About
The Pride Network's Social Innovation & Impact Grant program is designed to create solutions and sustainably empower vulnerable communities through strategically investing resources and inspiring confidence in passionate LGBTQ+ youth leaders, thereby creating a unique model for achieving transformative change in a diverse society
Specifically, select LGBTQ+ student leaders will receive up to $2,000 of impact investment funds and a professional mentor to facilitate the success of meaningful and sustainable local-impact projects.
The launch of TPN’s Social Innovation & Impact Grants heralds a shift in the paradigm within which nonprofit organizations and governments have historically sought to address complex social challenges. This program sets the context of social change within a framework of building solutions to tackle the root causes of social ills, rather than fight the problems themselves-- very much in alignment with the old “teach a man to fish” adage. Furthermore, this program model establishes a positive consumption externality in that the processes by which young, LGBTQ+ leaders creatively implement their initiatives will cultivate direct leadership and entrepreneurial experience which can be shared with others down the road.
Program Objectives
Over the course of their experiences as a SIIG recipient, students can expect to increase their understanding of how to:
- Develop a practical, discipline-oriented approach to problem solving
- Develop a robust project mission and budget
- Develop a strategic plan of action
- Develop quantitative and qualitative metrics to measure the project’s impact
- Develop a sustainability strategy to ensure that impact continues into the future
Each project is to be completed within a one-year timeframe to ensure its success. SIIG recipients will be assigned a mentor that they can meet with 1:1 during the planning and implementation process.
Application Process:
Individuals who wish to apply for a Social Innovation & Impact Grant must fill out an application (parent/guardian signature required if applicant is under 18 years of age). Please email info@thepridenetwork.org to receive an application.
Applications for Spring 2019 will close on April 15th at 5:00pm EST.
Renewal Process:
SIIG recipients will have the opportunity to continue their projects with the support of The Pride Network, even after the one-year timeframe. The Pride Network will continue to offer tools, support, and other opportunities for SIIG alumni to continue to learn, grow, and network after they have completed the program.