Loan Assistance

In addition to financial need and employment eligibility, selection is based on the following qualitative criteria:

Caliber of Position

• Level of responsibility and level of need for this type of position in the community.
• Function of the role aligned with the social impact of the organization.
• Managerial opportunity and opportunity for managerial development, particularly jobs that require business and managerial skills gained at HBS.
• Opportunity to produce significant, sustained benefits for the employer within these goals.

Job Fit

• Match of the applicant's background and previous experience.
• Applicant's ability to succeed in the position.

Commitment & Long-Term Goals

• Commitment to the relevant industry or sector.
• Alignment of applicant's long-term career goals with job.

Additional criteria

For applicants working at for-profit social enterprises (either founding or joining):

• Social Impact: The social problem you are trying to solve and the specific impact of your solution. [Social impact must be the primary focus of the work of the organization and your role. We will evaluate the likelihood of making a substantial contribution toward the solution of the issue the organization seeks to address; and that the organization can be sustained for a period of time consistent with achieving the desired social impact.]
• Performance Measurement: Specific indicators or outcomes you are tracking or plan to track for social impact. [We will evaluate that there is a practical approach to milestones and organizational outcome measurement, and a clear plan to deliver high performance and measurable social impact.]

For founders (of nonprofit or for-profit social enterprises):

• Social Impact: The social problem you are trying to solve and the specific impact of your solution. [Social impact must be the primary focus of the work of the organization and your role. We will evaluate the likelihood of making a substantial contribution toward the solution of the issue the organization seeks to address; and that the organization can be sustained for a period of time consistent with achieving the desired social impact.]
• People: Size and scope of team, including information on full-time employees, advisors, and partnerships. [We will evaluate whether the team has the relevant skills, contacts, industry knowledge, and experience.]
• Resources: Establishment of an operating budget for current calendar year and projected budget for next calendar year; identified funding sources. [We will evaluate if the funding plan is sensible in terms of capital required to operate; funding sources are identified and a plan for securing investments is articulated.]
• Performance Measurement: Specific indicators or outcomes you are tracking or plan to track for social impact. [We will evaluate that there is a practical approach to milestones and organizational outcome measurement, and a clear plan to deliver high performance and measurable social impact.]
• Salary: Current salary from your organization and projected timing/amounts for increases. [We will evaluate your ability to receive a salary from the organization you founded, for the sustainability of the organization.]

For applicants working in impact investing: explain the investment thesis for the fund, your role in the fund, and impact of the investments.