2014 NewDay Challenge

The NewDay Challenge awards up to $20,000 in seed funding to Tulane students dedicated to finding innovative, sustainable solutions to social challenges. Applicants can be any student-created, student-led organization, program, or venture that benefits the New Orleans community. The seed funding is intended to enable student innovators to turn their social impact ideas into reality.

To qualify, you must email the following information in one combined PDF to Rebecca Otten at socialentrepreneurship@tulane.edu. The PDF should be titled Undergraduate/Graduate_LastName_Social-Venture Title and include a one-page budget for use of funds (up to $20,000), a one-page resume for each official team member, and two one-page letters of reference (one faculty member and one external supporter). The PDF should also include a five-ten page proposal that describes your social venture idea, sustainability plan, and how seed funding will be used. Proposals should provide the following information clearly and succinctly:

  • Describe hypothesized solution in the context of the identified social problem
  • Describe how you plan to implement your venture, including steps previously taken and concrete next steps
  • Describe how you will market/promote your venture
  • Describe how you plan to make your venture financially sustainable
  • Describe who is on your team and your combined expertise
  • Describe how you will evaluate/measure your work and its impact on solving the problem your venture is addressing
  • Describe lessons you have learned while testing your idea, particularly focusing on your interactions with potential users and any need to pivot during the process

The final PDF document should be 9-17 pages based on the length of your proposal and number of team members. Applications are due March 19th at 11:59pm, and all applicants will receive feedback by March 26 and have one week to submit and updated proposal (April 2nd).

For more information on the selection criteria, timeline, and past winners, visit the NewDay Challenge page. If you still have questions or want more info, contact Rebecca Otten, Program Coordinator for Social Innovation at CELT at socialentrepreneurship@tulane.edu or (504)-314-7688.