So a while ago, my chief sustainable living and building advisor (my cousin Rachel) sent me a project funding notification that had come across her desk at Solar Energy International (SEI). It was a really good concept and one that would certainly work well with my experience: "Gamechangers". It is a sports micro-venture fund jointly sponsored by Architecture for Humanity and Nike which is "seeking proposals for the final round of funding to support the construction of sports facilities offering programs that tackle social issues in the community." They have $500,000 of money to be allocated in $25,000 and smaller allotments, for projects that should address one or more of the following key areas:
- Improved access to opportunities to participate in sport
- Removal of physical, economic, social and gender barriers to participation in sport
- Improved social cohesion
- Improved physical activity
- Provides innovative alternatives to play spaces for communities that lack resources
- Positively affects the environment or reduces negative environmental impact of sport-related initiatives
- Generates opportunities for social and economic empowerment
