Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is currently seeking applications for its Access to Learning Award (ATLA). The Award is part of the Foundation’s Global Libraries initiative and honors institutions like public libraries and similar organizations that provide communities, especially the poor and the disadvantaged in developing countries with free access to computers and the internet. Only organizations outside of the United States can apply. The Award will specially recognize those efforts which are innovative in providing the following key services to the needy people:
- Free public access to computers and the Internet.
- Public training to assist users in accessing online information that can help improve their lives.
- Technology training for library staff.
- Outreach to underserved communities.
If your NGO is involved in providing free access to computers and internet for the poor and vulnerable communities, they you can apply for this award. Some previous awardees include cases such as “helping farmers use technology to learn about crop prices and improved practices, teaching job seekers how to increase their technology skills and find employment over the Internet, and showing students how to use web-based resources in their coursework”
The Award provides the winning organization with a cash amount of US $1 million. This amount is one-time prize and it can be used by the organization “towards furtherance of the charitable, educational, scientific, or literary purposes.”
Applications have to be submitted online in English. The deadline to submit applications is 30 September 2010. For more information, visit this link.
