The Rhode Island Foundation is accepting applications for the 2014 Rhode Island Innovation Fellowships, an annual program to stimulate solutions to the state’s challenges. 

Made possible through the vision and generosity of philanthropists Letitia and John Carter, the program will award two applicants up to $300,000 over three years to develop, test and implement innovative ideas that have the potential to dramatically improve any area of life in Rhode Island.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for those with bold ideas. Thanks to the foresight of Letitia and John Carter, big thinkers now have the chance to convert their concepts to action,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO in a statement.

Preference will be given to proposals that promise the greatest good for the greatest number of Rhode Islanders, a small idea that has big potential to be built to scale or new approaches to longstanding, intractable challenges.

“Letitia and I believe strongly in the promise of our state and the importance of innovation. We hope this will generate creative proposals with the potential to lead to great things,” said Carter.

The program is designed to stimulate solutions by Rhode Islanders to Rhode Island challenges. Although applicants do not have to be residents of Rhode Island when they apply, they must commit to living in Rhode Island during the term of the fellowship if selected. 

The deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 13. The application and answers to frequently asked questions are posted at www.rifoundation.org/innovation.