United Way of Central Oklahoma Announces Third Year of WayFinder Innovation Grant Opportunity
United Way of Central Oklahoma invites local nonprofits to submit new and innovative approaches to address health and human service needs in central Oklahoma to the third annual WayFinder Innovation Grant opportunity. Successful grant recipients could receive up to $250,000 in one-time funding.
The proposed programs must be new and not yet exist in central Oklahoma. Finalists will be invited to pitch their ideas in a ‘Shark Tank’ approach to a panel of community leaders. The panel will select the nonprofit(s) with the most promising and viable ideas to receive one-time funding from United Way of Central Oklahoma.
“Since the inception of the WayFinder Innovation Grant in 2019, we have proudly watched seven successful new programs emerge to meet the needs and challenges of our community,” said Debby Hampton, president and CEO of United Way of Central Oklahoma. “These programs have already had a substantial impact on central Oklahomans in need, and United Way is excited to continue to provide an opportunity for local nonprofits to present the next round of inventive and life-changing ideas.”
The WayFinder Innovation Grant application process will begin on Wednesday, May 12, with a virtual informational meeting from 3-4 p.m. via Zoom. Interested nonprofits should RSVP by emailing wayfinder@unitedwayokc.org by Tuesday, May 11.
In 2020, two nonprofits were selected for funding through the WayFinder Innovation Grant.
Mental Health Association’s Mobile Medical Intervention program will provide episodic medical care to individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as residents in supporting housing units through Oklahoma City’s first street medicine team.
Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City’s Real Talk, Brother program will train local Black barbers to become mental health advocates for their clients, partnering with mental health professionals to build a culture of emotional health for Black men and boys.
For more information on the WayFinder Innovation Grant, including award criteria, please visit www.unitedwayokc.org/wayfindergrant or email wayfinder@unitedwayokc.org.
