Program supports community-building initiatives and organizations across the country
The USA TODAY NETWORK and the Gannett Foundation today announced the 2022 A Community Thrives program, a $2 million dollar initiative. The program supports community-building initiatives across the country, with a focus on historically under-served individuals and groups and awards grants to worthy causes and organizations aiming to improve their communities.
A Community Thrives combines crowdfunding and grants offering non-profits the opportunity to promote their ideas and missions on a national platform by leveraging Gannett’s local media brands across the USA TODAY NETWORK, including USA TODAY to drive further awareness and support.
“We are excited to announce the sixth year of A Community Thrives, a program that empowers and uplifts our communities,” said Michael Reed, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Gannett Foundation. “The Gannett Foundation is proud to be able to elevate important non-profit organizations supporting their impactful, innovative ideas through this program.”
Non-profit organizations may apply to the 2022 A Community Thrives program June 1 through June 30 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Organizations that meet the program’s fundraising minimum through crowdfunding efforts will be eligible for 16 National Project Grants, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.
Other grants include Local Operating Grants for eligible entrants with community operations in Gannett markets and Incentive Grants for groups that raise the most funds or activate the most unique donors. During the fundraising phase of the program, organizations can compete in four challenges for Bonus Grants, which are awarded based on specific criteria outlined in the program’s rules and available at act@usatodaynetwork.com.
“A Community Thrives offers not only grants, but opportunities for non-profits to extend their networks and deepen their donor base by creating connections with Gannett’s USA TODAY NETWORK community,” said Sue Madden, Director of the Gannett Foundation. “In addition, participation in the program can result in national and local media exposure. Year after year, we hear fantastic anecdotes from participants about how the program has accelerated development at their organizations.”
Since its inception in 2017, A Community Thrives has distributed over $17 million from grants and donations and supported 500 organizations across the country. Last year, the program awarded more than $5.4 million to participating non-profits, including $2.3 million in grants and $3.1 million raised by the program’s crowdfunding effort with MightyCause’s platform.
The fundraising phase of the program will take place from July 18 through August 12, and grant recipients will be announced on October 5. The program will award grants based on the proposed projects’ viability, sustainability, community need and service to historically disadvantaged groups. Organizations may submit applications on the 2022 A Community Thrives website.
