A $50,000 Grant for Your Brilliant Green Idea

The Environmental Media Association is doing even more.

Since 1989, this LA-based nonprofit, founded and sustained by heavy hitters from the worlds of media, tech and business, has been bold and effective in supporting environmental causes. Millions of dollars raised and donated, dozens of persons recognized and celebrated - and hundreds of millions of media hits to let people know all about it.

Last year, EMA launched a splendid new initiative. The "Future Innovator of the Year Challenge" provides a $50,000 grant and a year of mentorship for a commercially viable project or business that, in EMA's words, "addresses a clearly defined environmental challenge."

Last year's winner, Pittsburgh-based Thread International, recycled some 38.9 million plastic bottles from Honduras and Haiti into clothes and accessories. The process created over 3,800 jobs, and plans exist to expand into other regions around the world.

The contest is open to individuals, groups and businesses. Applications are being accepted online, through April 20. Entrants must submit "a short video pitch of their concept/company."

Hundreds of contenders are expected. Six finalists will be flown to Los Angeles to present their idea to a panel of judges at EMA's annual Impact Summit, taking place this year on May 21 and 22.

The Challenge has an entirely pragmatic slant. In addition to dealing with a significant environmental problem, entries must show "business potential" – that is, they must be marketable and, in theory, profitable – and applicants must have detailed plans for implementation.

“Innovation and market impact is what will bring us to the sustainable economy that will inform these next generations,” Debbie Levin, EMA's President and CEO, has said.

In short, these guys are serious about getting large-scale green stuff done. If you are, too, you can get more information here.

––By Emilio Bevilaqua