Kayla Arnesen, 720.898.5919
karnesen@CommunityFirstFoundation.org

Community First Foundation seeking nonprofits for The Innovators Society 2.0 to reduce stigma associated with mental health

ARVADA, Colo. (November 10, 2017) – Calling all Innovators! Community First Foundation is seeking nonprofit innovators in metro Denver to participate in The Innovators Society 2.0, a program of Community First Foundation. This year we are focusing on reducing the stigma associated with mental health. Innovations will be selected starting November 9, 2017 and ending January 9, 2018. There are limited spots available, so nonprofits are encouraged to apply early.

The Innovators Society invests in promising, but not yet proven, nonprofit innovations to increase awareness and change perceptions of mental health. It engages a network of committed nonprofit innovators, community leaders and community investors to accelerate new solutions for mental wellness.

Selected nonprofit innovators participate in an accelerator experience that includes initial funding, rigorous coaching, hands-on workshops and the chance to compete for grant dollars in a pitch competition called The Community Pitch Showdown. At the Showdown, more than 200 community leaders are empowered to award $450,000 in Community First Foundation grant dollars among the innovators to accelerate their innovations into Denver communities. After a period of high-impact coaching, one nonprofit is awarded an additional $50,000 grand prize.

In The Innovators Society’s inaugural year, 583 community members were involved in the process of selecting, coaching and granting $500,000 to nonprofits with innovative ideas to improve mental wellness. The first year focused on early childhood mental wellness, improving systems and changing public perceptions.

“The Innovators Society cultivates the most innovative ideas for improving mental wellness and expands them in Denver communities faster than otherwise possible,” said Noah Atencio, Vice President of Community Impact at the Foundation. “This unique platform has already provided the tools and network to advance five exceptional innovations. We’re excited about the next round.”

With only six spots available, early submission is highly encouraged. To find out if you are eligible and to apply, please visit this page.

About The Innovators Society
The Innovators Society, a program of Community First Foundation, invests in promising, but not yet proven, innovations to increase awareness and change perceptions of mental health. We engage a network of passionate community leaders to accelerate new solutions for mental wellness. At Community First Foundation, we power the innovators. For more information, visit communityfirstfoundation.org/grantmaking/innovators/.