For the 2016 - 2017 period, FIRE Africa has secured over US$240,000 of funding to support projects that use ICT to develop innovative solutions to Africa's unique education, access, information, infrastructure and communication needs.
This year three different types of Grants are available for Africa's entrepreneurs:
- The FIRE Africa Grant
- The Internet Society Africa Grant.
- The FIRE Africa Scale Up Grants.
Please see the table below for an overview of who should apply for which grant.
FIRE Africa Grants
- Technical Innovation
- Community Development
- Governance Enhancement
- Education
Who should apply?
This Grant is for projects that will be implemented within a 12-16 months period.
Public and private sector organisations working on Internet development, security, access or governance and located in the African and Indian Ocean region are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply.
Applicants are required to submit a detailed budget and timetable. There is also a strong emphasis on reporting and evaluation methods, scalability, sustainability and capacity building. Documentation of the impact of the project in the local community is also required.
Deadline
Applications close on 31th May 2016.
The Internet Society Africa Grant
- Internet Security (including collaborative security) and/or
- Access provision
Who should apply?
This Grant is for projects that will be implemented within a 10-12 month period.
Public and private sector organisations working on Internet development, security, access or governance and located in the African and Indian Ocean region are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Individual ISOC members are welcome to apply through their ISOC Chapter.
Applicants are required to submit a detailed budget and timetable. There is also a strong emphasis on the provision of documentation of impact and knowledge sharing through papers, videos, and other communication methods.
Deadline
Applications close on 31th May 2016.
FIRE Africa Scale Up Grants
The FIRE Africa Scale-Up Grants will provide three Grants of up to US$ 30,000 each for three existing projects to scale up activities and move to the next level of their cycle.
Projects must be aligned with one of the following categories:
- Technical Innovation
- Community Development
- Governance Enhancement
- Education
Who should apply?
This Grant is for projects that will be implemented within a 12-16 months period. Projects that have benefited from previous FIRE Grants or Awards are encouraged to apply.
Public and private sector organisations working on Internet development, security, access or governance and located in the African and Indian Ocean region are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply.
Applicants are required to submit a detailed budget and timetable. There is also a strong emphasis on reporting and evaluation methods, scalability, sustainability and capacity building. Documentation of the impact of the project in the local community is also required.
Deadline
Applications close on 31th May 2016
Who should apply for the FIRE Grants, Internet Society Grants and FIRE Scale Up Grants?
Project proposals and award nominations from African-based public or private sector organizations, university, or research and development institutions and non-government organizations will be considered. Individuals are not eligible. All applications must be aligned with the specific Grant's objectives, eligibility criteria, and administrative guidelines.
FIRE Africa actively encourages Francophone, Lusophone, female-led projects, projects originating in post-conflict countries, and projects that support isolated communities. We also encourage projects that use technology to address the specific challenges faced by women and girls, disabled people or marginalised groups. Those projects who have previously benefited from a FIRE Africa Grant or Award are encouraged to apply for the FIRE Africa Scale Up Grant to move their projects to the next level.
All project proposals should provide clear and concrete information about the proposed initiative and include detailed budget and activity plans. Find out more about how to complete a successful Grant submission.
Financial Support and Grant Allocation
FIRE Africa provides financial support for projects in the form of small Grants. Grants are not repayable as no money or interest must be paid back to the program. Grant Allocation is decided through a competitive process following a rigorous selection process. This funding mechanism allows the use of flexible and simple management tools. Only one type of Grant per project will be given to successful applications.
Key dates for 2016
| Grants applications open | 31 March 2016 |
| Grants applications close | 31 May |
| Selection process | June |
| Due diligence review and contracts | July - August |
| Announcement of successful application/s |
September |
