Social Innovations
TAUW’s Social Innovations Grant program has contributed millions of dollars to innovative ideas since 2014 through its start-up grant program. Nonprofit organizations are invited to present innovative plans for overcoming challenges in the community. The recipients may or may not receive regular funding from United Way, but they must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
In 2021, the TAUW awarded $320,000 in Social Innovations grants, including matching funds, to five local non-profits. The proposals were presented virtually at TAUW’s annual “pitch night” in November. Volunteer judges were looking for innovation, collaboration, and non-duplication among non-profit, educational, or governmental organizations.
“The grants allow organizations to incubate initiatives and bring new strategies to Tulsa and the surrounding area that work elsewhere and can potentially make a positive impact locally,” said Brent Sadler, Chief Community Investments Officer at the Tulsa Area United Way.
To view a complete history of the Social Innovations grant program, click here.
YWCA – Carmela Hill Legacy Fund
https://www.ywcatulsa.org/The Carmela Hill Legacy Fund, established by YWCA Tulsa and in partnership with Tulsa Economic Development Corporation (TEDC), is a micro-loan fund established to assist women whose businesses are not developed to the point of qualifying for traditional loans.
The Oasis Project – Double Up Oklahoma
https://www.oasisfreshmarkets.net/The project will allow for clients who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) an opportunity to ‘Double Up’ their purchases of fruits and vegetables at the Oasis Fresh Market. The Double Up Oklahoma (DUO) is a program made available through Hunger Free Oklahoma that matches the value (up to $20 per day) of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps) dollars spent at grocery store on additional fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs.
Modus Delivers
https://www.modustulsa.org/This project is a collaboration between Modus, LIFE Senior Services, and Catholic Charities to create a senior grocery delivery service program entitled, Modus Delivers. This program will provide fresh groceries weekly delivered to the door for approximately 100 low-income seniors with barriers to transportation but with have to capacity to self-sustain within their homes.
Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce Job Training Program
https://www.bwschamber.com/The Black Wall Street Chamber Apprentice Project specializes in solving the problems of equitable, timely and affordable career training by providing classroom training and paid on-the-job training to young adults through the use of BWSCC’s Tulsa Black Contractors Association and Chamber members. The program will teach a trade or skill to a new generation of workers filling vacancies where skill gaps have made hiring difficult.
Be Heard
https://www.beheardmovement.com/Be Heard is an organization with a mission to decrease barriers for those experiencing homelessness through education and intentional supports. Be Heard is a mobile drop-in center with two private, warm and safe showers, a clothing room, and space for haircuts. The services lead to providing case management for those on the street.
The application and selection process is September to December.
For more information about the selection process contact Miriam Mamah at 918-295-6635 or online here