WayFinder Innovation Grant

Geographic Scope: Central Oklahoma

Focus Areas: Health and human services innovation addressing:

• Strong families
• Successful kids
• Healthy citizens
• Independent living
• Community preparedness

Program Description:
The WayFinder Innovation Grant program encourages local 501(c)(3) nonprofits to develop new and innovative approaches to health and human services challenges in central Oklahoma. Launched in 2019, the program funds creative solutions that are new and do not yet exist in Oklahoma.

Eligibility:

• Local 501(c)(3) nonprofits
• Organizations based in central Oklahoma
• Programs must be new and not yet exist in Oklahoma

Award Structure:

• Up to $250,000 in one-time funding per award
• Multiple awards granted annually
• As of 2023, over $1.1 million has been committed to 17 different programs since 2019

Selection Process:
Finalists pitch ideas in a 'Shark Tank' format to a panel of community leaders who select the most promising and viable ideas.

Contact Information:

• Email: wayfinder@unitedwayokc.org
• Phone: (405) 236-8441
• Website: unitedwayokc.org/wayfindergrant
• Office: 1444 NW 28th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Recent Recipients (2023):

• Healthy Minds Policy Initiative: $113,850
• NewView Oklahoma: $69,926
• Calm Waters: $40,000
• Thick Descriptions: $13,500

Past Recipients Include:

• Pivot, Inc.
• Oklahoma City for Community and Justice Youth Leadership Forum
• Goodwill Industries (Virtual Reality Forklift Training)
• Youth & Family Services (Intergenerational Living)
• Mental Health Association of Oklahoma
• Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City
• The Homeless Alliance
• ReMerge
• YWCA of Greater Oklahoma City
• Community Literacy Centers
• Areawide Aging Agency

Application Process

1. Attend Informational Meeting (if available)
   • Typically held in July
   • Location: United Way of Central Oklahoma office
   • RSVP required by email to wayfinder@unitedwayokc.org
2. Submit Application
   • Information form submission
   • Submit via unitedwayokc.org/wayfindergrant
3. Finalist Selection
   • Finalists are invited to pitch ideas
4. Pitch Presentation
   • 'Shark Tank' style presentation to panel of community leaders
   • Panel judges select winning proposals
5. Award Notification
   • Successful applicants are announced
   • Typically announced at United Way Campaign Kickoff event

Required Materials:

• Information form describing innovative idea
• Program must address one of five focus areas
• Demonstration that program is new and doesn't yet exist in Oklahoma

Contact for Questions:

• Email: wayfinder@unitedwayokc.org
• Phone: (405) 236-8441