Innovation Fund Seeks Proposals from Businesses and Nonprofit Organizations

(Updated Sept. 19)

The 2023 Innovation Fund seeks proposals from businesses and nonprofit organizations to develop creative innovative, sustainable and replicable human service programs. 

It will provide one-year seed funding to businesses and nonprofits to start a new social impact initiative or enhance a current initiative. Social impact programs or projects must benefit Fairfax County residents. Priority consideration will be given to businesses and nonprofit organizations collaborating on social impact needs.

Programs or projects benefitting residents who live in the ZIP codes identified by the Fairfax County Vulnerability Index with a score of 3 or higher will receive higher consideration.

The vulnerability indices are used to highlight disparities within a geographical area and allow county staff, partners and other decision makers the ability to make data-informed decisions about equitable service delivery and resource allocation. 

Eligibility Criteria

Small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are proposing new, innovative programs or projects, or enhancements to existing programs or projects are eligible if they meet designated criteria.  Businesses and nonprofit organizations must serve residents of Fairfax County. The City of Falls Church and City of Fairfax are separate jurisdictions from Fairfax County and are not eligible.

Visit the Innovation Fund webpage for a complete list of eligibility criteria.

"The Innovation Fund encourages businesses and nonprofit organizations to partner in designing programs that positively impact the economic mobility of our most vulnerable residents in Fairfax County,” said Lloyd Tucker, director of the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. “Our hope is to promote an economic growth paradigm that is equitable, inclusive and aligned with the economic indicators of the Countywide Strategic Plan.”

 

Proposal Timeline

Below is the timeline for application release date, application deadlines and distribution of award notification dates.

• All applications must be submitted by Oct. 11 at 4 p.m.
• Applications will be reviewed and scored between Oct. 16 through Nov. 3.
• Award notification letters will be sent by Nov. 17.

Contact NCSResourceDevelopment@fairfaxcounty.gov if you have questions about the Innovation Fund.