Detroit – Detroit Harmonie recently announced plans for the second annual International Experience to be held March 3, at the Virgil H. Carr Arts League of Michigan in Detroit’s Harmonie Park. The International Experience is Detroit Harmonie’s signature event celebrating the diversity of metro Detroit through live entertainment, food, and music.
Detroit Harmonie will hand out $50,000 in grants to 11 preâ€selected social entrepreneurs in two ways: 1) The Get Funded Challenge, a competitive pitch process where five finalists will compete to win $45,000. The competition will kickâ€off at 7 p.m. during the VIP reception. 2) The People’s Choice Award, where all 11 organizations will be eligible for $5,000 based on online and event attendee voting.
“There are a number of foundations doing great work throughout the city but resources are not
unlimited,” said Marlowe Stoudamire, Detroit Harmonie board member and project director of strategic business development at Henry Ford Health System. “The Get Funded Challenge affords young professionals living, working and investing in the city, the opportunity to affect what gets funded; and to focus on some of the grassroots efforts that have gained traction but need additional dollars to continue to make an impact.”
On Feb. 1, Detroit Harmonie will announce five finalists, selected by the board of directors, to compete in the Get Funded Challenge for grants in the following increments: First Place †$30,000, Second Place †$10,000, Third Place †$3,000, Fourth Place †$1,000 and Fifth Place †$1,000. At the VIP reception, each of the five contestants will be required to deliver a three-minute pitch to a panel of judges comprised of six current and future leaders across the business, government and nonprofit sectors. Get Funded Challenge winners will be announced during the main program. All 11 organizations will be eligible for a $5,000 People’s Choice Award, which will be determined online and by event attendees during the main program (details for entry are forthcoming.)
