Make a difference in 140 characters : World’s Shortest Grant Application

Do you have a great idea for a project that could have a beneficial impact on the environment, animal welfare, plant-based foods, or food allergies? Could a little (or a lot) of cash make a difference in bringing that idea to life, or in expanding its reach?

If so, you’ll be jazzed to know that So Delicious Dairy Free is running its 140 Difference campaign again this year, and has upped the stakes to give away as much as $100,000 in grants to deserving entries, in amounts ranging from $140 to $10,000 per entry. And the process for throwing your hat in the ring is ridiculously simple, because the company is using what it calls the World’s Shortest Grant Application, which calls for entries of just 140 characters or less, submitted via social media channels.

The first year of the company’s 140 Difference campaign, in 2014, saw a total of $15,000 in micro-grants awarded to entries, with last year’s campaign doubling that amount to reach $30,000 in awards, and this year, this leading plant-based food company is bumping that up to an even $100k, which could allow a whole ‘lotta green projects to get off the ground.

Here’s the dealio:

We’re looking for passionate individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits to help us make a difference in the world. As a bonus, the application process is quite literally as simple as sending a Tweet!

Between April 21 – May 31, we’ll award $100,000 in micro-grants ranging in value from $140-$10,000 to people with brilliant ideas in the areas of environmental sustainability, animal welfare, plant-based foods and food allergies.

Keep in mind: No idea is too big or too small. We started this contest with the simple belief that small actions can make a big impact. A 140 Difference grant might fund your entire project, kick-start a great idea, or help you take an initiative you’re already working on to a new level of awesomeness!

To apply for some of this grant money, simply share your great idea on Twitter (or the company’s 140 Difference page) through May 31st, using the hashtag #WorldsShortestGrant and tagging the company (@So_Delicious) in the entry. You can submit one unique entry per day, and the company says the grant amounts “will be determined by completeness of thought, originality, impact and scope of project.” Winners of the awards are also asked to submit the “performance details” of the impact of the money within 3 months of receiving the funding.

The full official rules of the program are available here (PDF).