The Innovation Competition’s deadline has been changed to August 31, 2021.
Innovation Competition
In conjunction with our 30th anniversary we recently announced an Innovation Competition designed to encourage Tuolumne County, especially our nonprofit organizations, to make plans to spend some time engaging in creative thinking, problem solving and strategic planning. Our Board of Directors approved $50,000 in prize money to be awarded to the top ideas submitted. We also are offering microgrants to be used for support of the innovation-stimulation process.
Nonprofits may apply for a microgrant by submitting a simple description of what it will be used for, such as: refreshments for an innovation retreat, cost of a meeting facilitator, motivational speaker, or..? (perhaps an idea we haven’t thought of).
Submit your Big Idea by close of business August 31, 2021 to be considered for the contest prize money.
Here’s a link to an information article posted on MyMotherLode.com outlining the program: Innovation Competition
We encourage your organization to participate in the program. You are welcome to reach out with questions.
As always, we appreciate your support and look forward to working with you to make Tuolumne County an even better place to live and work.
Here’s some more information about innovation:
Most all of us appreciate innovation. In a survey of 1500 CEOs conducted by IBM’s Institute for Business Value, creativity was viewed as the single most important attribute needed to lead a large organization. Most would say innovation and creative thinking are strategic necessities. We read books and watch movies highlighting creative thinkers. But what is the draw? Rarity. True innovation is hard to come by. As a result, when it occurs, it grabs our attention. So how does it happen and is there anything that can aid the process? Not sure on either point but we are certainly going to try.
The Sonora Area Foundation Nonprofit Innovation Challenge is designed to encourage Tuolumne County organizations to carve out some time, remove hurdles and barriers known to hinder the creative process and brainstorm, discuss and dream in response to the question: “What would you do if you could do anything?”
Indeed it’s a big question which warrants sky-is-the-limit thinking. We live in a wonderful place … let’s uncover some big ideas to make it even better.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Tuolumne County nonprofits, including governmental agencies and schools, are eligible to compete. Tuolumne County residents are also encouraged to participate; however, any winning prize money would be granted to a Tuolumne County nonprofit.
There is no promise of funding for the idea presented. However, one potential outcome is a request for grant proposal from the Sonora Area Foundation Board of Directors.
Applications
Applications are due August 31, 2021 and are to consist of:
- Cover letter (1-2 pages)
- Name of applicant
- Organization or population benefitting from idea
- Full description of innovative idea and impact
- How will the idea benefit your organization?
- How will the idea benefit Tuolumne County?
- Budget for idea (supplies, staffing, location, etc.): project budget should not be limited in any way, prize money does not need to cover the idea budget; THINK BIG!
Email applications to darrell@sonora-area.org, or mail to the address above.
Innovation competition winners will be announced in late October or early November.
February 16, 2021