Illinois State University President Larry Dietz has been picked to help Google choose which nonprofits around the state will receive thousands of dollars in grant funding.
Dietz will serve on the local advisor panel for Google.org's Illinois Impact Challenge. Other advisors include former Gov. Jim Edgar and ex-Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte.
Nonprofits from the state are invited to submit proposals for "for bold ideas to grow economic opportunity in their local communities." Ten winners will get $75,000 each, then a public vote will determine which organization gets $250,000 more.
“As a university president, I’m extremely honored to be a part of the panel of advisors for this project,” Dietz said in a statement. “Nonprofit agencies are often the unsung heroes that make a difference in communities across Illinois. This competition allows innovative ideas for economic opportunity and improving the lives of Illinois citizens to be rewarded with financial support and training from Google.org. This spirit of innovation is very much in keeping with the mission of Illinois State University, and civic engagement is one of the University’s core values.”
The deadline for nonprofits to apply is Sept. 21. The finalists will be announced in January.
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