Narayan AmmachchiTechnology giant Google has set aside $5.75 million for Latin American NGOs that are using innovative technology solutions to deal with local and societal challenges in their areas of operation.
Nonprofits in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico can qualify for the award by taking part in the Google.org Impact Challenge. Google is likely to select three projects per country, each receiving $350,000.
“Any NGO registered in these countries can apply for the award,” said Eleonora Rabinovich, Public Policy and Government Relations Manager at Google, according to Spanish newspapers.
In addition, the Silicon Valley firm is going to organize a contest where the public will be allowed vote for the NGO they benefited from. The victorious organization in the Mexican contest will get $250,000, while those winning second and third place will be awarded $150,000 and $100,000, respectively.
Google earmarks $1 billion every year for philanthropic donations. The internet giant says participating organizations may simply present an idea, not necessarily an ongoing project.
According to Cedena3.com, the judges will take into account four factors to choose the NGOS: the impact that their initiative may have on the community, technology and innovation, scalability, and viability.
In addition to the financial outlay, Google will “provide technical resources and mentoring” to the projects. Google says it created the challenge because it truly believes that technology has the power to transform lives.
“We have seen firsthand the incredible impact that innovative technology can have in addressing complex and difficult social issues,” said Jacquelline Fuller, Director of Google.org when organizing a similar contest in Canada last year.
May 24 is the last day for NGOs to submit their proposal.
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