Google.org AI for the Global Goals
Overview
Google believe that artificial intelligence can provide new ways of approaching problems and meaningfully improve people’s lives. AI provides another tool to explore and address hard questions across all sectors of society - from quickly and accurately forecasting floods to connecting people in transition to education and job opportunities.
That’s why they're excited to expand their commitment to launching and scaling AI tools that help organizations tackle some of the world’s biggest problems. Building off of Google.org’s previous investments in AI for Social Good, they’re launching an open call to find organizations around the world that are using AI to create new, innovative solutions to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Criteria
- Impact: How will the proposed project address a societal challenge, identified under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, to drive real world impact for people, especially underrepresented populations? And to what extent? Could this project halve the time to achieve one or more of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals? Is the application grounded in research and data about the problem and the solution? Is there a clear plan to deploy the AI model for real-world impact, and what are the expected outcomes?
- Scalability and Sustainability: If successful, how can this project scale beyond the initial proposal? Can it scale directly, serve as a model for other efforts, or advance the field? How will the project continue beyond Google.org’s funding? Is there a clear plan to share learnings and best practices with the global community?
- Feasibility: Does the team have a well-developed, realistic plan for execution and technical expertise that enables them to apply AI to the problem? Have they identified the right partners and domain experts needed for implementation?
- Data and Responsibility: Is AI the appropriate tool to tackle the issue this proposal seeks to address? How does the application of AI accelerate progress, break through barriers, or reduce inefficiencies? Does the team have a plan to access a meaningful dataset? Does the proposed use of artificial intelligence align with Google’s AI Principles? See Google’s Responsible AI Practices for practical guidance.
Funding
There is no fixed amount to request.
Historically, Google.org AI for Social Good funding amounts have ranged from $500k to $2M, with the median at $1.3M.
Who can apply
The call is open to any non-profit organisation, public charity, research institution or for-profit business from around the world, provided that they apply for a project that has a charitable purpose.
The organisation must have a registered office in its country of residence.
Only one organisation may be the applicant of record, but Google.org welcomes and encourages collaboration - especially between technical and social sector experts.
Applying organizations must have the capacity to absorb a large amount of funding. Based on the type of project, Google.org will provide support through a combination of funding, product donations and technical expertise.
They believe that projects supported by their funding should be able to benefit everyone. If you are selected, the standard funding agreement will require any intellectual property created with funding from Google.org be made available to the public for free under a permissive open source license. If your organization is invited to move forward in the selection process, and you have a compelling reason why your organization needs to own the intellectual property created with Google.org funding, you will have an opportunity to request an exception.
Eligible Expenditure
Google.org will provide project support through a combination of funding, product donations and technical expertise.
Grants may be used to fund overhead and staffing costs, but most of the funding should be devoted to the implementation of the project. The following criteria apply:
- For-profit organisations may only use funds for staffing and overhead directly related to the charitable project.
- For universities and other academic institutions, overhead expenses should be limited to 10% of the total budget or less.