The Challenge

Deadline: Oct. 22nd, 2012; 11:59pm

Do you dream of owning your own fruit orchard, performance space, art installation, green house, dog park, outdoor gym, outdoor science lab, goat farm, herb garden, or something else awesome? Choose a vacant lot, win it for free, and receive cash prizes to make your idea a reality! Apply today.

PitchNOLA: Lots of Progress is a social innovation “elevator pitch” competition open to individuals and teams with an idea that transforms vacant lots for community and environmental benefit. NORA, Propeller, Tulane, and the Greater New Orleans Foundation Metropolitan Opportunities Fund are challenging the New Orleans community to come up with creative and sustainable uses of vacant lots that improve the community. Choose an available vacant lot from our selection of 49 properties and win $2,000-$5,000 in cash prizes to make your pitch a reality.

First Place: $5,000 for a vacant lot(s) of your choice and project implementation
Second Place: $3,000 for a vacant lot(s) of your choice and project implementation
Third Place: $2,000 for a vacant lot(s) of your choice and project implementation

*NOTE: All winners will need to factor in closing costs for their lot(s) of choice. Closing costs are 10% of property value or a minimum of $775. (See details in application.)

Entrants need only submit a short online proposal with a preliminary site plan for initial consideration. Ten semi-finalists will be selected to pitch their ideas to a large audience and panel of judges during PitchNOLA 2012: Lots of Progress on November 15, 2012. 2012 “celebrity judges” are Chef John Besh, NORA CEO Jeff Hebert, and Dr. Maurice Cox from Tulane City Center.

The event is OPEN TO ALL community members in the Greater New Orleans area. Audience members can register online.