NBCU, O&Os To Award $1.2M To Nonprofits

The NBCUniversal Foundation today announced it is awarding $1.2 million in grants to 30 local nonprofit organizations nationwide, helping them implement innovative community programs as part of a newly launched initiative called 21st Century Solutions.

In partnership with the NBC Owned Television Stations, 21st Century Solutions was designed to support high-impact, progressive programs in the categories of arts and media; civic engagement; community development; education; environment; jobs and economic empowerment; and technology.

“There are so many nonprofit organizations moving our communities forward through innovative thinking and progressive approaches,” said Beth Colleton, senior vice president for corporate social responsibility at NBCUniversal. “That’s why we focused our philanthropic efforts on social innovation. I am so pleased with the results of our investments, which will impact so many across the country.”

Launched in June, the 21st Century Solutions program aims to help communities identify opportunities for positive change and support non-profits that are putting new ideas into action. Inaugural year awardees include a storytelling program designed for students to address societal issues, a microsavings initiative aimed to help low-income working families develop a life-long savings habit and an employment program designed to expand opportunities for young people with disabilities by building the capacity of local employers.

The competitive grant program accepted applications throughout the summer in the 10 markets served by NBC-owned stations: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Francisco Bay Area, Washington, D.C., South Florida, San Diego and Connecticut. Each of the stations promoted the grant program locally and created a panel to review and select the final grant recipients. One winning organization and two runners-up were awarded grants in each market.

“Local television stations have a unique opportunity to connect with the communities they serve to identify some of the most pressing social challenges that local residents face,” said Valari Staab, President of NBC Owned Television Stations. “Our local stations are thrilled to support innovative programs that are generating positive change and making a difference.”

The 30 NBCUniversal Foundation grant recipients include:

New York
The Boys’ Club of New York $100,000
Computers for Youth Foundation $50,000
Job Path $50,000

Los Angeles
826LA $100,000
CASA of Los Angeles $50,000
I Have a Dream Foundation–Los Angeles $50,000

Chicago
Project SYNCERE $50,000
Chicago Lights $25,000
Resurrection Project $25,000

Philadelphia
Community Partnership School $50,000
First Person Arts $25,000
Clay Studio $25,000

Dallas-Fort Worth
Junior Achievement of Dallas $50,000
Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas $25,000
Rehabilitation, Education and Advocacy for Citizens with Handicaps (REACH) $25,000

Bay Area
Opportunity Fund Northern California $50,000
Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence $25,000
Eden Housing $25,000

Washington, DC
DC Central Kitchen $50,000
Arlington Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless $25,000
Prince Georges Community College Foundation $25,000

South Florida
Dade County Dental Research Clinic $50,000
Achievement and Rehabilitation Centers $25,000
Breakthrough Miami $25,000

San Diego
Wildcoast $50,000
Chicano Federation of San Diego County $25,000
Vista Community Clinic $25,000

Connecticut
University of Connecticut Foundation $50,000
Charter Oak Cultural Center $25,000
Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program $25,000