sappi | ideas that matter

Sappi announced the 2011 Call for Entries for Ideas that Matter - an annual, innovative grant program that supports and transforms the creative ideas of designers into a powerful force for social good.

The Ideas that Matter grant program recognizes and supports designers who donate their time and talent to create communications materials for a wide range of charitable activities. This year's Call for Entries answers the question "What can design do for the greater good?" by affirming and financially supporting the meaningful ideas behind the aesthetics of design.

"We believe design has the power to change the world and Ideas that Matter is an important way Sappi supports this goal," said Jennifer Miller, Executive Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Chief Sustainability Officer, Sappi Fine Paper North America.

"For eleven years, Ideas that Matter grants have funded work created for local, regional and national organizations. Not only have the resulting projects accomplished their goals, but many have succeeded beyond their original mandate making an even bigger impact than expected."

Ideas that Matter remains the only grant program of its kind in the design industry.

Sappi, through this program, has awarded more than $11 million in grants worldwide to designers who are performing pro bono work for nonprofit organizations. Grants support projects designed to enhance our lives, our society and our planet for a wide range of issues reflecting the concerns and needs of the communities that designers live in and care about most.

Deadline

Application deadline is July 15, 2011. Grants will be announced in September 2011. Ideas must be fully implemented within six months of receiving awards.

Application needs

Your application must include the following:

* Mission statement of the benefiting non-profit organization
* Written description of the proposed project, including a list of elements within it
* Brief description of the project’s objectives
* Visual presentation of your proposed idea
* Project timeline and proposed budget
* Summary information about the applicant
* Your resumé
* Samples of your previous work

Where to send entries

Send your completed application form and requested supplementary materials to:

Ideas that Matter
Sappi Fine Paper North America
89 Cumberland Street
Westbrook, Maine 04092

Who may apply 

Ideas that Matter is open to individual designers, design firms, agencies, in-house corporate design departments, design instructors, and individual design students and design student groups.