Dietz chosen as advisor for Google.org’s Illinois Impact Challenge

President Larry Dietz speaking at the 2017 State of the University.

Illinois State University President Larry Dietz is helping Google in its philanthropic efforts to award Illinois non-profit organizations with grant money to stimulate economic opportunity across the state. Dietz is one of a panel of advisors for Google.org’s Illinois Impact Challenge competition, which runs through September 21.

As part of the Illinois Impact Challenge, nonprofits submit proposals to create economic opportunities in Illinois. Ten winners will receive $75,000 grants and training from Google to implement their ideas. The panel of advisors and members of the public will have a chance to vote for their favorite idea from the 10 winners. The winner with the most public votes will receive an additional $250,000.

Other advisors on the Illinois Impact Challenge panel are Ellen Alberding, president of the Joyce Foundation; Jim Edgar, former Illinois governor; Matt Forté, all-pro running back for the Chicago Bears; Andrea Sáenz, CEO of The Chicago Community Trust; and Tina Tchen, partner at Buckley Sandler.

“As a university president, I’m extremely honored to be a part of the panel of advisors for this project,” said Dietz. “Non-profit agencies are often the unsung heroes that make a difference in communities across Illinois. This competition allows innovative ideas for economic opportunity and improving the lives of Illinois citizens to be rewarded with financial support and training from Google.org. This spirit of innovation is very much in keeping with the mission of Illinois State University, and civic engagement is one of the University’s core values.”