The Knight Foundation's News Challenge contest offers $5 million for digital media ideas that "foster community". The contest's Web site states that the digital projects have to reach people "in a specific geographic area."

26 of last year's 200 finalists won more than $12 million. Statistically, that translates into an extraordinary winning chance for innovators. The deadline for applications this year is Oct 15, 2007. Anybody worldwide can apply. More at www.newschallenge.org