The Program is open to U.S. based organizations that operate in the social impact space. This includes organizations working in a wide range of areas, including: climate, sustainability, land conservation, food and food waste, justice and equality, poverty, homelessness, healthcare, education, arts and music, and more. Your organization does not need to be a 501(c)(3) to apply, but it does need to be a mission-driven social enterprise focused on making meaningful change.
We will evaluate applicants on a number of criteria, including the quality of their application; the social impact space they are in; the potential project they need help with; and how well their organization/project aligns with Cantina and our mission, vision, and values.
Cantina can help with a variety of projects, but projects that are best suited will be:
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Relevant: Relevant to a pressing issue or cause with a clear social impact goal
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Innovative: Involve a new idea or build on an existing approach or tool in a new way
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Impactful: Clearly define an intended impact or outcome
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Functional: Contribute to a workable or implementable solution
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Feasible: A project that Cantina can do in 6-8 weeks
Cantina has an experienced team of researchers, strategists, makers, designers, and software engineers. You will be working with a dedicated team of 3-5 experts from different disciplines, but if your project is focused in one area and does not require a multidisciplinary team, then we will assign the team that is best suited to your project’s needs.
We’re looking to work with an engaged partner, one that will collaborate with us, make decisions quickly, and agree to time commitments for:
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Two hour remote project kickoff meeting
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Stakeholder 1:1 interviews with key people from the organization as needed
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Weekly remote one hour check-ins with the project team
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Coordination of user research as needed
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1-2 workshops as needed (typically half or full day with key stakeholders)
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Final presentation (typically two hours)
Yes. Selected partner organizations must agree that Cantina will have the right to use their name/logo and create a case study describing the work for marketing and publicity purposes.