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Social Innovation Grant

UNITED WAY OF EAST TENNESSEE

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Funding Amount

$10,000 per grant (typically $30,000 total for 3 grants)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Social Innovation Grant

Program Status: Active (most recent cycle mentioned: 2022)

Geographic Scope: Washington, Carter, Johnson, and Southern Sullivan Counties in Northeast Tennessee

Award Amount: $10,000 per grant (typically awarding 3 grants annually for $30,000 total)

Focus Areas:

  • Health

  • Education

  • Financial stability

  • New programs addressing social needs and filling gaps in community services

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Local nonprofit or community organization

  • 501(c)(3) status or covered under one

  • Program must be less than 2 years old (new programs only)

  • Serving Washington, Carter, Johnson, and/or Southern Sullivan Counties

    • What They Fund:

  • Innovative new programs

  • Programs addressing social needs not currently met

  • Programs focused on health, education, or financial stability

    • Fund Background:

  • Established in 2020 through private, anonymous donation

  • Designated specifically to drive social innovation in the region

  • Removes restrictions of traditional grants to allow nonprofits to try new initiatives

    • Selection Process:

  • Applications reviewed by volunteer committee

  • Finalists participate in live pitch competition ("Problem-Solving Pitches" event)

  • Panel of judges and audience vote determines winners

    • Contact: Abraham McIntyre, Community Impact Coordinator at United Way of East TN Highlands

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Access Application: Online at www.unitedwayetnh.org/innovation

    2. Submission: Submit completed application online

    3. Screening: Volunteer committee reviews applications and narrows down to approximately 6 finalists

    4. Live Pitch Event: Finalists present at "Problem-Solving Pitches" event (typically held in May)

    5. Selection: Panel of judges and audience vote determines 3 grant winners

    Required Materials:

  • Completed application form

  • Program description

  • Documentation of 501(c)(3) status or coverage

  • Demonstration that program is less than 2 years old

    • Note: Specific application questions/requirements not detailed in provided content. Applicants should visit website for complete application and detailed instructions.

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    nonprofitscapacity-buildingseed-grants

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