Social Venture Partners Charlotte is pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural SEED20, a competition to discover, spotlight, and fund the region’s greatest ideas for making positive social change. On March 6, 2012, to an overflow audience of more than 350 business, nonprofit, and civic leaders from around the region and a five-person judging panel, the 10 finalists of the Class of 2012 pitched their socially innovative ideas. Following comments and evaluation by the judges and a vote by the audience (think American Idol!), the winners were announced. Four grants were awarded – totaling $30,000 – as follows:

• Wells Fargo Grand Prize (voted on by judging panel) of $15,000: Grub to Grub
• Grand Prize Runner-Up (voted on by judging panel) of $7,500: Friendship Gardens
• Coaches’ Award (voted on by 43 SEED20 coaches) of $5,000: Grub to Grub
• People’s Choice (“text to vote” by the audience) of $2,500: Friendship Gardens

The SEED20 competition started back in October, and over the next few months we heard from nonprofit social entrepreneurs who are tackling the most pressing social challenges. The results have been impressive. In January, from a field of 82 diverse and compelling social entrepreneurs, we selected the inaugural SEED20 Class of 2012. Over the next several weeks, SVP Charlotte and over 40 volunteer coaches — made up of business and nonprofit leaders from across the region — worked with the SEED20 Class of 2012 to hone their messages and presentation skills in preparation for taking their ideas to you and the greater Charlotte community. 10 of these competitors were selected to pitch their ideas at SEED20Unleashed! on March 6 and, in addition to the two big winners, the remaining competitors walked away with $2,000 of their own. Click here to find out how!