The Project Innovation Grant Challenge is funding nonprofits with tech-based solutions

On Wednesday, January 17, D.C. nonprofits gathered at Studio Xfinity to learn about The NBCUniversal Foundation, NBC4 and Telemundo Washington Project Innovation Grant Challenge. A standing-room only event included a program with Donna Weston, VP of Community Affairs for NBC4/Telemundo Washington and Aaron Gilchrist, News 4 Today Co-Anchor, NBC4. They discussed their motto, “Working 4 You,” and their dedication to the local community with various campaigns, news coverage and grant programs like Project Innovation.

“We are happy to be able to work with our fellow community members to bring new and creative approaches to the social challenges we face. It truly is an honor for us to be a part of that process,” said Weston.

The event also featured inspiring talks from previous grant recipients, including The Arc of Northern Virginia, Montgomery Community Media and Free Minds Book Club. Each nonprofit discussed their process, winning programs and experience of working with the NBCUniversal Foundation team.

As the event concluded, the attendees stayed to network and build partnerships on innovative tactics to address local community issues.

“A woman from another local nonprofit sitting next to me throughout the event, expressed interest in working together so we decided to collaborate on the grant opportunity,” said event attendee Dorothy Jones.

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Through Project Innovation, The NBCUniversal Foundation will distribute $2,475,000 in 2018. The NBCUniversal Foundation, NBC4 and Telemundo Washington will be awarding $225,000 to exceptional non-profit organizations that are addressing local community issues using technology and innovation.

Applications for Project Innovation grants will be accepted until this Friday, February 2, 2018 at 11:59 p.m., the three focus areas are described below:

• Igniting Civic Engagement – Programs that are leveraging media and technology to support volunteering and community engagement.
• Skills for the Digital Economy – Programs that support advanced skills development with a focus on workforce training and promoting technology-focused skills opportunities.
• STEM/STEAM Youth Programming – Programs that support youth STEM and STEAM education and help advance the next generation of K-12 students with a focus on these in-demand skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).

Apply