Sappi North America, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, has called for its 2016 Ideas that Matter grant proposals, inviting designers to show the world how design, specifically print, can play an important role in changing our lives for the better. Sappi established the Ideas that Matter grant program 17 years ago to fund designers who apply their creative talents to causes that address significant issues facing our society today. “Over more than a decade and a half, Sappi has witnessed first-hand how the creative and integrated work of designers can change the world,” said Sappi. “As a result, Sappi remains committed to the belief that good ideas inspire people to take action, and great ideas change the world. In a world filled with a variety of media choices, print is at the heart of influential and effective messaging and a perfect complement to promote positive social causes.”
Patti Groh, Marketing Communications Director for Sappi North America added: “Over the course of this program, Sappi North America has financed projects that have resulted in real change – such as making broadband internet available for K-12 American schools, delivering properly-dosed medicines for children in Africa, providing access to fresh food for Baltimore inner-city neighbourhoods, and encouraging adoption of ‘ugly’ dogs in Oklahoma. The breadth, quality and impact of projects we’ve supported has made a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Social design impacts society in a positive way, so we’re honoured to annually produce, nurture and provide support for the work of designers and non-profits.”
Ideas that Matter is the only grant program of its kind in the paper industry that funds projects addressing a variety of social issues – from diversity and human rights campaigns to health and youth development. Since 1999, Sappi North America has funded more than 500 programs for nearly $13 million worldwide in support of causes that change lives, communities and ultimately, the planet. Videos of previous winners can be viewed on Sappi’s Ideas that Matter website.
Selection criteria, how to enter and deadline
Ideas that Matter proposals are evaluated on creativity, potential effectiveness and practicality by an annually selected, independent panel of judges who are influential in the design industry. Submissions are open to individual designers, design firms, agencies, in-house corporate design departments, design instructors, individual design students and design student groups. Only applicants in North America may apply. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $50,000 (USD) per project. Each application must include an IRS 501 (c) 3 letter or Canadian equivalent of the applicant’s non-profit organization. Applications for the 2016 program must be submitted and postmarked no later than July 15, 2015. Judging takes place in August, grants are announced in September, and awards are distributed in October. We’ll keep you up to date right here.
To obtain an entry form or for more information on the Ideas that Matter grants, please visit http://www.na.sappi.com/ideasthatmatterNA/.
Sappi North America calls for entries for its 2016 Ideas that Matter grant competition by July 15
