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:

• 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

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.