely to be accepted due to scheduling conflicts.   

Types of Programming Opportunities & Focus Areas: 
In addition to the Annual Conference, GCYF’s main programming includes a combination of learning formats that are tailored to each topic and issue. Before submitting your program idea, we recommend that you review GCYF's current and recent programs and learn more about the types of programs we offer:

Learning Areas
Learning Summits
Conference Calls/Webinars
Annual Conference
Publications

Not sure how you want to get your idea across to your grantmaking colleagues? GCYF can speak from years of programming experience to help you identify the best way to implement your idea. We also can help you shape a variety of programming opportunities, from a one-time event to a series of events that build on each other.  

Eligibility:
While all proposals will be considered, ideas submitted by GCYF members will take priority over non-member submissions. 

Colleagues from grantmaking affinity groups and regional associations of grantmakers also are encouraged to submit ideas in order to facilitate collaboration across grantmaking populations and interest areas.

Idea Review & Selection:
All program ideas will be reviewed by the GCYF Board of Directors, staff and other GCYF leaders who assist us in developing GCYF’s annual program calendar.

Please note that all proposals will be considered, although there is no guarantee that proposals without an identified funding source can be implemented or implemented within requested time frames. For this reason, we strongly encourage proposals that involve “big ideas” that can be implemented effectively with minimal funds.

Upon receiving a submission, GCYF will follow-up to alert proposal contacts of the review process and the review committee's decision.  

Questions:
If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact GCYF at (301) 589-GCYF or info@gcyf.org.   

Submit your idea today!
Download and complete the idea proposal form below. Submit your ideas by:

• Faxing the completed form to (301) 589-4289
  or

• E-mailing the completed form as a Word document attachment to info@gcyf.org.

Thank you for your interest!