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T H E C H A L L E N G E Across some of Chicago s most economically fragile neighborhoods, many young people face incredibly complex obstacles to reaching their fullest human potential. Too often, their well-being is compromised by systemic poverty, trauma, joblessness, and violence. Chicago Beyond is committed to improving life outcomes for these young Chicagoans by supporting work, in our communities, and investing in organizations like yours, that are also committed to equity for youth. Our 2018 Youth Equity Challenge seeks nonprofit organizations that have developed programs and approaches that support the well-being and safety of Chicago's young people. R e a d o n t o l e a r n m o r e a n d a p p l y. 2
What We re Looking For: One video. 90 seconds. Show us your work in action. Chicago Beyond realizes that many promising organizations don't have access to formal grant writers often required for funding opportunities. For that reason, we want to level the playing field for all of our potential partners. Along with a short application form, we ask that you submit a simple 90-second video that shows us the heart of your work. We want to hear and see directly from organizations like yours how your program supports the safety and well-being of Chicago s youth. The window to submit your video will close July 18, 2018. 3
Winners. Youth Equity Challenge winner(s) will become an investment partner of Chicago Beyond, but we like to think of it as welcoming new members into our Chicago Beyond family. So, what's an investment partner? In addition to a financial investment up to $1 million, winner(s) will work with Chicago Beyond to ultimately grow their impact. Each investment is different and tailored to meet the specific needs of the winner(s). From providing transformative funding, to strategic planning, to development, branding and communications supports - we design unique investment plans to help our partners reach their goals. Or, it could mean partnering with a research institution for a tailored learning opportunity to better understand and prove out their program or approach. One thing is certain: Youth Equity Challenge winners become a true partner of ours, and we will work hard to ensure they have every support they need to serve young people and grow the impact of their work. How to Apply. Record a 90-second video that shows us your program. It doesn t have to be professionally made or edited. Seriously. We are truly looking to see and hear what sets your idea apart and how your program is supporting the well-being and safety of young people living in the city s most economically fragile neighborhoods. "Chicago Beyond has helped us move forward in an accelerated and stable way and grow our program with all of our goals in mind. They've taken us to the next level." Rachel Hauben Combs Development Director, Storycatchers Theatre 2016 Challenge Winner Video applications should not exceed 90 seconds, and should answer the following prompts: Tell us about your program or approach and how it specifically impacts Chicago s youth. Eligibility. How is your work promoting the safety and/or well-being of youth? To be eligible for the challenge, applicants must: Be a nonprofit organization operating in Chicago Have been in existence (or be working with a nonprofit organization that has been in existence) for at least two years Have an organizational annual operating budget under $2 million Work with young people ages 13 and older who live in Chicago s economically fragile communities Please note that Chicago Beyond will not invest in individuals, benefits, annual campaigns, private schools, or private research Video Guidelines. Videos cannot exceed 90 seconds Maximum file size: 1.5GB Accepted file types include: MP4, MOV, AVI, MPG, 3GP, FLV, WEBM, WMV, MKV, M4V Upload video to chicagobeyond.submittable.com/submit You may also submit your video by providing a Vimeo or YouTube link directly in the application Please do not link your video through any other application other than Vimeo or YouTube 4
T H E T I M E L I N E JUNE 27 - JULY 18, 2018 Step 1: Create Applicants record and submit a short application and 90-second video describing their program or approach June 27: Chicago Beyond website open to accept video applications July 18: Video application deadline (11:59 PM CST) AUGUST 2018 Step 2: Compose A subset of applicants will be selected and invited to compose and submit a 3-page written response about their program or approach SEPTEMBER 2018 Step 3: Collaborate Finalists will be invited to collaborate with Chicago Beyond to create a tailored investment proposal relevant to the organization s needs and vision FALL 2018 Step 4: Celebrate Chicago Beyond will select and celebrate one or more organizations as Youth Equity Challenge Awardee(s)! 5
