The FedEx Award for Innovations in Disaster Preparedness Guidelines

InterAction and FedEx are pleased to announce The FedEx Award for Innovations in Disaster Preparedness to recognize an innovative intervention that reduces communities vulnerability to hazards or natural disasters and increases their capacity to prevent or cope with such adverse events. InterAction and FedEx aim to promote and share innovative ideas on how to improve disaster preparedness. We are seeking innovative examples of interventions that increase awareness; build capacity and knowledge; promote community involvement; foster collaboration between civil society and local governments and the private sector; and/or mainstream disaster preparedness activities.

How to Apply
What is disaster preparedness? InterAction defines disaster preparedness as efforts that seek to reduce the human and economic losses associated with hazards or natural disasters by reducing communities vulnerability to natural disasters and/or increasing their capacity to prevent or cope with such adverse events. Sample activities include the establishment or strengthening of early warning systems; disaster response training; development of disaster preparedness plans; installation of drainage systems for flood mitigation; improving infrastructure such as roads and communications to facilitate post-disaster response; and strengthening building codes. What is an innovation? An innovation is an approach or technique new to its context or setting that shows the potential to address the challenges in disaster situations and can therefore lead to safeguarding or improving peoples lives. Who is eligible to apply? Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations implementing disaster preparedness interventions in the developing world. Submission Process The online submission form is available at http://www.interaction.org/document/fed-ex-awardinnovations-disaster-preparedness or by email request to Danielle, dheiberg@interaction.org. The submission window is open from April 29-June 30, 2013. Incomplete applications or applications received after June 30, 2013 will not be considered. How will submissions be evaluated? Submissions will be evaluated by a selection committee composed of representatives from InterAction

member organizations and non-member experts. Individuals serving on the committee will have expertise in a variety of areas related to disaster preparedness and disaster response. What will be the evaluation criteria? Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Effectiveness/evidence of success: Evidence is provided demonstrating the impact of the intervention to increase awareness; build capacity and knowledge; promote community involvement; foster collaboration between civil society, local governments and the private sector; and/or mainstream disaster preparedness activities. (50% of total score) Sustainability: Information is provided describing the steps taken or mechanisms put in place to ensure that the intervention will be socially, financially and environmentally sustainable in the long-term. (15% of total score) Equitable outcomes for women and men: Evidence is provided to document that the intervention enables or facilitates the participation of, and result in, equitable benefits for both women and men. (15% of total score) Efficiency/cost-effectiveness: Evidence is provided demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to traditional disaster preparedness interventions. (10% of total score) Replicability/adaptability: Information is provided documenting how the intervention has been or could be replicated or adapted in other settings; or how the intervention could expand operations based on demonstrated success in its pilot or phase one areas of operation. (10% of total score) Award One intervention will be recognized at an award ceremony in Washington, DC in October 2013. The winning intervention will receive $10,000 to be managed by the submitting organization. Travel expenses for one representative from the winning project will be paid for by InterAction.* The organization will be required to submit a progress report of how the funding was used within one year of receiving the award, as well as provide written materials for promotion of the award. Timeline Submissions available: April 29, 2013 Deadline for submissions: June 30, 2013 Winner contacted: August 19, 2013 Winner Announced: October 2013 in Washington, DC All submitted interventions may be featured on InterActions website, NGO Aid Map and related marketing materials. * InterAction will cover one round trip coach airfare to Washington, DC; airport transfer (up to $100); hotel accommodations up to three nights in Washington, DC; and the per diem rate of $71 per day to cover food, taxi and miscellaneous costs.