Google to Award $5 Million in Grants to Bay Area Nonprofits

Google wants Bay Area residents to pick the groups with the best ideas for transforming local lives. Google.org, the search giant’s philanthropic arm, is seeking public input on its Google Impact Challenge grants to “change-makers and forward-thinkers who challenge the status quo ... with big ideas for an even better Bay Area,” as it says on its website.

“We looked for strong, innovative, social-impact ideas with reach and scalability,” said Justin Steele, Bay Area portfolio manager for Google.org.

Judges combed through 750 applications to pick 10 finalists with programs focused on education, prison reform, racial justice, legal aid, entrepreneurship and community. Now it’s time for the public to weigh in.