FAQ. What is Chicago Beyond? We are a youth equity platform that exists to create equity for youth most left behind who are living in Chicago s most economically fragile communities. Since launching in 2016, we ve invested $30 million in local organizations working to improve life outcomes for young Chicagoans. Beyond funding, we work hand-in-hand with our partners to ultimately grow their impact. From strategic planning, to development, branding and communications supports - we design unique investment plans to help our partners reach their goals. What is Chicago Beyond's Youth Equity Challenge? Chicago Beyond s Youth Equity Challenge is a low barrier, open call for submissions through which we identify, invest in and help grow organizations with promising programs and/or approaches that address inequities challenging youth that are most left behind. Is this opportunity the same as the 2016 and 2017 Innovation Challenges? Yes, the spirit is the same. We ve simply changed the name to better reflect our continuous commitment to equity. When can I submit my video? Between June 27th and the deadline, July 18th at 11:59 PM CST. Are there particular types of programs you are looking for? We are looking for any nonprofit program that would ultimately improve the well-being and/or safety of Chicago s youth. Everything from direct services to tech, arts and culture, food access, social enterprises, those improving public spaces for our youth and everything in between we want to see and hear about your work. Do you need to be a 501(c)(3) to apply? No, but you do need to be a registered nonprofit organization. What are the minimum and maximum award sizes our organization can request? You can request up to $1,000,000. When will our organization be notified if we are selected to continue the application process? Applicants will be notified in late July with either: an invitation to submit a proposal, or a notification they are no longer in consideration. Winner(s) of the Youth Equity Challenge will be notified in the Fall of 2018. If our organization is selected, what are the learning opportunities for our program? We believe in supporting our partners in whatever way they need to prove out their model and grow their impact. If applicable, winner(s) could work closely with Chicago Beyond's research partners to identify potential learning paths that make sense for them. With past and current partners, we have established a variety of learning options, from qualitative studies to process evaluations and in some cases, randomized controlled trials. Whatever the case, we will work closely with our winner(s) to see what is best for them and their goals. How will video applications be evaluated? Each Youth Equity Challenge video application will be closely reviewed by Chicago Beyond, using internal evaluation criteria. Chicago Beyond will also leverage a Youth Advisory Committee to share their invaluable insights during the process. Applicants with the most promising programs or approaches will be invited to Step 2 of the Challenge, to compose and submit a 3-page written response about their program or approach. Is it a requirement that our organization be based in Chicago? All organizations are welcome to apply, regardless of whether they are headquartered within or outside of Chicago. However, the organization must currently serve young people in Chicago s most economically fragile neighborhoods, and funding provided by Chicago Beyond must be utilized primarily to support operations in Chicago. In sum, Chicago Beyond welcomes applications from interested organizations outside of Chicago, if the program is currently being implemented in Chicago. What does Chicago Beyond mean by youth most left behind? For too many young Chicagoans, the path to realizing their fullest human potential is hindered by environmental and societal barriers related to extreme systemic poverty, trauma, joblessness, and violence. Chicago Beyond is committed to equity for this population of young Chicagoans. 6
Video Tips. Here are some ideas to get you started: Plan before you record. Think about the best way to share your program or approach. What do you want us to know and see? What are the most important components to share? Use your phone! Just make sure the format is compatible for submission. Make sure your video is clear and audible. Limit background noise and make sure we can see the video. Don t limit your creativity! Do not just think about what you want to share, but also consider how you want to share it. What is the most impactful way to communicate your program or approach? Don t read from a script. Be natural and speak from your heart. Showing, more than telling, may be helpful to communicate your program or approach. Consider including your statement of impact. What makes your program/approach compelling? How are you making a noticeable difference for young people in the areas of well-being and youth safety? If possible, involve the young people with whom you work. We are all about investing in Chicago s young people so let them help tell your story. Don t cram content into the video. You only have 90 seconds. Do not cram everything about your organization and approach into the video. What is most important to share? Remember, there is a cover page with the online application to share additional information. Edit (if necessary). Feel free to use video editing software or apps, like imovie. You can even use free online editors such as clipchamp.com, wevideo.com or wochit.com. Just remember, videos do not need to be professionally produced or edited. Most importantly have FUN! This is a great opportunity to engage your team, young people and your community. Questions? Email us at YouthEquityChallenge@ChicagoBeyond.org Photos by Sandra Steinbrecher 7