Comic Relief has launched Tech for Good, a new grants programme to help charities run digital projects to achieve social change.
The programme, which is being run as a pilot, will provide six to eight organisations with funding of between £15,000 and £60,000. It is being targeted at organisations that already have some technical expertise, awarding grants to “enable exciting digital projects to come forwards”.
Comic Relief has said it has set up Tech for Good as it has “become increasingly aware of technology’s potential to help address some of the biggest social challenges faced in the UK”.
The organisation will consider a “wide range of digital projects that aim to address social challenges” for the funding, such as “working with data to understand social problems in greater detail, innovative new ideas using new forms of social media to target hard to reach groups, and app or game development to change behaviour”.
Gilly Green, head of UK grants at Comic Relief, said: “We are delighted to launch this new grants programme. We know that lots of not-for-profit organisations operating in the UK have excellent insights and ideas for innovative digital projects that will make a real difference in communities.
“This new programme will provide the funding that has been missing. We will provide up to £60,000 for up to six months starting in July this year. And, if the project needs it, we can also bring in some external technical support.”
Comic Relief has said it will consider applications that address any of its UK Main Fund themes, which are: Better Futures, Safer Lives, Healthier Finances, Stronger Communities and Fairer Society.
Projects will need to be completed within six months, with Comic Relief providing additional mentoring to “ensure they are best placed to do so”.
Applications need to make clear what particular digital innovation or transformation is to be funded, as Comic Relief clarifies that this project is not intended for the upgrading of internal IT systems, updating of websites or routine social media campaigns.
Charities and not-for-profits have until 8 May to apply for funding, and can do so here.
