Call for Applications for Beyond the Net Program – 2023

July 24, 2023
Posted by: Joseph Kiwendo
Category: Blog, News

The Beyond the Net Grants program aims to support innovative projects that utilize the power of the Internet to address local challenges and empower communities. With support from the Internet Society Foundation, the Internet Society Uganda Chapter (ISOC Uganda) are pleased to announce the call for proposals for the Beyond the Net Small Grants and Large Grants in Uganda. This opportunity invites members of ISOC Uganda, individuals, organizations, and community groups to submit their project proposals, focusing on leveraging the Internet for positive social impact within Uganda.

Program Objectives

Strengthen the impact of the Internet Society and the Internet Society Foundation’s mission and global initiatives with complementary local activities.
Develop new and strengthen existing relationships and partnerships at the local level.

Focus Areas

The Foundation will support Internet Society Chapters to implement initiatives within one or more of the following thematic areas:

Establishing or facilitating connectivity: Projects that focus on providing or promoting the provision of Internet connectivity to underserved or unconnected communities. This could be done through building community networks, creating WiFi hotspots, establishing an Internet exchange point (IXP), or similar projects.
Growing local Internet-related knowledge and skills: Projects that focus on increasing the technical knowledge or skills of local policymakers, stakeholders, or communities. This could be done through digital literacy or other training programs, workshops, innovation labs, or other similar initiatives.
Understanding Internet usage and local needs: Projects that serve to better understand the needs of local communities, how these communities use the Internet, identify gaps in knowledge or uncover needs.
Promoting innovation: Projects that focus on promoting innovation or implementing creative Internet-based solutions to local problems.

Eligibility and Criteria

Applicants can be individuals, non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, or academic institutions.
Individuals must be citizens of Uganda or registered residents, organizations must be domiciled in Uganda and preferably registered in Uganda, and community groups must be Ugandan registered groups.
Projects must be implemented within Uganda and primarily benefit the local communities.
Applicants should have a proven track record of successful project implementation and management
Collaborative proposals and partnerships between multiple organizations are welcome.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the project will leverage the Internet to address social challenges and bring about positive change
Applicants may submit more than one Applicants
Added advantage will apply for Applicants who are Members of ISOC Uganda.

NOTE: ISOC Uganda Membership can be individual or institutional (URL: Become a Members )

Selection

The proposed project aligns with the overall objectives and priorities of the Beyond the Net program.
The proposed project is clear, realistic, and demonstrates need.
The proposed project helps the chapter develop new and/or strengthen existing relationships, partnerships, and presence in the surrounding community.
The project team has identified relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and established reasonable targets.

Small Grant Details:

The Beyond the Net SMALL Grants program is USD $5,000 maximum
Project must be completed during a one to nine (1-9) month period.

Large Grant Details:

The Beyond the Net LARGE Grants program is USD $50,000 maximum
Project is implemented in a period of either 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, or 24 months.

Important Dates: