Previous Social Innovation Grant Winners
2022
A Step Ahead Foundation Tri-Cities – Mobile Health Unit
Huschka House Transitional Living
Junt@s of Johnson City
2021
Johnson County Senior Center – MyRide
Girl Scouts – Girl Scouts Make a rpl. Effect
NETN & SWVA Diversity Equity & Inclusion Alliance
For more info on these, scroll to the bottom of this page.
ABOUT GIVING TUESDAY
Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world on November 29, 2022. Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past ten years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
aBOUT THE SOCIAL INNOVATION FUND
The United Way of East TN Highlands created the Social Innovation Fund in 2020. The fund is used to support new programs aimed to meet social needs by filling gaps in our community related to health, education, or financial stability. Nonprofit or community organizations with programs less than 2 years old are eligible to apply. You must be a 501(c)3 or covered under one in order to apply.
Problem Solving Pitches Event
This event took place on May 12, 2022. We plan to have our next pitch night in the Spring of 2023.
Thanks to last year’s event Sponsors!
How Funds Are Distributed
ETSU faculty led a group of volunteer students from the College of Business & Applied Technology (CBAT), Quillen College of Medicine and, Roan Scholar students. Through this process, the group will look to narrow it down to up to six finalists. All six finalists will be invited to participate in United Way’s Annual Problem Solving Pitches event (a live pitch competition, where they will be judged by a local panel and the entire crowd in attendance in May, so invite your friends if you are pitching!).
PREVIOUS GRANT WINNERS
2022
A Step Ahead Foundation Tri-Cities – Mobile Health Unit
This program aims to provide long-acting, reversible contraceptives (LARC) across the Northeast Tennessee footprint. Ballad Health is retrofitting a mobile unit and training a Nurse Practitioner, while the Social Innovation Grant will go towards A Step Ahead Foundation’s efforts to provide free LARC to all those without preventative insurance coverage.
Huschka House
Established in February of 2021, the mission of Huschka House is to provide homeless young adults in Northeast Tennessee with a safe living environment, affordable housing, and supportive services in order to ensure lifelong stability and success. Huschka House promotes equality and acceptance for all young adults.
Junt@s of Johnson City
Established in February of 2021, Junt@s is a task force that has the goal of bringing together local partners to promote the financial stability of the diverse population of Washington County and neighboring areas. They aim to privde a haven for the immigrant, Black and Latinx populations so they can have a safe environment to flourish and seek assistance if they need to.
2021
Johnson County Senior Center – MyRide
MyRide TN of Johnson County is a senior-friendly program that offers door-through-door transportation that is provided by a well-screened and trained volunteer staff.
Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians – Girl Scouts Make a rpl. Effect
This program connects Girl Scouts with peer Girl Scouts who have successfully completed their High Awards, Girl Scout alumni, as well as vetted adult experts in their respected fields.
Northeast TN / Southwest VA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Alliance
This alliance intends to build regional awareness and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion for all people of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.