NBC Launches Nonprofit Grant Challenge

The NBCUniversal Foundation and NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations are partnering for the fifth annual 21st Century Solutions grant challenge, which celebrates and supports local nonprofit organizations.

The goal of the grant program is to “honor organizations that are embracing innovative solutions to advance community-based programs in the areas of civic engagement, education, environment, jobs and economic empowerment, media and technology for good.”

The 21st Century Solutions grant challenge submissions window opens on Monday, June 6, through Friday, Aug. 26, and will award 30 grants totaling $1.2 million to local nonprofit organizations in NBCUniversal Owned Television Station markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Francisco Bay Area, Washington, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, San Diego and Hartford, Conn. 

“NBCUniversal and our NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations are in a unique position with the 21st Century Solutions program to engage and recognize local organizations across the country for innovative thinking that really drives these communities forward, said Beth Colleton, SVP, corporate social responsibility, NBCUniversal. 

“The 21st Century Solutions program supports local nonprofit organizations that are challenging conventional thinking and putting innovative ideas into action and I’m proud that our local stations are supporting this effort, which will help to make a positive impact in the communities our employees and viewers call home,” said Valari Staab, president, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations.

One winner and two runners-up will be awarded grants in each market. Winners will be announced in late 2016.

Since the program’s inception in 2012, 21st Century Solutions has awarded approximately $4.8 million to 120 non-profits in the 10 markets.