2025 NONPROFIT ROUND CATEGORIES:
Sense of Belonging:
-
It refers to feeling accepted and valued within a group or community.
-
It fosters emotional connections and support among individuals.
-
A strong sense of belonging can enhance mental well-being and self-esteem.
-
It often develops through shared experiences and common interests.
-
Belonging can be influenced by cultural, social, and familial factors.
Transportation:
-
Transportation refers to the movement of people or goods from one location to another.
-
Common land transport includes cars, buses, trains, and bicycles.
Opportunity Empowered is a program launched by the Urban League of West Michigan in partnership with Heart of West Michigan United Way. Residents with grassroots ideas can participate in this opportunity to empower community voices by ideating, identifying and prioritizing solutions to community identified issues.
This is an opportunity for those who may already be operating small scale out of homes and churches, etc. and are looking to elevate their idea.
Opportunity Empowered's 2025 Nonprofit Round Is Now Open:
Applications for our 3rd event of 2025 are open until September 30th. Nonprofit Round–specifically focusing on "Sense of Belonging" and "Transportation". See below.
Opportunity Empowered has granted 35 Initiative Owners with $476,250 in funding since September 2023. Amazing things are happening in our community as a result.
Initiative ideas MUST fall into one of the two categories. Funds to be used within 6 months and stay within the (49503, 49504, 49506, or 49507) communities. This round is open to Nonprofit 5013c and Individuals. LLC’s are NOT eligible to apply this round. Applications will be open until September 30th at 5pm. Our funding party will be on Tuesday November 18th.
Community Ideas💡Community Vote 🗳️ Community Prize Money 💵
-
Residents will bring ideas forward and have the opportunity to receive $5,000-$15,000 in funding.
-
The community will vote on each idea and prize money will be awarded.
-
In addition to the prize money residents will receive coaching and professional help needed to launch their project.