InternetNZ announces Community Projects funding opportunity

InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) has today announced the launch of a one-off funding round for Internet-related projects that benefit the wider community.

The Community Projects Funding Round is aimed at encouraging projects or initiatives that advance InternetNZ’s objects, demonstrate a clear element of public or community benefit, and have tangible benefits for New Zealand.

A maximum of $50,000 is available, up to a maximum of $20,000 per project.

Priority will be given to education and research projects related to the Internet and inter-networking, or promote widely and generally available access to the Internet.

Expressions of interest close on 23 September 2011. Details and form are at:

www.internetnz.net.nz/communityprojects

InternetNZ Chief Executive Vikram Kumar encourages people and organisations with ideas for high quality and effective projects to apply.

“The purpose of having a funding round is to find the best ideas from the community and make it easier for them to get a part or all of the funding required. In this way, InternetNZ can tap into the innovation and energy of the wider community to deliver its goal of protecting and promoting the Internet for New Zealand. It is an integral part of our work as a charitable, not-for-profit organisation and I encourage everyone that meets the criteria to put in a quick Expression of Interest.”

“We are trialling a contestable funding round as a one-off initiative. Depending upon the results, InternetNZ will consider if and how any future rounds should work.”

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a detailed project proposal with final decisions made by 17 October 2011.

More details are available at:

http://internetnz.net.nz/communityprojects