Skip to main content

Local Lift

Turning Ideas Into Impact

Local Lift is United Way of Tarrant County’s social innovation program supporting local nonprofits, entrepreneurs and small businesses developing solutions to strengthen Tarrant County.

Eight finalists are now participating in a 12-week program of coaching, collaboration, and pitch preparation. In November, they’ll take the stage during Global Entrepreneurship Week to compete for a share of $75,000 in seed funding.

Become a sponsor

2026 Local Lift Finalists

 

Meet the finalists:

  • Ondas Cultural and Movement Arts
    Ondas Cultural and Movement Arts provides the community, particularly underserved populations, with opportunities to engage in cultural and movement arts.
  • Texas Breastfeeding Center
    Texas Breastfeeding Center supports families through breastfeeding education, resources and services that promote healthy outcomes for parents and babies.
  • Open-Minded Wellness
    Open-Minded Wellness provides counseling services designed to support individuals and families as they navigate challenges that affect their well-being.
  • Safe Rides with Natalie
    Safe Rides with Natalie focuses on providing safe, reliable transportation solutions that help community members access the places and services they need.
  • Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization
    Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization works to strengthen the community through programs and opportunities that support residents and promote positive community development.
  • AH HA Solutions
    AH HA Solutions develops solutions designed to address community needs and create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.
  • BPrep Services
    BPrep Services provides resources and support designed to help individuals prepare for greater stability, opportunity and success.
  • Family of Five — Poker Empowerment Program
    Family of Five’s Poker Empowerment Program uses poker as a tool for engagement, personal development and empowerment.

 

Prize Funding

In November, participants will pitch their ideas during a live event and compete for a total of $75,000 in prize funding.

Prize opportunities include:

  • First place: $25,000 
  • Second place: $15,000 
  • Third place: $10,000 
  • Two runner-up awards: $7,500 each 
  • Two Audience Choice Awards: $5,000 each 

Audience Choice Awards will be selected through live virtual voting during the event.

 

Program Timeline

  • June 1: Applications opened
  • July 10: Applications closed
  • Aug. 3: Notification of selected participants
  • Aug. 13: Local Lift cohort kickoff meeting
  • Aug. 24-Oct. 3: Coaching and pitch prep sessions
  • Nov. 9-13: Local pitch competition

 

Sponsor Local Lift

Local Lift depends on community support to help bring innovative ideas to life across Tarrant County.

Sponsors help fund coaching, mentorship and seed investments that allow participants to develop solutions that create lasting impact in our community.

Whether you support the program through sponsorship, mentorship or by helping spread the word, you are directly contributing to a stronger and more resilient Tarrant County.

Become a sponsor

 

Powered by United Way of Tarrant County

Local Lift is part of UWTC’s commitment to expanding innovation, research and nonprofit capacity building across North Texas. Through the United Way Institute, UWTC connects organizations to data, training, tools and partnerships that help solutions grow and succeed.

Questions? For more information about Local Lift, contact institute@unitedwaytarrant.org.

Donate now

Your gift supports people right here in Tarrant County. Donate today to change lives.

Volunteer

Invest your time and talents to make an impact.

Stay Connected

Subscribe to our newsletter for news, events and stories of impact.