Join The Community

May 16, 2016

Philanthropic Challenge - must submit by May 31st

Innovate for Good 2016...is a philanthropic challenge to find and fund new ideas.

We believe youth are an untapped resource. Innovate for Good 2016 (#IFGDenver) will empower youth to be agents of change in the community.

What idea could you bring to life to empower youth to make the community better?
Rose Community Foundation will award up to $250,000 in grants and support to implement the winning ideas.

Who can apply?
We welcome submissions from youth working on their own or in a team and from youth working in partnership with adult allies and ally organizations. Submitters can be individuals or organizations from the business, public or nonprofit sectors. All submitters should fit into one of two categories:
  • YOUTH Youth ages 13 to 18, with an idea for a project they can implement that will make a difference in their community and inspire and empower their peers
  • YOUTH AND ADULT PARTNERS Youth, ages 13 to 18, working as equal partners with adult allies, as individuals or within an organization, to empower youth to make a difference in their community
Note: Submitters in the Youth category may have an adult advise or help them to complete their idea submission. This does not constitute a Youth and Adult Partnership.

The Funds
  • All funds awarded must be used to carry out the proposed project.
  • Youth winners will be awarded $5,000 and will participate in an "innovation accelerator" program with training and coaching to get their project up and running.
  • Youth and Adult Partnerships will be awarded $10,000 to $25,000 to carry out their project and the opportunity to participate in the Innovate for Good launch workshop.
  • Submitters should either plan a project that can be implemented with the funds awarded or plan for additional revenue from other sources.
  • Projects must be carried out and Innovate for Good funds must be spent between October 2016 and September 2017.
The Criteria
All ideas should be…
  1. Innovative. A creative or entrepreneurial project that is specific and focused enough to be easily explained and understood and ambitious enough to be groundbreaking and inspire a community.
  2. Empowering. The project empowers youth as community leaders in real and meaningful ways. They recognize their strengths and abilities and act on them to "do good" in the community.
  3. Poised for Impact. Ready to make a positive difference within one year. Projects should make a difference in the community, not just for the youth involved.
  4. Just Getting Started. Currently in idea, planning, or pilot stage. We applaud projects that are already up and running, but they should not apply to Innovate for Good.
  5. Denver-Based and Denver Serving. Designed, implemented and serving a community within Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas or Jefferson counties.
  6. Consistent with Rose Community Foundation’s Mission, Vision and Non-Discrimination Policy.
The 2016 Timeline
  • May – Submit your idea between May 2 - 31
  • June – Ideas reviewed by a team of 200+ community members
  • July – Semi-finalists announced and invited to respond to Round Two questions
  • August – Finalists announced!
  • September – Pitch night, winner selection and celebration
How to Apply
You can submit your idea through our online platform between May 2 and 31, 2016. To help you in planning your your submission, download a PDF of the application questions. Please note: idea submissions require written responses to a handful of questions and an up to 60 second video.
For answers to your questions, view The Rules a.k.a. Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions or if you are a youth who needs help with your submission, contact Sarah at sindyk@rcfdenver.org or 303.398.7416.

Read more at: http://www.rcfdenver.org/content/innovate-good-2016