Application Deadline: Social New Venture Challenge (SNVC)
One of the nation’s first social venture competitions, the John Edwardson, ’72, Social New Venture Challenge (SNVC) has helped jump-start more than 200 companies and nonprofits since 2011.
Together, SNVC companies have raised more than $260 million in philanthropic dollars, grant support, and venture-capital funding. Offered in partnership between the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation and the Polsky Center, the SNVC provides social entrepreneurship mentorship and funding for startups with a social mission at their core.
The SNVC is open to currently enrolled graduate students at UChicago who want to launch a for-profit or nonprofit startup. Successful applicants must have a plausible plan for financial sustainability—either through equity investment, direct revenue, grants from philanthropy, government funding, or a combination thereof. Finalists compete every June for at least $150,000 in prize money to further their social ventures.
Applications for the 2026 SNVC cycle will open soon. Please check back for the application. The SNVC application deadline is January 21, 2026 at 3 p.m. CT (no exceptions).