BNY UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge

Grant Overview

A Founder’s Guide to the Two-Track System for this Pennsylvania Technology Grant

Donor: BNY & Innovation Works

About: The BNY UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge is a focused initiative designed to solve real-world problems in Southwestern Pennsylvania by funding technology-driven social ventures. Since 2015, it has injected over $3.4 million into the region’s impact ecosystem, acting as a critical bridge between the non-profit sector and the entrepreneurial community.

For 2025, the program has evolved. The most important strategic element for any founder to understand is the new two-track structure. Your success in this challenge begins with an honest assessment of where your venture currently stands. Choosing the correct track is the first, and most critical, test.

The Two Tracks: A Critical Choice

This structure was created to support social entrepreneurs at distinctly different stages of their development. It ensures that early-stage ideas are not unfairly compared to established operations, giving everyone a viable path to funding.

The Early-Stage Track is for new or even pre-incorporated ventures. This is for founders at the ground level, perhaps with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or an earlier-stage concept. If you have been in business for less than a year and have raised less than $500,000 in total funding, this is your path. It offers a $75,000 grand prize and a $50,000 second-place prize. This track is about potential and the strength of the idea.

The Advanced-Stage Track is for established, incorporated companies (for-profit or non-profit) that are post-launch with a product in the market. To qualify, you must have been in business for over a year and have raised more than $500,000. The awards are larger—$125,000 for the grand prize and $75,000 for second place—because the expectations are higher. This track is about traction, demonstrated impact, and scalability.

What the Judges Are Really Looking For

The judging rubric is a transparent guide to building a winning application. They are scoring on the clarity of your social impact, your venture’s financial sustainability model, and the strength of your founding team. This is about more than just a good idea; it’s about your ability to execute. For founders new to this process, understanding how to frame your venture is key. We have resources that can help you with the fundamentals of pitching a tech-focused business.

This challenge represents a significant opportunity for the right founders. It is one of the premier funding sources for social enterprises in the region and a standout among all grants available in Pennsylvania. It serves both nonprofits and for-profits, making it a versatile tool for those who also search for traditional small business grant opportunities.

Focus: Social Innovation, Technology, Community Development, Environmental Sustainability, Healthcare, Gender Equality, Education, LGBTQ+ Rights, Disability Inclusion, Housing, Food Security, Clean Energy, Civic Engagement

Region: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, Pennsylvania.

Eligibility:
– Must be 18 years or older.
– Be based in one of the ten eligible Southwestern Pennsylvania counties.
– For-profit and non-profit models are eligible.
– Impact must be primarily within the specified region.
– Cannot have previously received $50,000 or more in UpPrize funding.
– Applicants must not be employed by or affiliated with BNY or Innovation Works.
– Crucially, applicants must select and meet the requirements for one of the two tracks:
— Early-Stage Track
— Pre-incorporated or incorporated.
— In business for less than 1 year.
— Raised less than $500,000 in total funding.
— Advanced-Stage Track
— Must be incorporated (for-profit or non-profit).
— In business for 1+ years.
— Product is post-launch and in the market.
— Raised more than $500,000 in total funding.

Benefits:
– Advanced-Stage Track Awards:
— Grand Prize: $125,000
— Second Place: $75,000
– Early-Stage Track Awards:
— Grand Prize: $75,000
— Second Place: $50,000
– All applicants can attend the UpPrize Bootcamp, a complimentary workshop on enterprise development.

Deadline: June 26, 2025

Terms:
– Social Enterprise: A business (for-profit or non-profit) whose primary purpose is to achieve a social or environmental mission using business methods.
– MVP (Minimum Viable Product): A version of a new product that allows a team to collect the maximum amount of validated learning about customers with the least effort.