The Launch is a social innovation initiative hosted by United Way of Norman. It provides a $10,000 grant to support new nonprofit programs addressing unmet community needs. This grant is awarded annually during the first quarter and focuses on innovative solutions within United Way of Norman’s service area, which includes southern Cleveland County, Garvin County, and McClain County. The grant process emphasizes fostering impactful, sustainable programs in alignment with the organization's mission and priorities.

The purpose of The Launch is to encourage innovative ideas and solutions that address critical community gaps. The initiative aims to support programs capable of making significant, measurable impacts in their communities. Eligible projects must align with one of United Way of Norman's impact areas: Education, Financial Stability, or Health. Applicants are expected to demonstrate the potential for systemic change or scalable outcomes to extend their program's reach and effectiveness.

Funding from The Launch is intended for human service programs led by 501(c)3 organizations. Applicants must operate within the specified service area and propose initiatives that fill clear gaps in the community. The application process includes evaluation based on several criteria, such as the novelty of the solution, the organization’s capacity for delivering sustainable results, and its alignment with United Way’s priorities. Additionally, the program should demonstrate a sound business model with well-defined objectives and measurable outcomes.

To qualify, applicants must be current 501(c)3 nonprofits and meet the January 10, 2025, deadline at 5 p.m. Applications are submitted through an online portal, and interested nonprofits are encouraged to review the selection criteria before applying. Optional training sessions on Human Centered Design and Communicating Your Vision will be held before the grant presentation event, although specific dates are yet to be announced. The final pitch event, where grants will be awarded, is scheduled for February 13, 2025, at 6 p.m.

The evaluation criteria prioritize innovation, impact, and alignment with community needs. Successful applicants will present novel and effective solutions to unmet needs, demonstrate potential for significant impact or systemic change, and provide a solid operational plan to sustain the initiative. The program must also fit within the United Way of Norman’s focus on education, financial stability, or health, ensuring the proposed solution aligns with organizational goals.

The grant timeline emphasizes early preparation and review of all application materials to meet the submission deadline. While the training sessions are optional, they are designed to help applicants refine their ideas and prepare for the presentation phase. The structured evaluation process ensures that awarded grants go to programs with the highest potential for long-term community benefit.