Last call for millennial-focused nonprofits to compete for grants totaling $10,000

Proposals due Friday; Next Generation United hosts event focusing on younger donors

Next Generation United, an initiative of the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, is seeking proposals from local nonprofit organizations to participate in "Pitch 10," a competition-style event where 10 chosen organizations will have a chance to "pitch" their project or idea to the public for a chance to win a grant of up to $5,000 to advance work.

A total amount of $10,000 will be distributed, with $5,000 going to the first-place winner and two awards of $2,500 to the second- and third-place winners. The competition will focus on organizations that are small, young, or led by or focused on the millennial generation.

In order to be considered, organizations must be, or affiliated with, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations addressing a need in Buffalo or Erie County. Nonprofits must also have at least one of the following:

•Millennial-­led (executive director/board chair must be age 21-35) or a millennial-focused organization and/or benefit a millennial target audience;

•Incorporated no earlier than July 1, 2010; and

•Have revenues of less than $500,000 annually.

Specific requirements for proposals can be found at http://www.uwbec.org/nextgeneration. Proposals are due no later than Friday, Oct. 21.

Ten organizations will be chosen to present their chosen projects at an event on Nov. 10 at the Hauptman-Woodward Institute in front of a live audience. The winner will be chosen by audience vote. The public is invited to attend and can register at https://nextgenideas.eventbrite.com. There is a $20 donation.

Next Generation United is a group of millennials seeking to involve younger donors in philanthropy, and to engage them in improving the community through service, collaboration, accountability and innovation.

For more information on the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, visit www.uwbec.org.