Supported by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Calpe Labs

The Compassion Challenge

A Competition for HBCU Students

Preserve Neighborhoods, Provide Parks, Prevent Displacement

Create Innovative Development and Finance Solutions Grounded in Compassion to Improve Access to Greenspace in Historically Black Communities Without Causing Displacement

GET RESOURCES

What is this Pitch Competition?

This pitch competition looks to create compassion-centered solutions in historically under-resourced communities that preserve neighborhoods, provide parks, and prevent displacement.

It is hosted by Values Partnerships with support from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Calpe Labs.

Why?

Although parks and greenspaces are vital health-promoting community assets, there is currently an inequitable distribution of these places among various communities. Recent attempts to remedy this inequity and build parks in historically under-resourced communities have often resulted in increased housing, rent and commercial lease prices that cause involuntary displacement of existing residents. As a result, many residents are denied the very health and quality of life benefits that neighborhood parks and greenspaces provide.

Our Solution

This competition seeks visionary proposals grounded in compassion-centered cogovernance for building greenspace in historically under-resourced communities without causing displacement. Proposals should present investment-ready development or finance models for impact investors, socially conscious finance institutions, philanthropic organizations, responsible developers, and local governments that preserve neighborhoods, boost local prosperity, empower resident participation, and ensure competetive, profitable returns for all stakeholders.

Who's Eligible

This competition is primarily for graduate students. Undergraduate students may participate, but only as part of teams composed mostly of graduate students. Teams must be composed of no less than two people and no more than five. No solo entries.

Teams with one undergraduate student must include at least two graduate students.
Teams with two undergraduate students must include at least three graduate students.

All participants must be currently enrolled in a degree program at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States.

Cash Prizes

$10,000

First Prize

$5,000

Second Prize

$2,500

Third Prize

What is Compassion-Centered Governance?

Compassion-Centered Cogovernance

in

Communities Challenge

Win-Win Solutions that
Uplift Everyone

Core Principles

Center the principle of compassion for all in policymaking, design and implementation decisions
Develop health-promoting greenspace without causing involuntary displacement of existing residents
Build wealth for existing residents through ownership, equity participation, or other wealth-building mechanisms
Promote environmental health through sustainable development practices that do not increase pollutants or toxins
Generate competitive financial returns that attract both traditional and community-based investors
Create sustainable revenue for municipalities and neighborhoods
Establish governance structures where residents share real decision-making power

What tasks will student teams complete?

In Round 1, student teams will prepare a concise strategic proposal reimagining an existing greenspace development through the framework of compassion-centered cogovernance.

Teams advancing to Round 2 will develop a more comprehensive proposal applying the compassion-centered cogovernance framework to envision new finance and greenspace development models for gentrifying Black neighborhoods

Finalist teams will progress to the in-person pitch day, where they will present their proposals before a panel of judges for an opportunity to win cash prizes.

Who is supporting student teams?

Student teams will be guided and supported by a diverse group of mentors and partners, including HBCU faculty mentors, community development professionals, and local leaders working to improve health and expand access to compassionate development. In addition, teams will receive support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Values Partnerships, and Calpe Labs.

Timeline

Competition Registration Open

October 29 - November 15, 2025

Competition Registration Closes

November 15, 2025
@ 5PM EST

Round 1 Begins - Welcome Webinar

November 17, 2025
@ 3:30PM EST

Webinar on Cogovernance

November 19, 2025
@ 4:00PM EST

Webinar on Greenspace Development

November 20, 2025
@ 4:00PM EST

Webinar on Impact Investing

November 24, 2025
@ 12PM EST

Deadline to Form Team

November 28
by EOD

Round 1 Proposals Due

December 10, 2025
@ 5:00PM EST

Round 2 Begins

January 14, 2026
@ 4:00PM EST

Round 2 Proposals Due

March 30, 2026
@ 5:00PM EST

In Person Pitch Day

April 25, 2026

FAQs

An equity-centered proposal seeks to remedy historical and current inequities through developing and implementing strategies that center the voices and needs of community members that have been historically marginalized and/or most impacted by structural racism.

A compassion-centered cogovernance proposal seeks to understand the needs of all key groups involved (e.g. community members, governmental and financial decisionmakers), and, from the basis of that understanding, develop and implement strategies that will uplift the well-being of those groups in ways that both mutually benefit each other, and include shared decisionmaking with one another.

What is
Green Gentrification?

@blavity Urban land use and green gentrification—let's talk about it. 🌿 Investing in green spaces is important, but it's crucial that these improvements benefit everyone, without displacing communities, especially those of color. Check out Victoria’s latest video for a deep dive into how we can create equitable green spaces for all! #GreenGentrification #InclusiveUrbanPlanning ♬ original sound - Blavity

Questions? Contact Chadwick Smith at [email protected]