Apply for an Innovation Challenge Grant with United Way

Organizations working on the most pressing issues affecting Greater New Bedford are often focused on day-to-day operations and sustaining existing programs, and may not have time, opportunities, or resources to take a step back and consider new approaches to addressing those challenging problems or new ways to do their work with greater efficiency or impact. To change this, United Way of Greater New Bedford is announcing its second Innovation Challenge grant opportunity.

United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Innovation Challenge is seeking projects that experiment, pilot or test new ideas and approaches that can lead to breakthroughs in the areas of health, education, financial stability, and basic needs. United Way defines an “innovative” approach as a novel solution that is more effective, efficient, collaborative, and/or sustainable than current solutions.

“We’ve been pleased by the progress the organizations from the first Innovation Challenge have made in the community, and we are excited to invest in additional innovative projects that create lasting and meaningful change,” said Anne Nichelson, VP of Community Impact.

Projects may include but are not limited to, reimagining the design of a program or services, using or building technology to improve service delivery, testing new outreach and communication tools, or building innovative cross-sector collaborations.

Non-profits are eligible to apply for up to $100,000 to be used over a three year period. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to attend an informational session on Wednesday, February 26 from 10 to 11 am at the Fort Taber Community Center located at 1000 Rodney French Blvd Please RSVP for the session to 508-994-9625 ext. 219 or liveunited@unitedwayofgnb.org.

Letters of Intent (LOI) to apply will be accepted beginning February 26 and must be submitted by noon on March 11. To see more details on the Innovation Fund or to submit an LOI, visit unitedwayofgnb.org/innovation-challenge. Contact Anne Nichelson at anichelson@unitedwayofgnb.org with questions. Select organizations will be invited to submit a video pitch and a full proposal for an Innovators Panel to evaluate after the LOI review process.

United Way of Greater New Bedford fights for the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of every person in the communities we serve.