The Children’s Trust to Open Innovation Fund Solicitation

On February 8, the official solicitation process for The Children’s Trust Innovation Fund begins. $1,000,000 will be available for new ideas, strategies and programs not previously tried in our diverse community to solve an existing community problem, while promoting effective and equitable opportunities for vulnerable populations of children to thrive. Applicants can each be awarded up to $100,000.

Each proposal is expected to demonstrate its impact and potential to tackle some of the concerns that affect Miami-Dade communities such as improving conditions in which children, families, or communities live, work, play or learn. Or they could present a new provision or coordination of services or partnerships to help fill any gaps. Last year The Children’s Trust funded 22 programs, through the Innovation Fund.

Over the past several years, these grants have funded innovative programs and projects with community partners that have taken on everything from mental health, racial equity, social justice, helping youth learn entrepreneurial skills and much more. Previously funded programs included the BoxJoy subscription service started by the Opa-Locka Community Development Corporation that aimed to tackle mental health issues, a taboo subject for many families. The Farm at Lotus Village was another Innovation Fund grant winner that helped create a hydroponic garden located within a shipping container at the women’s shelter.

It’s maintained by the children and has already grown over 800 pounds of vegetables, which are served to the children and families at the shelter. “As much as we now know that these programs can and have worked to address social justice, racial equity issues and more, we also know there is more work to do together,” says James R. Haj, President & CEO of The Children’s Trust. “I invite the community to learn more about the 2 Innovation Fund by visiting our website. Let’s create innovative solutions for an even better future in our Miami-Dade.”