2016 NWN Grant Award

Post date: Aug 27, 2016 2:52:40 PM

2016 NextWorldNow Grant Applicants:

This is an update for NextWorldNow Community Investment’s 2016 grant award. NWN fielded inquiries from 320 organizations located in over 40 different countries. We subsequently received more than 100 completed project applications. From a very strong pool of applicants, we selected five finalists and conducted skype calls with the project leader(s) to review the project and address outstanding questions.

Having completed this process, NWN is pleased to announce the selection of Complitkenya of Nyamira Kenya as the 2016 awardee. This project will provide a solar-powered computer lab to serve as an information technology centre serving both local students and the community at large. The project includes construction of a dedicated computer lab adjacent to a local school, the installation of a solar energy system to power the centre, the purchase of laptops and electronic equipment, and access to an internet based e-library providing a variety of educational topics for use by the community. Excess energy generated from the solar system will be available to charge personal devices at a nominal cost.

For those organizations that submitted applications, we recognize that the submission process required time and effort on behalf of your community project. Having completed dozens of reviews, we were continually impressed by the vision and thoughtfulness of the project plans designed to improve the quality of life in your communities. We wish that we could directly fund more projects and will work to increase the funding base.

Some organizations have asked what the selection criteria included. The projects were reviewed with the following considerations:

1. Feasibility – how realistic is the project scope and how well thought is the business plan?

2. Impact – how many people benefit from the project and how significant is the benefit?

3. Sustainability – will the project be able to continue after the initial funding period?

4. Relevance – how important is the project for the community?

5. Fiscal Accountability – how are the project funds scheduled be spent, including sufficient detail?

6. Creativity – how original and inspiring is the proposed solution?

7. Outcomes – how will project success be measured and are the proposed measures realistic?

8. Strength – what is the level of commitment by the leaders to make this project work?

9. Community Engagement – how involved is the community in determining the project?

As part of this 2016 award announcement we plan to promote the top submissions for funding consideration by other sources. These organizations and projects will be listed on our website, www.NextWorldNow.org. When opportunity presents, we will advocate with other potential investors on behalf of these projects. Upon request, we will forward completed NWN applications and contact information to potential funders.

Our 2017 funding cycle will begin to accept applications starting January 1, 2017. Meanwhile, we wish success for your organization.

Healthy Regards

Marty Waters

NWN