Opportunity Empowered is a program launched by the Urban League of West Michigan in partnership with Heart of West Michigan United Way. Residents with grassroots ideas can participate in this opportunity to empower community voices by ideating, identifying and prioritizing solutions to community identified issues.
This is an opportunity for those who may already be operating small scale out of homes and churches, etc. and are looking to elevate their idea.
Opportunity Empowered Community Action Round Is Now Open:
Applications for our 1st event of 2025 are open until March 17th at Noon. Community Action Round- specifically focusing on Mental Health, Health/Wellness and Mentorship. (Categories voted on from close to one hundred community members).
Opportunity Empowered has granted 25 Initiative Owners with $326,250 in funding since September 2023.Amazing things are happening in our community as a result.
Community Ideas💡Community Vote 🗳️ Community Prize Money 💵
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Residents will bring ideas forward and have the opportunity to receive $5,000-$15,000 in funding.
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The community will vote on each idea and prize money will be awarded.
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In addition to the prize money residents will receive coaching and professional help needed to launch their project.
Opportunity Empowered 2025 Community Action
We're looking for applicants who have a community action idea/initiative. Can you answer yes to the following questions:
Are you at least 18 years old?
Have an idea in (1) of the following three areas?
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Mental Health - Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
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Health and Wellness Physical - Physical wellness increases physical fitness and healthy bodies. Environmental: Awareness of the role we play in improving our natural environment rather than denigrating it and maintaining and living in a healthy physical environment free of hazards promotes wellness.
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Mentorship - The activity of giving a younger or less experienced person help, advise, experience, knowledge, and connections over a period of time, especially at work or school.
Is your idea/initiative providing support to Grand Rapids residents in any of the following zip codes: 49503, 49504, 49506, or 49507? Can you use the funds within six (6) months? If your answer to all these questions is "YES", please click on the "Apply Now!" button below to continue.
Opportunity Empowered is part of the Thrive + Prosper movement focused on making Grand Rapids a better place to live, where no one is left out, where all voices are heard and where it’s normal—not newsworthy—for everyone to thrive and prosper. Learn more by visiting thriveandprosper.com
This round is open to Individuals, Nonprofits and LLC’s. Initiative ideas MUST fall into one of the three categories.
Applications will be open until March 17th at Noon. Our funding party will be on Tuesday May 6th.