[DC3] Funding for Community Networks in LAC Region - FRIDA Program

Dear all, LACNIC's FRIDA Program <http://programafrida.net/en/> will be offering US$45,000 in funding for *Community Networks projects in Latin America and the Caribbean*. Priority will be given to projects seeking to innovate around sustainability models, regulation, technology and local content development that contribute to the growth of community networks. Funding for FRIDA's 2018 call for proposals is provided by LACNIC, Internet Society and IDRC. Those interested can apply either to the Community Networks Grants <http://programafrida.net/en/grants> or Award <http://programafrida.net/en/awards> with a 500 word summary of their projects by May 15 using the FRIDA Application Platform <http://programafrida.net/en/frida-application-platform>. I am happy to answer any questions that you may have about the application process. For more information about the call for proposal, please see the announcement below. Many thanks, Carolina [FRIDA - Una Iniciativa de LACNIC] FRIDA Call for Proposals 2018 The Regional Fund for Digital Innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean (FRIDA) is announcing its 2018 call for proposals to support community networks and initiatives that promote gender equality in technology. Applications will be open until Tuesday 15 May. FRIDA will offer three US$5,000 awards plus a fellowship to participate in the 2018 Global Internet Forum (IGF) (http://programafrida.net/en/awards), three US$20,000 grants (http://programafrida.net/en/grants) and a US$20,000 scale-up grant (http://programafrida.net/en/scale-ups). *Community Networks. *FRIDA will present an award and two grants to support innovation in sustainability/business models, regulation, technology and local content development that contribute to the growth of community networks. FRIDA will seek to support organizations working on developing affordable, locally-managed community networks, and deploying creative low-cost solutions to bring connectivity to regions without Internet service. *Technology and Gender. *This year FRIDA will offer two awards, one grant and one scale-up to projects that promote greater gender equality through technology and highlight women’s leadership in the Internet industry. Priority will be given to initiatives that focus on developing digital skills among women and girls; encouraging women’s participation in digital markets and their access to employment in the technology sector; implementing strategies to defend digital rights and increase online security and the inclusion of women and girls; and supporting women’s involvement in the deployment of Internet infrastructure to promote Internet access and adoption. Contact: frida(a)lacnic.net -- Carolina Caeiro *Coordinadora de Proyectos de Desarrollo* Coordinator of Development Projects /www.lacnic.net <http://www.lacnic.net> Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry/