State Farm Scouting Communities for People Who Want to 'Cause An Effect'

is searching for people who want to "Cause An Effect" by bringing $25,000 to their communities. Now through March 20, consumers can visit the "Cause An Effect" tab on the State Farm Facebook page to submit a cause, and help build safer, strong, better educated communities. 

"This is a fantastic way to get funding directly to our Peters Township community," said Peters State Farm agent . "Lots of times, there are great causes and needs, but too often the funding to create a solid solution is unreachable." 

"Cause An Effect" is a new, youth-led, crowd-sourced and philanthropic initiative that relies on local, nonprofit organizations to create solutions to community issues identified by consumers. 

"Cause An Effect" invites consumers to submit their neighborhood "cause" via Facebook for a chance to win one of the 40 grants. 

“State Farm is committed to helping communities get to a better state,” said Kellie Clapper, assistant vice president of community relations for State Farm.

“We’re inspired by efforts we’ve seen as communities have come together to address local challenges. From revamping a town square to providing programming at a local recreation center, communities are using creativity and ingenuity to get to a better state, and we hope to harness that energy through this initiative.” 

Chicone told Patch no idea is off limits. 

"The more we submit, the better the chance we have to win," she said. 

The State Farm Youth Advisory Board, a diverse group of 30 full-time high school and university students who are passionate about social responsibility, will review the "cause" submissions and help State Farm select 100 finalists.

State Farm will identify and pair one of the recommended or user suggested nonprofits with each "cause." These nonprofits will create and execute a plan to address the "cause." The "cause" submitter can be as involved as they choose to be in this process.

Once finalists are selected on April 27, communities will get the chance to rally behind the "cause" that means the most to them by voting on the State Farm Facebook page up to 10 times daily until May 17—when voting concludes.

The 40 "causes" that receive the most votes will be announced on May 22, and a $25,000 grant will be awarded to the affiliated nonprofits to implement the solution. 

“With 'Cause An Effect,' we are empowering individuals to bring a $25,000 grant directly to their community,” said Clapper. “The program allows anyone to submit a "cause" in their community, and provides them local nonprofit support, taking action together to address the 'cause' that will create a lasting 'effect.'

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