ORIX Foundation, a charitable organization led by ORIX USA employees, is launching a new philanthropic initiative to drive social innovation in the North Texas region. The ORIX Foundation Community Innovation Project will fund Dallas-area nonprofits creating game-changing approaches to addressing social issues, and is possible thanks to a $3 million contribution from financial services firm ORIX USA Corporation. Dallas-area nonprofits are invited to submit a letter of intent for consideration by July 31, 2016.
“Over the past seven years, our people have redefined corporate philanthropy by building and running a foundation that is concerned about the region’s most vulnerable populations and has invested $8.1 million in grants in these communities since its inception.” said Hideto Nishitani, Chairman, President and CEO of ORIX USA Corporation “We are delighted and proud they decided to spread that innovative spirit to the social sector for the benefit of North Texas people and families.”
“Our goal with the Community Innovation Project initiative is to seed and grow community-based solutions to persistent problems like poverty, achievement gaps or unemployment,” said Josh Mayfield, ORIX Foundation board president and head of ORIX Energy Capital. “We hope this opportunity will encourage and accelerate innovation that will spur change for those who need it most.”
The ORIX Foundation Community Innovation Project will support sustainable solutions that demonstrate new approaches to addressing community challenges in any of the foundation’s core focus areas: basic needs, children at risk, education, family empowerment, health and veterans issues. Preference will be given to projects that meet an unmet need in North Texas or significantly expand upon an existing program. Ideal candidates will also leverage community collaboration and provide opportunities for active engagement by ORIX employees. Applications for single or multi-year grants are welcome.
Eligible nonprofit organizations should submit a letter of intent by July 31, 2016. Select organizations will be invited to submit a full application by October 15. Grantees will be notified by early 2017.
The new Community Innovation Project is in addition to ORIX Foundation’s annual grant cycle. Since ORIX Foundation was started as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2009, the organization has invested $8.1 million in nonprofit organizations primarily in ORIX USA’s headquarters region of North Texas. Funding is made possible by donations from employees; matching funds and other contributions from ORIX USA Corporation; and investments by other individuals and corporations. The foundation grants 99 cents of every dollar donated to charitable organizations.