28 January 2019
Comic Relief launches £2.4m charity tech fund
This fund continues a commitment by Comic Relief and Paul Hamlyn Foundation to support digital innovation within the charity sector.
A £2.4m Tech for Good fund to help charities develop their use of technology has been launched.
The fund has been launched by Comic Relief and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) with applications set to open on 11 February and close on March 25.
It is expected that 13 charities will be awarded funding, which will be used to either develop or scale up digital products or services.
Projects should address one of four core issues:
- Children Survive and Thrive
- Global Mental Health Matters
- Fighting for Gender Justice
- or A Safe Place to Be.
Comic Relief is also looking for applications that address challenges around disability and inclusion.
The funding for each recipient involves a grant of up to £48,000 for nine months alongside expert support and advice as well as the chance to collaborate and share learning.
Best applications published online
Comic Relief and PHF will publish the best 50 video applications online to raise awareness of the best proposals. This longlist will be whittled down to a 22 strong shortlist, which will be assessed for funding.
“We are looking to fund projects at any stage of development, with solid user-centred research, a clear problem to address, and a compelling digital solution to achieving this,” says a statement from Comic Relief and PHF.
“The technology may be simple or cutting edge. We are looking to fund new products and services that can be shared with the wider not-for-profit sector. We do anticipate that most applicants will already have a digital development partner on board when they apply to help them deliver their project.”
Previously funded digital products by Comic Relief and PHF include a Braille e-reader, a programme to digitize food vouchers for fruit and vegetable markets and an app to help young people who sleep rough to find a safe place to stay.
Application details will be posted on Comic Relief’s website.