Deadline: 26-Oct-22
The New Media Ventures (NMV) is open for submissions to fund for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations building progressive power.
The primary focus areas are media & narrative, organizing & advocacy, and elections & civic engagement.
Benefits
$50K to $150K in funding. NMV typically makes investments in for-profits (most often via convertible notes) and give unrestricted grants to nonprofits. Additionally, NMV supports the portfolio through:
- A network of founders where leaders ask questions, identify problems, and surface solutions in community.
- Webinars and one-on-one coaching to help new leaders navigate organizational and operational challenges, like setting goals and managing cash on hand.
- Catalyzing additional funding by connecting them to donors and investors at NMV’s flagship event, the NMV Summit, and at other times of the year when possible.
- NVM is currently refining its program in response to feedback from current portfolio members and look forward to rolling out the next iteration of NMV’s support program in the months ahead.
What is NMV looking for?
- Scalable with a proof of concept: NMV prefers ventures with an existing user base (even if they are only beta users), demonstrated proof of concept, and a clear plan for generating revenue and/or growth.
- Sustainable model and impact: NMV has a preference for work that is sustainable and builds progressive power. NMV would like to invest in ventures who expect to generate revenue, although they may not now, or who have a plan for a sustainable operating model.
- Strong, diverse team: NMV looks for leadership teams that have both the technical and business talent to create something great and who understand their market intimately.
- Progressive & mission-driven: NMV is mission-driven and works to invest in entrepreneurs and activists building progressive power in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria
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New Media Ventures funds across various fiscal structures, including for profit and nonprofit. NMV is looking for scalable solutions from diverse, mission-driven teams that are working to advance progressive change. NMV will consider supporting:
- Early stage ventures working to build and scale solutions in this context
- New programs and / or collaborations of larger organizations that are positioned to develop new tech tools or other cutting edge approaches that could be transformative for the progressive movement
- NMV funding is best suited for early-stage projects or startups (pre-seed/seed stage) for which a one-time investment of $50K to $150K can make a meaningful difference. The mission is to support entrepreneurs and activists who are strengthening the democracy, building progressive political power, and/or empowering historically marginalized communities
- Ultimately, NMV hopes to find the best technology and innovations and love to be surprised by things NMV hasn’t seen or considered before. You should look at NMV’s portfolio and its most recent investment slate to get a sense of the breadth of organizations NMV supports.
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Please see eligibility criteria listed below for more guidance on eligible startups and organizations:
- Early Stage nonprofit (501c3, c4, 527) and for-profit organizations
- With innovative solutions, tech tools, or programs with potential to scale
- Building the political power of communities marginalized by current and historic oppression
- In any of NMV’s sectors — media & narrative, advocacy & organizing, and/or elections & civic engagement
- At a stage where $50K – $150K in funding would be catalytic
- Based in and/or seeking to make an impact in the U.S.
For more information, visit NMV.
For more information, visit https://newmediaventures.org/intake