OTTAWA – The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) will award $1.25 million this year through its annual Community Investment Program which is now accepting applications.
The program is open to Canadian not-for-profits, charities and academic institutions, and grants are available up to $100,000 with one grant available up to $250,000.
Funding areas include:
– Infrastructure: Developing connectivity services for regional, rural, remote and/or underserved communities;
– Access: Providing individuals and communities with the ability to connect to the internet;
– Digital Literacy: Enhancing Canadians' knowledge and skills to use the internet effectively and safely;
– Engagement: Research and knowledge-sharing activities that broaden public understanding and participation in internet policy development, governance and cybersecurity; and
– Services: Building online apps and platforms that address social, economic and/or environmental needs.
Applicants have until 2:00 PM EST on February 28, 2019 to submit their application online. Click here for more information and to view examples of projects awarded funding in the past.
"As part of CIRA's commitment to build a better online Canada, we're proud to support Canadian organizations, often on the frontlines of internet and digital innovation, as they enhance internet infrastructure, help more Canadians get online and grow digital literacy across the country," said CIRA's marketing and communications VP David Fowler, in the news release. "This year, in addition to grants up to $100,000, we plan to award one recipient with up to $250,000 to further strengthen Canada's internet. I encourage all eligible Canadian organizations with an innovative internet project in need of funding to apply during the application period."
Now in its sixth year, CIRA's Community Investment Program has funded 130 projects and distributed $5.45 million in grants to date.
