Greater New Orleans Foundation Seeks Applications for Pitch It! The Innovation Challenge

gnofIn partnership with the Kresge Foundation, the Greater New Orleans Foundation has announced a call for applications for the Pitch It! The Innovation Challenge, which supports innovative ideas in the human services field. The Challenge will fund a novel approach, an innovative product, a new process, or an inventive service that supports a new way of doing business in the human services field.

“Human and social service organizations work tirelessly to address the often complex needs of our community,” said Albert Ruesga, president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “Through their innumerable programs and services, they are helping to improve the quality of life for all. Yet despite their many achievements and measurable outcomes, it’s sometimes necessary to stop and ask: is there a better way?”

All 501(c)3 human service organizations within the 13-parish Greater New Orleans region are eligible to apply. Ideas that solve a particular challenge, whether it pertains to management, finance, governance, technology, or programs, are welcomed.

The grand prize winner will walk away with $25,000 and second and third place winners will receive $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.

“Nonprofit organizations must continue to seek innovations that improve efficiencies in order to keep pace with the ever-changing economic landscape,” said Joann Ricci, vice president of organizational effectiveness at the Greater New Orleans Foundation.  “Thriving organizations are ones that re-think, re-frame, and re-imagine how they do business.” In her role at the Foundation, Ricci provides assistance and trainings to hundreds of local nonprofit organizations to strengthen their operations.

“The Challenge is a way to reward organizations that are willing to take a risk, act on a hunch, or think outside the box,” said Ricci. “Innovation is also about sharing. Ideas that surface here may flourish within the human services field and beyond.”

The deadline to submit ideas is Monday, August 26, 2013. The application is available at www.gnof.org/recieve.