Frequently Asked Questions
About
What is the Google.org Impact Challenge Pittsburgh?
The Google.org Impact Challenge Pittsburgh is an open invitation to nonprofits with a material presencein Allegheny County to share their vision for innovative ways to make our community stronger byincreasing economic opportunity. We call on the public to vote from among four selected projects forthe project they believe will have the greatest potential for impact in the community. Winning
organizations receive grant funding and Google training to help turn their ideas into reality.
Why is Google hosting the Google.org Impact Challenge in Pittsburgh?
Google has been part of the Pittsburgh community for over ten years and we’re proud to call this city
home! We were one of the first major tech companies to plant roots in Pittsburgh and it’s been exciting
to see how the industry continues to inspire new ideas in the community. The Google.org Impact
Challenge is about fueling innovation to support our community and amplifying the terrific work of local
nonprofits.
Where can I read a full copy of the rules?
You can find the rules h​ ere​.
What if I still have questions?
Please contact us at us-impact-challenge@google.com. We will review every email and post responses
to commonly asked questions on our FAQ here to ensure that all interested applicants have access tothe same helpful information.

Criteria
What are we looking for?
Community Impact.​ Does the proposed project create economic opportunity in the Pittsburgh area?
Does it improve the lives of people in our community?
Innovation.​ Does the project provide an unexpected solution to an unmet need? Is it a novel applicationof a time-tested idea?
Reach. ​Does the project have ambitious goals and embody a big idea? Does it have the potential toscale directly or to serve as a model for other communities?
Feasibility.​ Is the team well-equipped to execute on the project and do they have a well-developed andrealistic plan? Is the organization’s leadership nimble and inspired?

EntryIs there a registration fee?
No. Applying for the Google.org Impact Challenge Pittsburgh is free.
How do I know if my organization is eligible to participate?
Review the criteria and the ​rules​.
What if I am not a registered nonprofit or in the process of registering now? Can I still apply?
You must be registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit at the time the application is submitted. However, if
you are a fiscally sponsored organization, your fiscal sponsor can apply on your behalf, provided it is a501(c)(3) nonprofit at the time the application is submitted. Please see the r​ ules​ for more details.
What if I have a great idea, but my nonprofit isn’t based in Allegheny County?
We’re sorry, but the Google.org Impact Challenge Pittsburgh is only open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit orfiscally-sponsored organizations with a material presence in Allegheny County. Please see the ​rules​ fordetails.
What if we’re a local affiliate of a national organization? Can we still apply?
As long as you're a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit or fiscally-sponsored organization with a material presencein Allegheny County at the time you submit the application, you are eligible to apply.
What does it mean to have a material presence in Allegheny County?
It is up to your organization to determine whether you feel that your presence in Allegheny County ismaterial. If in doubt, please apply. Per the r​ ules​, all projects will be partially evaluated based on theimpact they can have on Allegheny County.
What if we’re a nonprofit based in Allegheny County, but do work outside Allegheny County? Can westill apply?
Yes, as long as your organization has a material presence in Allegheny County at the time of yourapplication.
Can we apply if we’re a for-profit business with a social impact?
Unfortunately, no. The Google.org Impact Challenge is only open to qualified registered 501(c)(3)nonprofits (or fiscally-sponsored organizations) with a material presence in Allegheny County.
Can my organization submit more than one idea?
No. Organizations may only submit one application to the Challenge. Fiscal sponsors can submit morethan one application if they are applying on behalf of multiple sponsored groups.
Can groups that are fiscally sponsored apply for the Google.org Impact Challenge Pittsburgh?
Fiscal sponsors can submit an application on behalf of sponsored groups. Only the sponsored groupmust have a material presence in Allegheny County. For additional details on applications submitted
through fiscal sponsors, please see the ​rules​.Projects
What do you mean when you say “project”?
A project is your organization’s proposed concept and implementation plan for how you will create
more economic opportunity in your community. If selected for a grant, we’ll be supporting theimplementation of this project - so we need to know exactly how the grant will help you realize yourplan.
If another organization is currently implementing a similar concept, can we still submit the idea?
Yes, but please note that projects will be judged in part on their innovative approach and potential toscale. So you’ll need to tell us how and why your implementation is innovative for the community, why
your organization is uniquely suited to implement the concept in a way that will be more successful, orhow you plan to partner with other organizations to achieve success.
Does this have to be a new idea for my organization?
It need not be brand new. In fact, it may already be a work in progress. If so, we would like to hear
exactly how a grant will change the trajectory of your progress toward implementation, scale, andimpact.
Over what time period should the grant funds be spent?
We expect the grant to be spent over the course of one to two years.
Can the grant be used to fund overhead and staffing costs?
Yes, but the large majority of the award should be devoted to the implementation of the project.
Will details of our project idea be kept confidential?
Google will not treat your project as confidential or proprietary, and the details of your project will beshared with Advisors and possibly others to evaluate your proposal, so please do not submit any
proprietary or confidential information in your application. Please keep in mind that if your organizationis selected as a winner, your project summary will be made available to the public on the website.

Process
Can I get a copy of the application questions before I fill out the application?
Yes, you can find a copy of the application questions h​ ere​.
Can we include appendices or additional information to the application?
The application includes an opportunity to provide links to additional resources. Unfortunately, we are
not able to accept any attachments beyond those linked as additional materials in the application form.
Can I save a draft of my application on the site if I want to edit it later?
No. Applications can’t be saved for later completion, so we recommend drafting your responses in a
separate document first and only completing the application form when the entire application is readyfor submission.
How do I make sure my application is successfully submitted?
Make sure all required fields are populated and within the given word limits, then click the "Submit"
button. If the application has been successfully submitted, you should see a screen with a message
confirming that we received your application, and you should also receive a confirmation email to theemail address you provided. If you have any questions about your application submission, pleasecontact us at: us-impact-challenge@google.com.
I’ve submitted my application. What do I do now?
That’s great news. No further action is required. We’ll reach out if we require any additional information,
and will announce the finalists per the timeline on the website.
Does my submission have to be in English​?
Yes, please submit your application in English.
Do I need a Google account to apply?
No, you don’t need a Google account.
How will the entries be judged?
All applications received will be reviewed by a team at Google and a ​panel of Advisors​. Applications will
be evaluated based on the Challenge ​rules​. A total of four nonprofits will be selected as winners. The
public will pick one People’s Choice Winner from the four winners during a public vote running fromFebruary 28th through March 14th.
Who are the Advisors?
See our panel of Advisors h​ ere​.​ The Advisors are selected based on both their demonstrated
commitment to improving their communities and their ability to rally public support for the best ideas.
Will every single application be reviewed?
Yes, we will review all eligible applications received.