San Diego, CA—Sony Electronics launched Create Action, a $1 million grant program to support underserved, underrepresented communities. The goal is to amplify the efforts of local nonprofit organizations embedded within the communities. Moreover, it is part of Sony’s broader social justice efforts, with funding sourced from the company’s Global Social Justice Fund.
“Sony’s main purpose is to ‘Fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology,’” said Neal Manowitz, president and COO of Sony Electronics Inc. “Create Action is designed to support this purpose. It is a program that summons the power of Sony—including funding, product, creative resources and accessibility—to expand the impact and influence of local organizations that are creating a tremendous positive impact in their community.”
In the U.S., 88% of nonprofits, more than one million organizations, have annual budgets of less than $500,000. Marketing and fundraising are the two most cited challenges for these smaller organizations. Many times, they lack the necessary budget, creative resources or accessibility to larger platforms to help spread their message.
Create Action
As a result, Sony will select 10 organizations to receive Create Action grants. Furthermore, the company will announce one new grant each month from June 2021 through March 2022. Grant winners will receive a $50,000 cash grant (by check) and $50,000 in Sony Electronics products.
In addition, Sony will provide grant winners with a custom short film promoting the organization’s mission and efforts. The nonprofit will create the film in collaboration with a team of Sony-affiliated creators. The grant winners will also receive support of the Sony brand and platform to help spread their message and raise awareness. What’s more, Sony will offer additional opportunities for collaboration with the company and its extended network of corporate partners.
Eligible nonprofit organizations need to be 501(c)(3) with less than $500K annual operating revenue for 2019 and 2020. They must also have a key focus on programs including but not limited to STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics); academic enrichment; workforce development; as well as community and civic engagement.
Moreover, the program launches with a national call-to-action for applications, which is open through March 29, 2022. After the initial submission, Sony will consider each application throughout the entirety of the program.
To see Sony Electronics’ Create Action grant program official rules, including entry instructions, or to apply, visit www.alphauniverse.com/createaction.