OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation Seeks Big Ideas to Compete for $100,000 in 2021 OSV Challenge

Posted: 02/01/2021 | News

Second annual competition launches to spark innovation and revitalize creativity in the Church

Huntington, IN, February 1, 2021 – OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation proudly announces the reopening of application submissions for the 2021 OSV Challenge, a multi-round entrepreneurial competition designed to incubate unique project ideas in any stage from Catholics whose faith has motivated them to make a difference. With three prizes on the line valued at $100,000 each, OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation seeks to build up Catholic innovators with the professional guidance, spiritual formation, and personal development needed to accelerate initiatives that will make the biggest impact on the Church and the world.  

“We are not aiming to fund the next good idea, but to invest in people – emerging innovators and seasoned trailblazers – by forming a new generation of entrepreneurs who are not afraid to relook at how we encounter and evangelize the truth and beauty of the Catholic Church,” says OSV Institute President Jason Shanks. “The Church has always been at the forefront of great ideas – hospital systems, schools and universities, missions, shrines, and some of the greatest art known to man. The OSV Challenge is a search for Catholic innovators with world-changing ideas.”

The original idea for the OSV Challenge developed in response to the alarming statistic that the Catholic Church loses 6.5 people for every one convert, with millennials disaffiliating at an unprecedented rate. Those who leave often cite a lack of vitality, beauty, and relatability in their churches. With pews being further emptied as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, creative solutions have never been more important.  

“We want to build an ecosystem of innovators, connecting their entrepreneurial ideas with philanthropists and investors in order to bring more people to Christ and benefit the entire world,” says OSV Institute Director of Strategic Alliances Matt Smith.

Applications are encouraged from inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and any layperson ready to unleash a world-changing idea. Funding areas of special interest include Hispanic Experience, Parents & Family, Catholic Education, Disaffiliation, Youth Ministry, Parish Life, Social Justice, Technology, and Creative Arts. Applications opened on February 1 and the window closes at 12:00pm Eastern on April 2. The 2021 OSV Challenge will culminate with Demo Day on September 18, on which finalists have an opportunity to present their final pitches to a panel of expert judges and investors before the three  winning initiatives are announced. A new incentive announced for 2021 is the ability to earn additional prizes as contestants advance through the various stages of the Challenge. Prospective Challengers can learn more about the OSV Challenge and apply now at osvchallenge.com.

To schedule an interview with Matt Smith, contact Carrie Kline at carriek@revolutionizingmissions.com

Catholic Sprouts, Eden Invitation, and Juan Diego Network were the winners in the inaugural 2020 OSV Innovation Challenge. For more information and a complete press kit, visit osvchallenge.com/press

###

In 1915, Fr. John Francis Noll began OSV Institute to extend the reach of Our Sunday Visitor in service and support of Catholic organizations. Over $80 million has been granted to Catholic organizations to date. In 2021, the name evolved to OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation to better identify with a strategy evolution focusing on innovation. OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation continues to serve the Church by inspiring and encouraging innovative and effective Church-related programs and activities that forge new paths for people to encounter the truth and beauty of the Catholic Church. Learn more at osvinstitute.com.

Share