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Detroit one of 26 cities to benefit from $5 million challenge
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DETROIT — The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation will hold a Q&A November 3 to discuss the Knight Cities Challenge, which is seeking new ideas to make Detroit and the other 25 communities where Knight invests more vibrant places to live and work. The challenge is offering $5 million for innovative projects that answer the question: What’s your best idea to make cities more successful?
The event held at TechTown, 6-8 p.m., will offer information on the goals of the challenge, tips on preparing applications, and a chance to talk to Knight staff on how to craft a great submission. Applications for the Knight Cities Challenge opened on Oct. 1 and will close on Nov. 14. The challenge is open to innovators of all types: architects, activists, artists, city planners, entrepreneurs, students, educators, city officials, as well as governments and organizations.
The challenge has just two rules:
1) A submission may come from anywhere, but the project must take place in or benefit one or more of
26 Knight communities.
2) The idea should focus on one or all of three key drivers of city success:
- Talent: Attract and keep the best and brightest.
- Opportunity: Expand economic prospects and break down divides.
- Engagement: Spur connection and civic involvement.
You don’t have to be a professional grant writer to apply and the initial application, available at
knightcities.org, consists of just two questions. The challenge is designed to help spur civic innovation at the city, neighborhood, and block level, and all sizes in between.
Speakers will include Katy Locker, Detroit Program Director for the Knight Foundation. Many potential applicants are expected to attend.
TechTown is located at 440 Burroughs St. in Detroit.
