Google.org Impact Challenge: Strengthening Democracy in Europe
Overview
Who can apply
The Challenge is open to any not-for-profit charity, other not-for-profit organisation, public or private academic or research institution, civic entity, or for-profit social enterprise company with a project that has an explicit charitable purpose. Your organisation or your project’s partner organisation must have a registered office in your country of residence in Europe (listed in the Terms). Unfortunately, individuals without organisational affiliation are ineligible.
For-profit businesses that are registered or formed under the laws of one of the eligible countries may apply if their suggested project has an explicit charitable purpose and they are willing to open source any IP created (or distributed) with the funding.
What type of projects are they looking for?
They are particularly interested to see high-impact proposals leveraging technology in innovative ways, as well as coalitions and partnerships working together to create or scale a solution.
They’ll also be looking for initiatives focused on: Protecting election integrity: For example, supporting cybersecurity for critical infrastructure and building the cyber
- capacity of nonprofit, non-governmental organisations who work on election-related topics, as well as tackling foreign disinformation through innovative methods such as prebunking.
- Supporting voter education: For example, digital literacy training for voters, or new ways of making civics information more accessible.
- Strengthening civic dialogue: For example, encouraging scaled dialogue and community building to engage in consensus building, or advancing deliberative tech that fosters, supports, and leads to informed decision-making.
Criteria
Your project will need to demonstrate the following, and read the elaboration of each of the criteria here.
Impact
What is the big problem the proposal aims to solve and why is it important? Is the proposed solution grounded in research, data, or a proven track record? Does the project demonstrate a deep understanding of the end beneficiaries, such as their distinct demographics and how they may experience the problem in a nuanced way?
Innovative Use of Technology
Is the application of technology integral to the solution and does it address clear needs? Does the proposal apply new or existing advanced tech/AI, interventions, or approaches in an innovative and appropriate way? If applicable, is the use of advanced tech/AI necessary and aligned with Google’s AI Principles and Responsible AI Practices?
Feasibility
Does the proposal outline tangible and compelling impact outcomes for the first 12-18 months, and is there a well-developed, realistic execution and resource plan that maps to these goals? How might the project leverage strategic partnerships, coalitions, and networks to access additional expertise, reach, and more?
Scalability
If successful, how can this project scale beyond the initial proposal and advance the field, including across borders? Is there a plan to share learnings and best practices to serve as a model for other efforts and additional organisations? And how will the project continue and grow beyond the support from Google.org?
Funding and support
Selected organisations may receive anywhere from €250K up to €1M+ in funding and additional support to accelerate their project. . Within the application, your project may indicate the amount of funding you wish to apply for in €250K increments.