NBCUniversal Foundation Awards $1.2M to Support Local Innovative Programs

In November, the NBCUniversal Foundation announced it was awarding $1.2 million in grants to 30 local non-profit 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, this new program 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 and Innovation. 

"There are so many non-profit 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

Computers for Youth Foundation

Job Path 

Los Angeles

826LA

CASA of Los Angeles

I Have a Dream Foundation — Los Angeles 

Chicago

Project SYNCERE

Chicago Lights

Resurrection Project 

Philadelphia

Community Partnership School

First Person Arts

Clay Studio 

Dallas-Fort Worth

Junior Achievement of Dallas

Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas

Rehabilitation, Education, and Advocacy

for Citizens with Handicaps (REACH) 

Bay Area

Opportunity Fund Northern California

Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence

Eden Housing 

Washington, D.C.

DC Central Kitchen

Arlington Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless

Prince Georges Community College Foundation 

South Florida

Dade County Dental Research Clinic           

Achievement and Rehabilitation Centers

Breakthrough Miami 

San Diego

Wildcoast

Chicano Federation of San Diego County

Vista Community Clinic 

Connecticut

University of Connecticut Foundation

Charter Oak Cultural Center

Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program