Arizona State University is partnering with Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses on a new national initiative aimed at finding and funding innovative, community-driven solutions to some of the challenges facing communities across the country.
The Community Futures Challenge, announced this week by PMI U.S., will award five $50,000 grants to nonprofit organizations developing practical ideas to strengthen their communities.
ASU will serve as a key partner in administering the competition and its judging process, bringing the university’s expertise in innovation and entrepreneurship to an initiative that will reach all 50 states.
“Innovation is most impactful when rooted in the needs and strengths of communities,” said Dr. Sethuraman “Panch” Panchanathan, University Professor of Technology and Innovation and Foundation Chair in Computing and Augmented Intelligence at ASU. “The Community Futures Challenge reflects a shared commitment to identifying those ideas, advancing innovation with purpose, and supporting efforts that can deliver meaningful impact across the country.”
Panchanathan, who previously served as director of the National Science Foundation, will chair the Challenge’s judging panel.
The competition is open to eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with projects serving adults age 21 and older. Projects may be in the early-stage, pilot or scaling phase.
The Challenge will also include a four-city “innovation hub” tour intended to highlight local problem-solvers and bring together business, civic and community leaders. Phoenix will serve as one of the four stops, along with Stamford, Connecticut; Pittsburgh; and Jacksonville, Florida.
“At PMI U.S., we believe America’s next chapter will be shaped by the people not afraid to tackle difficult problems, turn bold ideas into action, and open up new routes to progress for their communities,” PMI U.S. CEO Stacey Kennedy said. “As our businesses continue to invest in American jobs, manufacturing, and innovation, the Community Futures Challenge extends that commitment by backing the people and ideas helping build what comes next.”
The initiative comes as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary and is part of PMI U.S.’s broader “Invested in America” effort. The company says it has invested more than $1 billion in U.S. operations, workforce expansion and innovation capabilities since 2022.
The Challenge is built around the premise that some of the most promising solutions to community challenges originate with the people and organizations closest to them.
A recent nationwide survey commissioned by PMI U.S. and conducted by The Harris Poll found that 86% of U.S. adults believe the most meaningful innovation solves real-world problems people encounter in their daily lives. The survey also found that 87% believe communities understand their own challenges better than outside experts, while 90% believe companies should act as community partners rather than assume they have all the answers.
ASU will help oversee a selection process designed to identify ideas with the potential to produce meaningful and scalable results.
Joining Panchanathan on the judging panel are retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass; journalist Steve Clemons; longtime SXSW executive Hugh Forrest; University of Silicon Valley President and CEO Dr. Mark Naufel, who founded ASU’s Luminosity Lab; Atlantic Council Nonresident Senior Fellow Leah Pisar; Black Chamber of Arizona President and CEO Dr. Velma Trayham; entrepreneur Ted Yang; and Neuro co-founder and CEO Kent Yoshimura.
The inclusion of both Panchanathan and Trayham on the panel, along with Phoenix’s selection as an innovation hub, gives Arizona a prominent role in the national initiative.
For ASU, the partnership is also consistent with the university’s longstanding emphasis on entrepreneurship, applied research and using innovation to address real-world challenges.
Eligible nonprofits can apply for one of the five $50,000 grants at America250cfc.org.