The deadline to apply for Pitch It! 2013 has expired.
OE received some great questions about Pitch It! The Innovation Challenge during our Twitter and Facebook Q&As. In case you missed them, we compiled the questions into one document, along with a few other questions we have received.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Pitch It! deadline?
The deadline to submit an application for Pitch It! is Monday, August 26, 2013 at Noon, Central Standard Time.
How do we know if our nonprofit is eligible to apply for Pitch It!?
To be eligible for Pitch It!, your organization must meet the following criteria:
- Have 501(c)3 status
- Be in good standing with the IRS
- Be within the 13 parish region served by the Greater New Orleans Foundation
- Fall under the definition of a Human Service Organization, as defined by the Kresge Foundation and Urban Institute (see here).
We are in the process of securing 501(c)3 status, but we are currently using a fiscal agent. Can we still submit a Pitch It! application?
All lead applicants must have 501(c)3 status. However, groups without 501(c)3 are welcome to apply as part of a cohort application, so long as the lead applicant does have 501(c)3 status.
We are a nonprofit who works with for-profit groups. Can we submit an application with our for-profit partners?
Yes. However, the nonprofit must be the lead applicant on the Pitch It! application. Please also keep in mind that a winning innovation is one that can benefit other nonprofits.
Can we apply both individually and as part of a cohort?
No. We will only accept one application per organization, even if that application is part of a cohort.
What are the award amounts?
The first place award for Pitch It! is $25,000. Second place is $5,000. Third place is $2,500.
Is the grant a one-time award, or can it be renewed?
The Pitch It! award is a one-time award and it cannot be renewed. However, we are planning Pitch It! challenges for 2014 and 2015.
How is award money split between cohort applications?
The award money will be issued to the lead applicant. However, all finalists will be required to submit a final report and budget. These documents should reflect how award money is to be split between cohort applicants.
What criteria will be used to select Pitch It! winner?
We will look for an innovation with clarity and focus, originality, benefit to those being served, and a good chance of successful implementation that can be deemed a quick win. You can find more details about the criteria for selection here.
Can we submit attachments in support of our Pitch It! application?
No. We will not accept any documents beyond the application itself.
What kinds of deliverables will the award recipients need to provide and when will they be due?
The three Pitch It! finalists will have one year to fully implement their innovation. Each organization (by applying) agrees to share their learnings with the Greater New Orleans Foundation in order to help other nonprofits innovate. We will blog the progress of each finalist as they work to implement their innovation.