Concept Stage (February – May 2022)

IDEA DEVELOPMENT & COLLABORATION

The concept stage is designed to gather as many ideas as possible, nurture them and foster cross-sector collaborations. Those who express interest in accepting the challenge are provided opportunities to connect with other organizations (from multiple sectors) and work together to further develop their ideas, learn about one another’s needs and develop partnerships to turn these Big Ideas into a reality together.

WHAT MAKES A BIG IDEA?

Over the course of the concept stage, teams are tasked with developing an idea that will truly improve Detroiters’ financial lives in a big way. For this challenge, a Big Idea must be:

INCORPORATING RESIDENT INPUT

Before the teams can move forward with a formal application to join the challenge, they must first incorporate feedback from the Detroiters they seek to serve. Residents with first- and secondhand experience with financial instability in Detroit are asked to review the two-minute video pitches and share their thoughts. Why would (or wouldn’t) they benefit from the proposed program? What might make the program more accessible to others facing similar circumstances?

Check out the community-facing video pitches submitted by more than 30 teams.

At the conclusion of the concept stage, applicant teams submit a detailed concept proposal explaining their Big Idea. A review panel (consisting of representatives from United Way, University of Michigan’s Poverty Solutions and the Detroit community with firsthand experience with financial instability) debate the strength of each Big Idea based upon the criteria listed above.

INVITATION TO APPLY TO THE PLANNING STAGE

Ideas that meet the Big Idea criteria are invited to apply to the planning stage.

The following 19 teams were invited to apply for a planning stage grant (of up to $20,000 and continued technical assistance) to develop their plans further for implementation.

Learn about the Planning Stage.

Learn about the overall Challenge history, purpose, and timeline.

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