Doors to the Future

Employee Innovation Grant

At Immanuel, we believe innovation starts with you. Our Doors to the Future Employee Innovation Grant is a unique opportunity for employees to shape the future of our organization. 

About the Grant

This internal grant program – part of our five-year strategic plan – empowers team members
to propose bold, creative ideas that enhance our mission, improve operations, and elevate
the experience of those we serve.

Whether it’s a new service, a smarter process, or a way to bring joy to those we serve, your idea could receive funding, support, and recognition. This is your moment to make a
difference – and we’re here to help you make it happen.

Zumba class lead by a wellness instructor.
Staff member and senior dance to the music.
Male nurse changes sheets on a bed.

Who can apply?

Everyone at Immanuel is invited to apply – no matter your role, department, or location. You can submit an idea on your own or team up with others. If you’ve got an idea or vision for positive change, we want to hear it.

We’re looking for ideas that:

  • Improve how we work or reduce costs
  • Enhance the experience of residents, participants, or team members
  • Create new value or challenge the status quo

If it’s bold, fresh, and forward-thinking – it belongs here.

2025 SPARK TANK

Doors to the Future Grant winners

After careful deliberation during the 2025 Spark Tank event, the judges selected Manny’s Mobile Market as the inaugural winners. The idea was developed by Scott Wiese, Tara Witty, and Rob Hill, all members of the Home Office Culinary Team.

A market truck brings essential goods directly to Immanuel communities and Pathways centers, supporting those who can’t easily reach a store. Called “Hospitality in Motion,” it meets people where they are with tailored offerings. 



Learn More
Immanuel team members presented their innovative ideas at the first Doors to the Future Spark Tank event.
Photo Gallery

Moments to remember

This gallery showcases standout moments from Immanuel’s first Doors to the Future Spark Tank event, where employees pitched practical, mission-driven ideas to strengthen our communities and centers. The photos capture the energy and momentum of a day centered on turning innovative concepts into real impact.

A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
A live Spark Tank event where team members pitched their Doors to the Future ideas designed to improve experiences across Immanuel's communities and centers.
Immanuel team members presented their innovative ideas at the first Doors to the Future Spark Tank event.
Immanuel team members presented their innovative ideas at the first Doors to the Future Spark Tank event.
Immanuel team members presented their innovative ideas at the first Doors to the Future Spark Tank event.
Spark Tank Amber Photo edit-1
Immanuel team members presented their innovative ideas at the first Doors to the Future Spark Tank event.
Immanuel team members presented their innovative ideas at the first Doors to the Future Spark Tank event.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Check out the FAQs to learn more about eligibility, funding, support, and what happens if your idea isn’t selected. This is your chance to innovate, collaborate, and help shape the future of Immanuel. 

The Innovation Grant Program is an internal initiative tied to our 5-year strategic plan that empowers employees to propose innovative ideas that enhance Immanuel and those we serve. Selected ideas will receive funding and support for implementation.

All employees, regardless of role or department, are encouraged to submit ideas. Team submissions are also welcome.

Ideas that align with our mission, strategic goals, improve efficiency, enhance employee, resident, or participant experience, reduce costs, or generate new value for Immanuel will be considered.

Employees can submit ideas through the online application. Submissions should include a summary, the problem it addresses or the impact it has on residents, participants, and/or employees, the proposed solution, anticipated costs and/or resources, and expected outcomes.

Ideas are reviewed by a cross-functional committee using criteria such as:

  • The impact on Immanuel’s mission.
  • Application clarity, research, and detail are provided in the submission.
  • Innovation – a bold idea that pushes beyond risk aversion.
  • Increases quality, effectiveness, or efficiency.
  • A clear process is suggested for implementing the idea.

Finalists will be selected and invited to participate in a Spark Tank competition. This will be a live event where finalists will get an opportunity to present their idea to a group of Immanuel stakeholders. Assistance and coaching will be provided to finalists with this process.

If your idea is selected to be implemented:

  • Monetary award
  • Funding to implement the idea
  • Opportunity to be part of an implementation team
  • Access to relevant tools, resources, or cross-functional teams

Funding amounts will vary based on the scope and scale of the idea. Grants may include both financial and resource support.

Please utilize your department leader, home office liaison, or executive director if you need assistance completing the application. If you’re selected as a finalist, finalist(s) will receive assistance in preparing for the Spark Tank competition.