SXSW wants more Nonprofits! And they are paying.

As all of you know Dale Thompson and I have been dropping this hint in the ears of SXSW for a long time and now it’s happening.  As all of you know the SXSW Interactive Festival brings together an eclectic mix of technologists, new media industry professionals, creative thinkers and marketing experts to launch new ideas and solutions into the marketplace.

For 2011, SXSW is proud to add a new scholarship program to make it easier for non profits to be part of the excitement of March in Austin.

Over the years, the energy and enthusiasm of non profit and cause groups has spurred much of the innovation that happens at SXSW. Recognizing these contributions, SXSW wants to ensure more of these non profit groups will be a part of the 2011 experience. In partnership with CauseShift, SXSW Interactive is introducing a scholarship program to benefit non profits.

How the Non Profit Scholarship Program Works

We are inviting non profit organizations and their supporters to enter 300-word essays by 11:59 PM CST on October 31, 2010. Essays should explain how new media and technology can help solve the organizations respective social issue and achieve its mission. Tell us why it’s important to leverage media and/or technology in this manner — how will it help you reach the finish line for your cause? And, in the spirit of SXSW, think big and think differently. After reviewing all the essays submitted, SXSW and CauseShift will select the top five (5) essays in terms of content and creativity.  The winning entrants will each receive a free SXSW Interactive badge (a $750 value) to give to their designated non profit in order to attend the SXSW Interactive Festival.

More and all the details here on the SXSW Scholarship for Nonprofits.