Google.Org Impact Challenge: Strengthening Democracy in Europe

Google is committed to supporting democratic processes and engagement. They’re building products and programs to surface high-quality information to voters, safeguard their platforms from abuse and equip campaigns with the best-in-class security tools and training.

This initiative is launching as state-sponsored threat groups are attacking government institutions across Europe, and putting systems and civil society organisations at risk. They have long been investing, innovating and partnering to counter these threats, for example by engaging with experts on topics such as election integrity and misinformation through the Google Safety Engineering Centers. At the same time, new opportunities to harness technology and AI’s potential for good are emerging, from fostering the essential exchange of ideas to broadening civic engagement. It’s a moment that calls for a more effective partnership between public, private and civic organisations — between technology and democracy, and better tools in democracy’s defence.

What you will get?

• Successful applicants may receive anywhere between €250K up to €1M+ in funding and additional support to accelerate their project. Within the application, your project may indicate the amount of funding you wish to apply for in €250K increments.

What they are looking for?

• High-impact proposals, particularly those leveraging technology in innovative ways, as well as coalitions of organisations coming together to create or scale a solution. They’ll also be looking for initiatives focused on:
  • Protecting election integrity: For example, supporting cybersecurity for critical infrastructure and building the cyber capacity of nonprofit, non-governmental organisations who work on election-related topics, as well as tackling foreign disinformation through innovative methods such as prebunking.
  • Supporting voter education: For example, digital literacy training for voters, or new ways of making civics information more accessible.
  • Strengthening civic dialogue: For example, encouraging scaled dialogue and community building to engage in consensus building, or advancing deliberative tech that fosters, supports, and leads to informed decision-making.

Who can apply?

• You must be an authorised representative of your Organisation
• Your Organisation must:
  • have a registered office in one of the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, or the United Kingdom.
  • be a not-for-profit charity, other not-for-profit organisation, public or private academic or research institution, civic entity, or for-profit social enterprise company formed under the laws of your country;
  • not discriminate against any person or group of people in either hiring/employment practices or in the administration of programs and services, including (but not limited to) on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Criteria

• Impact: What is the big problem the proposal aims to solve and why is it important? Is the proposed solution grounded in research, data, or a proven track record? Does the project demonstrate a deep understanding of the end beneficiaries, such as their distinct demographics and how they may experience the problem in a nuanced way?
• Innovative Use of Technology: Is the application of technology integral to the solution and does it address clear needs? Does the proposal apply new or existing advanced tech/AI, interventions, or approaches in an innovative and appropriate way? If applicable, is the use of advanced tech/AI necessary and aligned with Google’s AI Principles and Responsible AI Practices?
• Feasibility: Does the proposal outline tangible and compelling impact outcomes for the first 12-18 months, and is there a well-developed, realistic execution and resource plan that maps to these goals? How might the project leverage strategic partnerships, coalitions, and networks to access additional expertise, reach, and more?
• Scalability: If successful, how can this project scale beyond the initial proposal and advance the field, including across borders? Is there a plan to share learnings and best practices to serve as a model for other efforts and additional organisations? And how will the project continue and grow beyond the support from Google.org?

Language

• All applications must be submitted in English as interviews and post-grant support will be conducted in English. They require at least one fluent English speaker in your project team and strongly recommend English fluency across your core project team.

For more information, visit Google.org.