Google Commits $6m In Grants To Non-Profits Organisations In Nigeria, Kenya And South Africa

One of the few things that Google CEO, Sundar Pichai announced during his visit to Nigeria last July, through its philanthropy arm — Google.org (and a huge steps has been taken to ensure that the promises are kept and they sure have kept to it) was the Google impact challenge. Through the launch of the Google Impact Challenge Africa in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa—where it will award $6 million to selected registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and social enterprises in the three selected countries.

Speaking at the Nigeria launch event in Lagos today, Google Nigeria Head of Marketing, Affiong Osuchukwu said that:The funding will be split over the three countries ($2 million each) and then further split into four winners and eight runners-up from each country.

“This is the first time we are running a GIC in Africa. Many African non -profits are doing great work with real impact, and we are keen to shine a light on them and give a financial boost to innovative projects and ideas.

“We believe technology can help local and national organisations to reach their goals better and solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.

“We are eager to back people who are using technology in new ways to make a positive difference in their communities. We also want to highlight the healthy state of social enterprise in Nigeria today and encourage non-profits to consider how technology can help them to reach their goals.” she added.

“The winners will receive $250 000 each, and the runners-up will get $125 000. And the applications for nonprofits to apply opens today for parts of this funding. Winners will be announced by the end of the year, explains Abiodun Adepoju, Product Marketing Manager at Google.

The Nigerian judging panel is made up of top level policy targeters and influencers within the tech market. They are nine of them and their names are:

• Chairman/CEO Channels Media Group, John Momoh,
• Chairman/CEO, Zinox Technologies, Leo-Stan Ekeh,
• CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Parminder Vir,
• Rapper and CEO of Chocolate City Music Group, MI Abaga,
• Philanthropist and Executive Director of Nigeria Network of NGOs, Oluseyi Oyebisi,
• Philanthropist and Media entrepreneur, Mo Abudu,
• Ex-footballer and founder of the Kanu Heart Foundation, Kanu Nwankwo,
• Managing General Partner, EchoVC Partners, Eghosa Omoigui and
• Google Country Director, Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor.

How to apply for the Google impact challenge.

Applications into the Google Impact Challenge Africa are now available in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.

The application portals will be open for a month, after which the judge selections , then a public voting take place over the following four months.

To apply for the funding, non-profits need to submit an idea that will improve the lives of people in their country and provide economic opportunities to people through innovative use of technology.

However, the technology involved does not have to be hi-tech, as Google says it could be as simple as a text message system that sends helpful information to people. Applicants from each country have to be based in that country, as Google says it really wants the winners to be hands-on with the community.

For candidates to be eligible to apply, interested organisations/solutions must have a community impact, must be registered non-profit organisation in their country of operation, and must have the potential to scale directly or to serve as a model for other communities. And finally, must have a well thought-out plan and well-equipped team to execute.

The final winner selection / award ceremonies will be held November 26th in Lagos, Johannesburg and Nairobi respectively. To apply for the African Google Impact Challenge in Nigeria (apply here), Kenya (apply here) and South Africa (apply here). Applications close on the 4th of July, 2018.