2017 Winners

Our Ideas that Matter program provides the funds to put your life-changing designs in motion

By funding programs that have designs on making a positive change in our society, Sappi has helped over 500 grant winners put their ideas on paper for all to see. These partnerships prove the power of creativity to inspire action, unite people and achieve goals as together we strive to make a difference in the world.

We asked how design can be used to drive change, and you answered. After reviewing many outstanding proposals, we’re convinced that these ten have what it takes to make a difference in lives and communities around the world—and we’re delighted to announce them as Sappi’s 2017 Ideas that Matter grant recipients!

A better tomorrow starts today.

Dress Code - Vera Institute of Justice (VERA)

Studio Usher - ProPublica 'Factivism' Fundraising Project for ProPublica

Gala Narezo and Chantal Fischzang - Mawuni

Re-nourish - Prosperity Gardens Inc.

Eastern Michigan University Intermediate Graphic Design Students - Riverside Art Center/Fly Creativity Lab

IDEO.org - XO Design Guide for IDEO.org

Urban Minds - 1Up Starter Kit for 8 80 Cities

Vignelli Center for Design Studies, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) - Innovating to Respond: Designing Solutions for Humanitarian Needs for Rochester Institute of Technology/Fordham University

Creative Reaction Lab - Creative Civic Action Toolkit for Creative Reaction Lab

SmokeFire Media - Redefining Safety Campaign for Center for Neighborhood Leadership