Here’s a list of 16 criteria I use to help validate entries to The Hopeful Encyclopedia.

Full disclosure: My AI assistant helps me complete the validation procedure as quickly as possible. Learn more about how my AI assistant and I got The Hopeful Encyclopedia started.

Consent

Nominated organizations, people, and contact-able entries are asked if they would like to be in The Hopeful Encyclopedia. Seeking consent to include is something we do to build trust, awareness, and collaboration. Any request to abstain for any reason is respected.

Legal Establishment

Ensure organizations are registered entities (e.g., LLC, 501(c)(3) non-profit status, or equivalent documentation in their respective countries). This provides legitimacy and accountability.

Funding or Financial Support

Verify if the project has initial or ongoing funding, grants, or sponsorship, which can signal stability and potential for sustained impact.

Mission Alignment

Confirm that the mission statement reflects a hopeful and future-focused intent, and that it aligns with The Hopeful Encyclopedia’s goals for fostering positive global change.

Track Record

Look for a proven track record, which could include documented projects, partnerships, or testimonials indicating the organization’s active engagement and impact.

Source Validation

Check references and sources of information to ensure the project’s legitimacy. This could include links to reputable media coverage, government grants, or partnerships with credible organizations.

Transparency

Determine if the organization is transparent about its goals, progress, and setbacks (e.g., annual reports, impact assessments, or newsletters).

Active Digital Presence

Verify that the organization has an official website and/or active social media accounts. An updated digital presence helps confirm current activity and visibility.

Global or Local Impact

Assess the project’s target impact. Is it locally or globally impactful? Does it work in a scalable or replicable way, even if it’s a small-scale initiative?

Innovation and Scalability

Consider if the project is tackling challenges innovatively and if there is potential for the project to scale, replicate, or inspire similar efforts elsewhere.

Longevity and Sustainability

Look for indicators that the project is built with longevity in mind—this could include sustainable funding, an established leadership structure, or clear plans for long-term impact.

Collaborative and Ethical Practices

Ensure the project works collaboratively, ethically, and transparently with the communities it aims to serve. Look for evidence of respectful partnerships, community-driven initiatives, or ethical sourcing.

Social Proof and Endorsements

Seek endorsements or partnerships from well-regarded, mission-aligned organizations or experts in the field. This can lend credibility to new projects.

Global Vision Alignment

Assess the alignment with global goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to ensure a broad, inclusive, and sustainable vision.

Innovation-Specific Documentation

For projects that hinge on new technologies or methodologies, look for relevant patents, research papers, or proof of concept materials that support their claims.

Regular Activity and Updates

Confirm that the project shows signs of activity (e.g., updates, events, or recent announcements) to verify it’s not stagnant or inactive.