The Local Networks (LocNet) initiative announced its 2021 Grant Programme with an open call that will support proposals capable of bringing strategic contributions to the community networks (CN) movement. Initiatives and projects directly engaged with existing or new community networks can submit their proposal until 30 April 2021.
The total amount available is USD 160,000, which will be shared between multiple grants: the maximum amount requested per project can be USD 15,000 for individual organisations and projects working within one country, and USD 20,000 for joint submissions including organisations from more than one country or region.
The call is available to existing and emerging community-led projects and initiatives, and community network builders and digital access advocates from the global South and from countries listed as Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients. LocNet expects to receive proposals both from partners from its previous years' grants and new groups who wish to expand their work in this field.
Priority and focus areas
The Grant Programme this year is focusing on three primary areas: 1) technology, innovation and development; 2) gender and women’s participation; and 3) enabling policy and regulatory frameworks.
The open call also highlights the willingness to support projects able to increase the resilience of CNs during the ongoing global pandemic. Priority will be given to initiatives led by women and other socially excluded groups. People living with disabilities, those confronting forced migration, Indigenous persons and traditional societies, as well as groups working on climate justice and protecting land rights, are also encouraged to apply.
Deadlines
The applications submission deadline is 30 April and proposals must be sent online.
The LocNet team can provide support to queries in diverse languages. Please use the email address locnet.grants@apc.org for questions and requests for clarifications in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. The final proposal, however, should be submitted in English.
The initiative will announce the projects selected for funding by 31 May 2021 and their implementation should start by June 2021, with a maximum length of 12 months.
About the Local Networks (LocNet) initiative 2021 Grant Programme
Led by APC in partnership with Rhizomatica, LocNet aims to directly support the work of community networks and contribute to an enabling ecosystem for the emergence and growth of community-based connectivity activities in developing countries. Its 2021 Grant Programme is made possible through funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) as part of the project "Connecting the unconnected: Supporting community networks and other community-based connectivity initiatives".
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