SPARK Prize Grant Submissions

Innovation and collaboration are not only being celebrated but rewarded with SPARK Prize events throughout Greater Atlanta! SPARK Prize is a “Shark Tank” style competition that awards grants to fund collaborative and innovative projects addressing Greater Atlanta’s greatest social challenges.

This year, United Way of Greater Atlanta is expanding SPARK Prize, with a locally focused event in the Northwest Region (Cobb, Douglas, Cherokee and Paulding counties).

Through the SPARK Prize competition, United Way funds small grants to incentivize cooperation and social advancements among nonprofits, community and business groups. Each regional event will allow out-of-the-box thinkers to present their innovative idea to address the needs of children and families in their own communities.

How do I apply? Interested applicants are asked to submit a 3-5 minute video presentation explaining the problem they are attempting to solve, their innovative solution, and the partners who they will work with for implementation. Videos do not have to be professionally recorded — cell phone/digital camera videos are highly encouraged! Videos can be submitted via the  Northwest Region SPARK Prize website. Proposals that go on to the live event will be required to submit a 3-page proposal.
 
What is the deadline for submission? The deadline for video submission is March 30, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. Finalists selected to move forward will be notified by April 6, 2018. Finalists are the only ones required to submit a written proposal, which will be due on April 27, 2018.
 
How much is the award? These are small awards that will help Cobb, Paulding, Cherokee and Douglas counties test innovative ideas. Requests can be made in any amount up to $20,000. Awards will be given based on the ability of the applicants to demonstrate a clear project plan and use of the funds.
 
How many awards will be made? We anticipate 2 prizes to be awarded. Ultimately, the SPARK Prize judges will determine which ideas they want to invest in. All finalist proposals that are presented at the live event will be eligible for funding.
 
Who is eligible? Any individual, group or organization that has an innovative idea can apply, with special consideration for organizations with a budget under $500,000. (Individuals and community groups must have affiliation with a registered 501c3 that will serve as their fiscal agent.