Booz Allen Foundation doles out $1M to 21 COVID-related projects

McLean-based global management consulting company Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. announced Thursday that its foundation has awarded $1 million through the Innovation Fund it launched in May that was open to nonprofits, small businesses and individuals who had ideas for projects that could help solve COVID-19-related social problems.

The 21 winners received between $10,000 and $100,000 per project. Selected projects focus on topics such as ways to scale production of and sanitize personal protective equipment (PPE); contact tracing; mobile health units to serve at-risk communities; and mental health services.

“Our diverse set of winning teams displayed creativity, innovative thought and best-in-class ability to create impact for our most vulnerable populations affected by the pandemic,” John M. Murdock, Booz Allen Foundation president and co-founding board member said in a statement. “We asked applicants to provide their best and brightest ideas in an unprecedented time, and these award recipients delivered a wide range of solutions that will not only change the world, but also provide hope.”

The application was open from April 30 through June 5, to which nearly 3,000 submissions were provided from all 50 U.S. states, four U.S. territories and Washington, D.C. Grant applications were reviewed by more than 150 people and among the 3,000 applicants, 30 semi-finalists virtually pitched their ideas.

Booz Allen Foundation partners will continue to support the projects through pro bono services including strategic planning, data science and analytics, cybersecurity, financial modeling, war gaming simulations and coaching and mentorship.

No Virginia entities received grants, but a full list of recipients can be found on Booz Allen Foundation’s website.

Subscribe to Virginia Business.

Get our daily e-newsletter.