When is the deadline for Innovation Award (Student Competition)?

The deadline is November 10, 2026.

Innovation Award (Student Competition)

Q: How much funding does Innovation Award (Student Competition) provide?

Innovation Award (Student Competition) provides $10,000 total scholarship pool ($5,000 first place, $2,500 second place, $1,500 third place, plus $1,000 Realtors' Choice Award) in funding.

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Funding Amount

$10,000 total scholarship pool ($5,000 first place, $2,500 second place, $1,500 third place, plus $1,000 Realtors' Choice Award)

Deadline

November 10, 2026

215 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Innovation Award

Overview: Student competition challenging college students to develop forward-thinking solutions to affordable housing challenges across the region.

Program History: Launched in 2024; now in second year (2025). Sponsored by Pearl Society donors.

Geographic Scope: Charlotte region; open to area colleges and universities

Eligibility:

College and university student teams from area institutions

Recent participants: Central Piedmont Community College, Haywood Community College, Johnson C. Smith University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Focus Areas:

Creative approaches to affordable housing issues

Adaptive reuse solutions

Forward-thinking housing solutions

Awards:

First Place: $5,000 scholarship

Second Place: $2,500 scholarship

Third Place: $1,500 scholarship

Realtors' Choice Award: $1,000 (voted by Realtors®)

Total Pool: $10,000 in scholarships

Program Process:

September: Student Boot Camp

November: Team presentations before panel of industry experts

Judges deliberate and award scholarships

Mentors Provided: Yes, each student team receives assistance from mentors

2025 Results:

First Place: Johnson C. Smith University

Second Place: Central Piedmont Community College

Third Place: University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Realtors' Choice: Central Piedmont Community College

Funding Source: Pearl Society members

Contact Information:

Email: foundation@canopyrealtors.com

Phone: 704-940-3148

Website: canopyhousingfoundation.org

How to Apply

Application Process

1. Team Formation
- Student teams organize from area colleges/universities
- Each team receives mentor support throughout competition

2. Boot Camp Participation
- Attend student Boot Camp (typically September)
- Receive training and guidance on challenge topic

3. Develop Solution
- Work with assigned mentors
- Develop creative, forward-thinking approach to affordable housing challenge
- Prepare presentation of team's concept

4. Presentation
- Present team concept before panel of industry experts
- Typically held in November

5. Judging and Awards
- Panel of judges deliberates
- Winners announced
- Scholarships awarded to team members