Women for Social Innovation – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I volunteer at a nonprofit organization. In fact, everyone at the organization is a volunteer. Can we apply for the Turning Point Price? We have no money.
A. It is not our intention to make a grant to a nonprofit organization to carry out its existing programming. Our intention is to award the Turning Point Prize to an individual for an innovative idea.
Q. My idea is to help young women in trouble, but it is faith-based. Can I apply?
A. WSI would not support a project that helps only women of a particular religion or promotes a particular religious faith. The sponsoring 501(c)(3) public charity of a WSI supported project could, however, be a faith-based organization.
Q. I have all the paperwork done to create a 501(c)(3) public charity. Can I still apply because I think my idea is a good one?
A. Yes, you may apply if the idea is yours and you have a sponsoring 501(c)(3) public charity.
Q. Can my idea be turned into a for-profit idea?
A. It is not our intention to fund for-profit activities. There are several legal issues regarding operating a for-profit activity that grows out of a not-for-profit organization and you would need to consult an attorney for the details.
Q. How large a group must my idea effect? Does the problem have to be large scale?
A. We do not have a specific number in mind, but your chances of winning are greater if your idea may solve a problem that affects many women, girls and families in Greater Philadelphia.
Q. I know of a great program in Indiana and I want to transfer it to Philadelphia. Can I apply to do this?
A. You can apply if you are the originator of the idea in the Greater Philadelphia area and a local 501(c)(3) public charity agrees to sponsor the program.
Q. Please explain how I can use the money to hire someone. What can’t the funds be used for?
A. The grant money can only be used for items listed in the budget submitted to WSI with the project proposal. That budget can include amounts for personnel costs.
Q. Give me a few examples of last year’s entries or the finalists.
A. See the description of Rock to the Future, the 2010 winner, or Mommy Grads, the 2009 winner, on this website.
Q. Do I have to attend the Information Session?
A. No, but it is recommended.
Q. What is a social entrepreneur?
A. A social entrepreneur is a person who pursues an innovative idea to help solve a social problem. Social entrepreneurs can be originators of ideas sponsored by for-profit entities or 501(c)(3) public charities. WSI will fund only an applicant whose project will be sponsored by a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Q. My idea is already in the works and I am funding it, can I apply?
A. Yes. Please note, however, that our intention is to provide seed money for new ideas that have not already secured funding.
