NBCU Foundation Awards Project Innovation Grants To Nonprofits

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation and the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations division today announced $2.475 million in Project Innovation grants will be presented to 69 organizations in 11 markets that are using innovation to tackle everyday problems and urgent COVID-19 needs in their communities.

The nonprofit organizations selected as Project Innovation 2020 grant recipients all exhibited flexibility with their programming and will use their funding to deliver services and programs that address the needs of those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

NBC and Telemundo owned stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas/Fort Worth, Washington, San Francisco, Boston, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, San Diego and Hartford, Conn., have awarded up to $225,000 in Project Innovation grants to a maximum of eight non-profit organizations in their markets.

“This year’s grant winners are on the ground and know what our communities needs are. Our grant funding will help provide support to those who need it right now,” said Valari Staab, president, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations.

“Our grant program is set up to amplify the already great work that non-profits are doing to help their communities. We are certain that our 2020 Project Innovation grant winners will do all they can to support their neighbors, particularly during this very challenging time,” added Jessica Clancy, VP, corporate social responsibility, NBCUniversal.

Project Innovation applications opened on Jan. 11 and closed on Feb. 15. The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation and NBC/Telemundo owned stations reviewed applications virtually beginning March 2020.

Applications were evaluated to determine groups’ ability to advance their communities in the areas of storytelling, community engagement, culture of inclusion and youth education, as well as their preparedness and capacity to deliver quality programming that meets the pressing needs that have developed in their communities during this unprecedented time.