Darius Graham and HU JD/MBA Alum Omar Hashmi c/o'09 are the co-founders of the DC Social Innovation Project. The DC Social Innovation Project identifies and invests in creative new ideas that tackle pressing social issues in Washington, DC. Through two programs, DCSIP provides funding and resources to help individuals and community groups launch projects and social ventures in order to improve their communities. The Community Lab grants program provides $3,000 grants to small or early-stage non-profits in DC to launch innovative new programs. The Bright Idea Challenge, enlists 18-35 year olds in the DC area to propose creative social ventures that address a local issue, and the best idea receives up to $10,000 in funding and other pro bono services to help them launch their venture.On Tuesday November 29, 2011,the Social Innovation Project presented District Innovation: A Showcase of Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation in DC. The District Innovation event showcased the recipients of their Community Lab micro-grants program and the finalists of the Bright Idea Challenge venture competition.
Community Micro-grants Program Recipients:
Dreaming Out Loud, recently launched Aya Community Markets to provide fresh, healthy food and economic opportunities to residents of Ward 7
Moms on the Move, a healthy living workshop series for single mothers in Anacostia
I Saw!, pioneering experiental learning programs that puts students in the role of historians to teach them about history
Press Pass Mentors, pairing professional journalists with low-income high school juniors and seniors to help them become great writers, equipping students with the communication skills necessary to succeed in college and beyond
The Bright Idea Challenge Venture Competition 14 Finalists:
Anacostia Produce Auction, Co-op for DC,Dance 4 Peace, Everybody Eats, Food for Life, Grey DC, Manna, Re-Nuble, Splash Entertainment, Stock, Three Part Harmony Farm, and Young Doctors Project of Southeast
Contribute, Partner or Volunteer.
Make a tax-deductible contribution to the DC Social Innovation Project. Help identify and invest in creative, new ideas tackling pressing social issues in DC. Partner with the DC Social Innovation Project. Volunteer your skills to improve the community? Learn more about the DC Social Innovation Project by info@dcsocialinnovation.org.
Follow Twitter: @dcsocialinnov
The Founders:
Darius Graham, Co-founder
Darius received a B.A. summa cum laude from Florida A&M University and a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley - School of Law. Prior to working for DCSIP, Darius was an associate in the corporate restructuring practice group at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. See Board of Directors
Omar Hashmi, Co-founder
Omar received a B.S. from California State University, Fresno and a J.D./M.B.A. from Howard University. Omar is currently an associate in the corporate practice group at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. See Board of Directors
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Source: dcsocialinnovation.org
