Giving Compass' Take:

• TriplePundit reports on a $1.5 million grant from The Alliance for the American Dream, soliciting ideas for solving income equality and restoring a healthier middle class at the University of Utah.

• Which innovations in general show the most promise when it comes to expanding employment opportunities? Do prizes and challenges like this one spur positive disruption?

• Here's how to make sure everyone benefits from economic growth.

With rising income inequality frequently cited as a major social issue in need of new solutions, calls for new thinking are emerging from every quarter.

The latest proposal for innovative solutions comes from The Alliance for the American Dream, an initiative of Schmidt Futures, which has granted $1.5 million to the University of Utah “to solicit and develop ideas for ensuring a vibrant middle class in America.”

The Alliance’s starting point is that “a healthier and larger middle class reduces income disparity and provides enhanced opportunity and economic mobility.”

Its initial challenge has a specific, concrete charge: the university will work with other individuals and groups throughout Utah “with the intent to increase net income for 10,000 of the state’s middle-class households by 10 percent by 2020” by using new technology and policy ideas.

“This project, which will bring together students, faculty, staff and the community, aligns perfectly with our role as the state’s flagship institution,” said President Ruth V. Watkins. “As a top-tier research university, we recognize and embrace our duty to make positive, real and lasting contributions to our state. We are excited to see what promising ideas come forward to improve our community and provide equitable access to opportunity and prosperity.”

Read the full article about the $1.5 million grant for ideas to solve income inequality at TriplePundit.