How PIFA Projects Get Funded

You give. We amplify. Changemakers lead.

PIFA is powered by the collective generosity of GMS alumni and community donors — and fueled by the belief that every dollar ane very vote can spark real change.

THE MODEL

A two-phase evaluation that combines merit and community

PIFA uses a unique two-phase evaluation model. After applications are submitted, a panel of independent reviewers assesses all applications and selects the strongest projects as finalists. Then, the broader community participates in a fundraising and voting campaign — where every dollar donated is also a vote. The projects with the most community support receive funding.

STEP BY STEP

How it works

PIFA Process — Scholars Equity Network
1
Phase 1
Apply
GMS alumni and endorsed individuals submit project proposals during the application window.
2
Phase 1
Merit review
All applications go through a rigorous merit-based review by a panel of independent, volunteer reviewers. The strongest proposals advance to a cohort of finalists — selected on the quality of their vision and fit, not on fundraising ability.
3
Phase 2
Community votes
Finalists are introduced to the broader community. Anyone can donate to PIFA and vote for the projects they believe in — every $1 donated equals one vote. You can split your votes across multiple projects or put them all behind one.
How donations are distributed:
  • If a project meets its fundraising goal, it keeps 100% of its budget, plus 30% of any surplus as a bonus. The remaining 70% of any surplus goes into the shared PIFA Pool.
  • If a project falls short of its goal, all donations raised for that project go into the PIFA Pool, which is used to fund the top vote-getters.
4
Phase 2
Top projects awarded
When the voting window closes, the projects with the highest vote totals are prioritized for funding from the PIFA Pool. The number of projects funded each cycle depends on the total amount raised by the community — the more donors give, the more changemakers we can support.
Every cycle

No donation goes to waste. Whether your chosen project receives funding or not, your contribution supports PIFA changemakers. All donations go toward the shared PIFA Pool, which funds the top community-supported projects each cycle.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

PIFA FAQ — Scholars Equity Network
How do I vote?
During the Phase 2 voting window, click the "Donate to Vote" button under any finalist project. Each $1 donation = 1 vote. You can vote as many times as you'd like and split your support across multiple projects.
When does voting happen?
Voting takes place during Phase 2, after finalists are announced. Dates vary by cycle — check the PIFA page for current cycle timing.
How many projects get funded?
There is no fixed number. The projects with the most community votes are prioritized for funding, and the number funded each cycle depends on how much the community raises together. The more donors participate, the more changemakers we can support.
How are funded projects selected?
All finalists have already passed a rigorous Phase 1 merit review. In Phase 2, the projects with the highest vote totals are prioritized for funding from the PIFA Pool. Voting results reflect genuine community investment in the changemakers and projects people believe in most.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. SEN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You'll receive a receipt for tax purposes.
Why don't I see project budgets?
We focus on merit and community impact, not budget size. Keeping budgets private ensures the best ideas rise to the top based on their vision and potential — not because they're the cheapest or most expensive option. It also ensures that the community validates which projects they believe in, independent of cost.
Can I vote for multiple projects?
Yes. You can split your votes across multiple changemakers or focus all your support on one project.
What if I want to fully sponsor a specific project?
We welcome direct sponsorship conversations. While community voting determines which projects are prioritized for funding, we're happy to discuss sponsorship options for donors interested in supporting a specific project. Contact us at admin@scholarsequity.org.

Community voting is a central part of how PIFA identifies the projects most supported by our network. However, all final award decisions are made by Scholars Equity Network (SEN) in its sole discretion. SEN reserves the right to consider factors beyond vote totals (project feasibility, applicant eligibility, and available funding) when determining which projects receive awards in any given cycle. SEN reserves the right to disqualify or rescind any award in the event of misrepresentation, fraud, or material omission in an application or related materials. SEN's exercise of final authority will be communicated transparently to the community.

All contributions made through this campaign are charitable donations to Scholars Equity Network (SEN) in support of our exempt mission. Donors may vote for projects with their contribution, and we take these votes seriously as a strong expression of community priorities. SEN retains full discretion and control over the use of all donated funds to ensure they are used exclusively for charitable purposes. Projects that receive funding must comply with SEN's charitable guidelines, and in all cases final funding decisions rest with SEN. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.