NBCU, O&Os to Award $1.2 Million to Nonprofits

The NBCUniversal Foundation announced it is awarding $1.2 million in grants to 30 local nonprofit organizations nationwide, helping them implement innovative community programs as part of a newly launched initiative called 21st Century Solutions.

In partnership with the NBC Owned Television Stations, 21st Century Solutions was designed to support high-impact, progressive programs in the categories of arts and media; civic engagement; community development; education; environment; jobs and economic empowerment; and technology. Launched in June, the 21st Century Solutions program aims to help communities identify opportunities for positive change and support non-profits that are putting new ideas into action. Inaugural year awardees include a storytelling program designed for students to address societal issues, a microsavings initiative aimed to help low-income working families develop a life-long savings habit and an employment program designed to expand opportunities for young people with disabilities by building the capacity of local employers.

The competitive grant program accepted applications throughout the summer in the 10 markets served by NBC-owned stations: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Francisco Bay Area, Washington, D.C., South Florida, San Diego and Connecticut. Each of the stations promoted the grant program locally and created a panel to review and select the final grant recipients. One winning organization and two runners-up were awarded grants in each market.