The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge, powered by Innovation Works and funded by the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, creates cross-sector partnerships to solve some of our community’s most pressing problems.
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Since its launch in 2015, the UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge has allocated more than $ 2.8 million in investments, grants, and technical assistance. The 2023 cycle will continue the mission of supporting impactful technology that improves nonprofit service delivery and the lives and experiences of people in the region. UpPrize applications will be accepted until July 10, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
Are you an innovative entrepreneur with a passion for change? Do you have a solution that could provide racial and economic equity and sustainability to our neighbors in southwestern Pennsylvania?
What is the issue that the business is attempting to address and why? How do you envision your business solving an issue of racial or economic injustice?
Will the service or product benefit marginalized communities? What area will this service be delivered?
Outline the desired impact if funded?
Clarify the need for your product or service. Are there any competitors doing similar work? What makes your business innovative and unique?
Is the applicant an LLC, sole proprietor, or non-profit organization(501c3 designation) or have a fiscal sponsor?
Does this team have the skill sets and capacity to bring this idea to fruition or to scale?
Has the applicant identified potential partners?
Has the applicant researched or developed revenue models? What are the plans for future partnerships and employee growth?
How does this product use technology to provide an innovative solution?
