The Community Innovation grant program is a flexible program that invests in great ideas and the people who power them across our region.

CI grants fund the most promising ideas, across issue areas that have the potential to make our region better for everyone. 

Through this program, we aim to:

• Develop, test, and spread great ideas: CI grants invest in efforts to develop and test ideas to solve problems and create opportunity and then spread the best ideas across communities.

• Inspire, equip, and connect leaders: Great ideas spread through people. CI grants invest in efforts to inspire, equip, and connect leaders to more effectively lead change.

What We Fund

-We are open to ideas on any issue that aligns with our values and purpose. We believe great ideas can come from all corners of a community and address an array of issues. We look for the potential and momentum of an idea. We will consider any idea applicants share with us, and we also engage with communities to seek out and encourage promising proposals.

-We will consider organizations of all sizes and ideas at all stages of development. We are looking for a big transformation, but know big ideas can start small. We will consider ideas at all stages of development — the idea just needs to be defined enough that we can consider its potential impact. We award grants to organizations of all sizes.

-We are flexible in when and how we invest. Applications are welcome at any time throughout the year, and we are flexible in how we fund an idea. We offer grants and program-related investments (PRIs — low-interest loans that are paid back over time), and do not place caps on the amount or duration of these funds. What matters is matching the funding to what best supports an idea.

Before applying for a grant, please schedule a call with our team so that we can hear your ideas and answer your questions.