Nonprofits LISC Hampton Roads and RISE seek solutions to chronic problems in underserved communities

Norfolk, Va. – LISC Hampton Roads and RISE Resilience Innovations announced they have narrowed the list to 12 finalists in the 2024 LISC/RISE Community Resilience Challenge. The finalists were selected for their innovative approaches to addressing some of the most pressing economic and environmental threats facing underserved communities.

Launched in April, the Challenge asked innovators, startups, and nonprofits to propose solutions to a wide range of topics, including rising seas, chronic economic isolation, and disproportionate health risks. The most promising and scalable ideas will share $1 million in funding and support and have the opportunity to pilot their solution locally. The initiative is part of the ongoing strategic partnership between Sentara and LISC HR.

“The goal of this Challenge is to spark scalable new ideas and deliver impactful solutions to some of these complex, long-standing issues — empowering our most vulnerable communities,” said LISC Hampton Roads Executive Director, Jay Grant. “We’ve been inspired by the volume and quality of submissions, and choosing the winners will not be an easy task.”

Nearly 50 businesses and nonprofits submitted solutions across four core areas: Environmental Resilience, Affordable Housing, Job & Economic Security, and Health, Wellness & Safety. Proposals were evaluated on the strength of their business plan, how they involved community organizations, and how effectively they reduced vulnerabilities — using established metrics such as the Social Vulnerability Index and the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. A panel of judges representing a wide range of nonprofit industry sectors, conducted months of in-depth analysis and review, narrowing the pool to the final 12.

“It is inspiring to see so many organizations step forward with strategies to address the challenges that every community faces,” said Sherry Norquist, executive director of community engagement and impact at Sentara Health. “Working in tandem for a common goal, we can accomplish so much more than we would on our own. The Community Resilience Challenge is about one neighbor helping another.”

The finalists include:

“This Challenge will help us create a more resilient future in Hampton Roads and beyond, and it’s a very exciting time for both of our organizations,” said RISE Executive Director, Paul Robinson. “Stay tuned.”

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About RISE Resilience Innovations About LISC Hampton Roads
RISE is a Virginia-based non-profit dedicated to finding, funding and scaling innovative solutions for communities facing the escalating impacts of climate-related challenges. Since 2018, RISE has deployed over $8 million to support more than 40 businesses and established the premiere ecosystem and living lab for resilience entrepreneurs.

About LISC Hampton Roads
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is a national nonprofit that provides financing and support for community development around the country. As one of 38 local offices, LISC Hampton Roads works with local government, community development corporations, and other nonprofits to revitalize neighborhoods and catalyze opportunity. With residents and partners, LISC Hampton Roads forges resilient and inclusive communities in Hampton Roads — contributing to regional efforts to create great places to live, work, visit, do business, and raise families.

About Sentara Health
Sentara, an integrated, not-for-profit health care delivery system, celebrates 135 years in pursuit of its mission—”we improve health every day.” Sentara is one of the largest health systems in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, and among the top 20 largest not-for-profit integrated health systems in the country, with 30,000 employees, 12 hospitals in Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, and the Sentara Health Plans division which serves more than 1 million members in Virginia and Florida. Sentara is recognized nationally for clinical quality and safety and is strategically focused on innovation and creating an extraordinary health care experience for our patients and members. Sentara was named to IBM Watson Health’s “Top 15 Health Systems” (2021, 2018) and was recognized by Forbes as a “Best Employer for New Grads” (2022), “Best Employer for Veterans” (2022, 2023), and “Best Employer for Women” (2020).

12 Finalists Named in $1 Million Community Resilience Challenge

Nonprofits LISC Hampton Roads and RISE seek solutions to chronic problems in underserved communities