Civic Innovation Challenge
Highlights
This program is a golden opportunity for your business to make a real difference in your community. With up to $1,000,000 in grant funding available, you can transform innovative research and technology into practical solutions for local challenges. The program supports projects that not only have a lasting impact but can also be scaled to benefit other communities. This means your efforts could lead to widespread positive change, enhancing your business's reputation as a leader in civic innovation.
You'll start with a planning phase, where you can receive up to $75,000 to develop your team and project plans over six months. If your initial efforts are successful, you can then apply for the full award, which provides significant funding for a 12-month execution phase. There's no cost-sharing requirement, so you can focus all your resources on creating impactful solutions. This is a unique chance to collaborate with civic partners and researchers, ensuring your project is both innovative and deeply connected to community needs.
By participating, your business joins a nationwide network of practice, sharing knowledge and strategies with other innovators. This not only boosts your business's capabilities but also positions you as a key player in addressing high-need problem areas. It's an excellent way to grow your business while contributing to meaningful community development.
Financing Details
The Civic Innovation Challenge offers financial support through Grants. This means you won't need to repay the funds if you comply with the grant conditions. Here are the key details:
Repayment and Interest Rates
- Repayment: Not required for grants as long as conditions are met.
- Interest Rates: There are no interest rates since this is a grant.
Eligible Expenses
Grants can be used for:
- Research and development activities.
- Community engagement and partnership development.
- Implementation of technology and innovative solutions.
- Project evaluation and dissemination of results.
Restrictions on Use of Funds
Funds cannot be used for:
- Lobbying activities.
- Purchase of real estate.
- Activities not directly related to the project's objectives.
Fees
- Application Fee: There is no fee to apply for this grant.
- Other Fees: No additional fees are associated with the receipt or management of this grant.
This grant structure is designed to support your project's development and implementation without the financial burden of repayment, allowing you to focus fully on achieving impactful results in your community.
Qualifications
Eligible Applicants:
- Non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies.
- Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), including two- and four-year colleges and community colleges, accredited and located in the U.S.
- Civic partners and engagement activities must be based in the United States or its protectorates.
Who May Serve as Principal Investigator (PI):
- There are no restrictions or limits on who may serve as a PI.
Disqualifications:
- Organizations not located in the U.S. or its protectorates.
- For international branch campuses of U.S. institutions, proposals must justify why project activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus.
Description
The Civic Innovation Challenge offers a fantastic opportunity for your business to engage in meaningful community projects. You can receive up to $1,000,000 in funding to turn cutting-edge research and technology into practical solutions for local challenges. This grant is designed to support projects that can have a lasting impact and can be scaled to benefit other communities as well.
Your business can use this funding to tackle issues in areas like climate resilience or bridging gaps between essential services and community needs. The program is structured in two stages. Initially, you can receive up to $75,000 for planning and team development over six months. If successful, you can then apply for the full award, which provides up to $1,000,000 for a 12-month project execution phase. There’s no cost-sharing requirement, so you can focus entirely on your project.
This program is a great way to collaborate with civic partners and researchers, ensuring that your project is not only innovative but also deeply connected to community needs. By participating, your business will be part of a nationwide network of practice, sharing knowledge and strategies with other innovators. This is a unique chance to make a significant impact while growing your business's capabilities and reputation.
Program Steps
Gather Your Team
Assemble a diverse team of civic partners and researchers to collaborate on your project.Prepare Documentation
Collect the necessary documents for your application, including:- Grants Notice
- Project proposal outlining your goals and methodologies
- Budget plan detailing how you will use the funds
- Letters of support from civic partners
- Any relevant research or data that supports your project
Develop a Project Plan
Create a detailed plan that outlines the objectives, timeline, and expected outcomes of your project.Submit Your Application
Complete the application form on the designated platform and attach all required documentation.Track Your Application
Monitor the status of your application through the platform to stay updated on any communications or requirements.Prepare for the Planning Phase
If awarded, begin your planning phase with the allocated funds of up to $75,000 to solidify your team and project plans.Apply for Full Award
After successfully completing the planning phase, prepare and submit your application for the full award of up to $1,000,000.
