The Thriving Cities Challenge application period closed April 15, and the Salazar Center is pleased to report more than 50 eligible proposals have been submitted by teams from across North America.
Applicants represent 23 U.S. states, including two proposals from Puerto Rico, alongside six teams from Mexico, one from British Columbia, and four Indigenous and Tribal-led teams. These teams have proposed a range of nature-based solutions—from green alleyways, bus stops, and underpasses to restored coastal dunes—to advance climate resilience and racial equity. We’re honored to have the opportunity to support such a diversity of impactful, place-based ideas designed to help their communities thrive.
Teams will be notified of their application status by June 4, and regardless of status, be provided substantive feedback and scores from the Challenge’s esteemed evaluation panel. The Salazar Center will also offer applicants exposure to other funders in its network and amplify teams’ need for support wherever possible. Where appropriate, we may also facilitate connections between fellow applicants should there be opportunity for collaboration or peer-learning.
Eight finalist teams will each receive a $10,000 capacity-building grant in June, as well as complementary resources and training over the course of this summer. Additionally, finalists will have the opportunity to connect with one another and will be assigned a mentor in preparation for the Finalist Pitch Fest—to be held during the Salazar Center’s third annual symposium on September 28-29.
Stay tuned for an announcement of the finalist teams in early June, and save the date for the September Pitch Fest!