Burbank, Calif. — NBC4 South-ern California announced today that it will partner with the NBCU-niversal Foundation to launch a new program that will provide a total of $1.2 million in grants to nonprofit organizations. The initiative, called 21st Century Solutions, will enable non-profits to compete for funding in the ten local communities served by the NBC owned stations.

NBC4 Southern California is among the 10 owned stations that will implement the 21st Century Solutions grant program. After an extensive application and vetting process, one Southland organization will be awarded $100,000, and two runners-up will each receive $50,000, totaling $200,000.

“We are excited to be partner-ing with the NBCUniversal Foun-dation to implement this signature grant program,” said Terri Rosales Hernandez, vice president of community affairs and communication for NBC4 Southern California. “We have a long tradition of supporting community initiatives and believe this is a great opportunity for us to further support and learn more about local non-profits that are initiating innovative ways to overcome existing and new social challenges.”

“It is so rewarding to be part of a company that puts such a strong emphasis on philanthropic and community involvement,” said Steve Carlston, president and general manager of NBC4 Southern California. “These additional funds will have a significant impact on deserving organizations that are making a real difference in the Southland.”

The 21st Century Solutions program will support high-impact, innovative programs in the areas of Arts and Media, Civic Engage-ment, Jobs and Economic Em-powerment, Community Develop-ment, Technology and Innovation, and Education and Environment. Qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations wishing to compete in the grant challenge can review the eligibility criteria and complete applications on the NBC4 Southern California website (www.nbclosangeles.com/21stCenturySolutions/overview). Applications must be received by Aug. 15 and winners will be announced this fall.

The funding will come from the NBCUniversal Foundation while the ten stations will help promote the program and create a dialog about local social entrepreneurship as well as the impact on their city. The 21st Century Solutions grant program will also be implemented at NBC Owned Television stations representing Chicago, Connecticut, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, and Washing-ton, DC.