Changes Coming to Ignite Baltimore: Announcing the Ignition Grant

Update:

Ttickets for Ignite Baltimore 5 will become available on February 1. We'll post a link here when they go on sale.

We love looking for ways to improve Ignite Baltimore and make it a positive, productive part of the Baltimore community. To that end we're excited today to announce the Ignition Grant, a $1500 grant to be awarded to one individual with a great idea for making this city a better place.

The award will be funded by the proceeds from another big announcement: Ignite will now have a $5 pre-registration charge. We knew we needed a way to streamline the admission process and make it easier on everyone. A small charge made the most sense, but we didn't want to stop there. We wanted that money to mean something. Thus, the Ignition Grant was born.

We've broken down the details of this initiative into the FAQs below. Any question you might have will probably be answered there, but if not please don't hesitate to leave a comment or get in touch with us directly.

Thank you as always for being part of the Ignite community. We look forward to seeing you March 4.

What Is the Ignition Grant?
The Ignition Grant is one grant of $1500 that will be awarded at Ignite Baltimore #5 to the individual who submits the most innovative and feasible project concept for making Baltimore a better place to live and work. The $1500 must be used in less than 6 months, and the winner will be asked to present on the results at the following Ignite Baltimore.

Applications are due via email no later than February 10th, 2010.

What Is the Goal of the Ignition Grant?
The long term goal of this grant and contest is to support individuals who choose to take action as well as spark greater conversation about innovative and creative ways to address Baltimore City's social and economic challenges.

Who Can Apply For and Receive the Ignition Grant?
Anyone can apply, from any background, even those who do not live in Baltimore City, as long as they are applying as an individual and not on behalf of an organization. This grant is not to be used to either 1) continue an ongoing project or 2) jump-start a project at an existing organization.

How Do I Apply?
It's simple. First, click here to download the application. Read the guidelines and complete the form, then email it to heather@ignitebaltimore.com by February 10th. Make sure to get a ticket (ticket info coming soon) to the next Ignite Baltimore, as the grant will be awarded at Ignite Baltimore #5 and you will be called up to receive it.

Who Is Selecting the Winner of the Grant?
Staff from the Baltimore Community Foundation and the Enoch Pratt Free Library are working with the Ignite Baltimore team to select the winning proposal. The panel has extensive experience in grant-making and writing and all members are committed to the goal of the Ignition Grant.

How Will the Applications Be Judged?
Projects will be judged on the following 10 point scale:

 
• Innovation & Creativity: Project is new & offers an interesting approach to solving a problem. (4 points)
• Feasibility & Effective Use of Funds: Show that project will be completed in 6 months, and show a well-developed plan for spending of funds. (4 points)
• Sustainability: Show plan for project to continue on past 6 months. (1 point)
• Matching Resources or Funds: Show that others will be providing free goods or services to the project. (1 point)

How Do I Know if I have Won?
The winner will be announced on March 4th 2010, during Ignite Baltimore #5 at the Walters Art Museum. You must be in attendance to win, so be sure to grab a ticket when they become available.

Where Will the Money Come From to Pay For the Grant?
Pre-registration for Ignite Baltimore will now cost $5 to cut down on no-shows and ensure that everyone who wants to attend the event can do so. Every dollar raised through pre-registration goes straight to the Ignition Grant. All of our costs are covered by our generous sponsors, including the Walters Museum, who have donated their space and time..

What If the Event Raises More Than $1500?
If we bring in more money than expected we may choose to support multiple projects, give more money to the winning project, or donate the money directly to BmoreSmart. Whichever path we choose, every dollar raised goes to the Ignition Grant.

What If My Idea Doesn't Cost $1500? Can I Apply For Less?
Absolutely, please request only the amount you require. If we select a winner that requests less, we will reallocate the remaining funds to another project proposal, either now or in the future.

Posted January 12, 2010
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