Prize & Challenge Design
SSA is a national leader in designing and executing philanthropic prizes, competitions, open calls, and fellowships. Our team has spearheaded more than 15 bespoke, best-in-class programs on behalf of leading foundations, nonprofits and corporations, resulting in more than $100 million dollars awarded to organizations and individuals working in a diverse array of social impact fields.
Client Story:
FUEL for 50
Robin Hood, New York City’s largest poverty-fighting foundation, engaged SSA to design and execute a grantmaking challenge promoting early childhood development. This $10 million initiative, FUEL for 50, explicitly targeted community-based organizations outside of the foundation’s existing network.
SSA led research into priority neighborhoods that have historically received limited Robin Hood investment, developed an accessible application and community-led selection process and managed all aspects of project planning and implementation. A diverse cohort of 50 nonprofits received first-round funding, training, and the opportunity to be considered for over $1 million in follow-on funding.
An application announcement video for FUEL for 50 was widely distributed (Credit: Robin Hood)
An open call for FUEL for 50 was advertised in the New York City subway (Credit: Robin Hood)
A FUEL grantee working to make NYC an early learning metropolis (Credit: Robin Hood)